Italian for Beginners: A Comprehensive Guide for Learning the Italian Language Fast

By Language Equipped Travelers

Are you one of those people who are obsessed with Italian culture, food, movies, or music? Have you always wanted to learn the Italian language but never had the time or motivation? Then keep reading…

How hard is self-teaching a completely new language? Some would say very hard. The reality? It depends on your desire, dedication, and how much you practice every day. This book will show you that you can master Italian, one of the most romantic and fascinating languages in the world, in no time. Learning Italian is not easy, but this book makes it an enjoyable experience.

Italian is one of the oldest languages, and Italian culture is one of the most authentic. It's characterized by rich cultural history, exquisite cuisine, beautiful art, etc. Whether you want to travel to Italy for business or pleasure and need to know how to order gelato and pasta in Italian, or want to read Italian books and watch movies in original, this book is a great place to start.

Filled with easy, short, but effective grammar exercises and useful everyday phrases, this book will make your progress from a beginner to an adept Italian speaker feel exciting and effortless.

Learning anything new, especially a language is difficult. There's no doubt about it. If you're an adult, even more. At times, you may feel stuck, frustrated, and demotivated. But this book will always push you further. You will never have to feel confused and wonder what your next step should be. With this book as your learning companion, you may never want to give up.

This comprehensive guide offers all the necessary tools that will help you understand the basics and rules of the Italian language right off the bat. It gradually introduces more advanced lessons, as you go at your own pace. It offers simplified explanations of difficult grammar concepts and exceptions together with interesting exercises for improving your comprehension, listening, and pronunciation skills.

Federico Fellini, one of the most famous film directors of all time said: "A different language is a different vision of life". Knowing any foreign language is priceless. Italian is no exception.

In this book, you will find everything you need to become a fluent Italian speaker, such as:
- Italian as a transparent language – the alphabet, spelling, sounds, articles, prepositions, etc.
- Numbers in Italian – the difference between cardinal and ordinal
- Days of the week and months, and how to express the dates
- How to master the gender challenge
- The ins and outs of prepositions
- Basic verbs as a starting point and different uses
- Building sentences with adjectives step-by-step
- All the different pronouns
- How to express amounts with quantifiers
- The complete verbal system – moods, tenses, conjugations
- Numerous grammar drills
- Practical uses of grammar in real-life conversations – from basic greetings to business talk
- Everything you need to know while traveling in Italy
- A detailed vocabulary – over 501 common words

Imagine yourself ordering an espresso in a café in Rome with phrases like Grazie or Prego. Or reading beautiful Italian stories in the original. This is the perfect moment to turn your wish into a reality. This is the sign you have been waiting for, an invitation for the language of love to enter your life.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your copy and teach yourself Italian in no time!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Language Equipped Travelers
• Release date: Apr 6, 2021
• ISBN: 9781393685227

Book preview

© Copyright 2020

All Rights Reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form without permission in writing from the author. Reviewers may quote brief passages in reviews.

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While all attempts have been made to verify the information provided in this publication, neither the author nor the publisher assumes any responsibility for errors, omissions or contrary interpretations of the subject matter herein.

This book is for entertainment purposes only. The views expressed are those of the author alone, and should not be taken as expert instruction or commands. The reader is responsible for his or her own actions.

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Introduction

Congratulations for downloading this book and choosing to learn a new language!

When a person decides to learn a new language, the reasons can vary—such as for business, tourism, and also matters of love! Thus, some of the advantages of learning a language deal with better work opportunities, traveling independently, reading a book or watching a movie in the original language, broadening personal relationships, etc. However, there isn’t always a specific need. Sometimes people learn languages only to see the world from another point of view, or to train and stimulate the brain, improving creativity and problem-solving skills. For others, it could represent a hobby, similar to collecting things or playing a sport.

Languages are the reflection of a culture and country. Considering this, one can understand why many people want to learn Italian, even if it is a language that is spoken only in Italy. Its traditions and culture are what make Italian so fascinating. Its literature, art, music, food, and cities are all collected and reflected in the language and how it is expressed and used. Learning Italian means to get into the culture of the country, a place which is the result of the passage of many peoples, languages, and traditions. History has taught us that the culture which most influenced Italy, and so the Italian language, is the Roman one, whose roots are Latin. We also know that Romans spread their culture, language, and legal system almost everywhere. Due to this, there are many similarities between English and Italian, even if their linguistic family and origin are not the same. There are many Latin phrases used every day in English, such as e.g, which stands for exempli gratia, for example, etc.—which stands for et cetera and means and so on. Or i.e, which stands for id est that means that is. These are Latin words but ones that are still used in English.

The process of learning a language is not easy and requires both a method and dedication. The purpose of this book is to show you that you can learn a language, no matter how hard it might seem in the beginning.

The first two parts of the book give you all the necessary tools to understand how to create a sentence and orient yourself in the depth of exceptions which characterized Italian as a Latin language.

In the third part, you will find dialogues with a step-by-step translation and some questions with answer keys. This section provides you with a practical use of the language in many common situations of daily life, so contextualizing all elements explained in the first two parts. Thus, dialogue represents a way to see how the Italian language works and helps you to understand it. One of the take-home messages of this book is that you need to express your thoughts to formulate questions and answer tpossible requests. Always keep in mind that you are learning another communication system, which can be similar to your native tongue, yet also different.

When dealing with a new language, you have to get the basic structure of a sentence. After which you will add new elements, new words (adverbs first, nouns, and adjectives). To start this process correctly, it is necessary to start with grammar, which represents the base of the language tower. However, grammar is not enough; it is only with words that you have the bricks to build the tower. For this reason, the last part of the book is dedicated to the glossary, which has been divided into basic verbs and nouns that relate to  a given topic.

Good luck on your language learning journey!

Section 1 – Basis of Grammar

1.1 The Italian Alphabet: Spelling and Sounds

Italian is defined as a transparent language, which means that each letter corresponds to a sound—rather than in English, where each letter may correspond to many different sounds. This means that reading Italian is quite easy—you just have to follow some rules.

1.1.1 The Italian alphabet

Letters of the alphabet don’t give pronunciation rules, but there are tools to spell out words:

A (a like the arm)

B (bi like big)

C (ci like cheat)

D (di like dislike)

E (e like end)

F (effe like effect)

G (gi like gym)

H (acca like account)

I (i like impress)

L (elle like element with double l)

M (emme like emmer)

N (enne like energy with double n)

O (o like ostrich)

P (pi like pig)

Q (qu like question)

R (erre like erect with double r)

S (esse like essential)

T (ti like tip)

U (u like put)

V (vu like wurst)

Z (zeta like zest and tap)

Remember: J, W, X, and Y don’t exist in the Italian alphabet; if there are words with these letters, it means they are foreign words that have become part of the language.

While spelling, Italian people add the names of cities, as A come Ancona (A as Ancona), B come Bologna (B as Bologna), C come Cagliari (C as Cagliari), etc.

1.1.2 The Italian sounds

As mentioned, letters of the alphabet don’t help so much with the pronunciation of letters, especially when they are combined.

1.1.2.1 Vowels

There are two types of vowel pronunciation in Italian: open and closed, and this literally depends on your mouth. Here are some examples:

A is always open and sounds like the a in the word fast.

I is always closed and sounds like the double ee in English words, such as feet.

U is always closed as well, and it sounds like the double oo in English words, such as foot.

Instead, E and O can be both open or closed. The different use is linked to different Italian regions and dialects.

E is closed and sounds like the a in sail, and when it is open, it sounds like the e in send.

O is closed and sounds like the o in open, and when it is open, it sounds like the o in policy.

If you are thinking about how to recognize when they are open or not, don’t worry. Time will help you, and also because the different use is linked to Italian regions and dialects. The most important difference, which is used in the same way for the whole country, is between È and E. The first one is open and corresponds to the English is (the third singular person of the verb to be – essere). It always has the stress to stand out from E, which means and, and always has a closed sound.

1.1.2.2 Consonants

Most of the consonants sound as they are spelled, or read the same as in English. However, this does not happen with C, G, S, and Z.

The sounds of C and G depend on the vowel they come before, for example:

With E and I, the C sounds like

Reviews for Italian for Beginners

[Niebby Barez · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I commend the author for writing an in-depth book that is made for beginners like me. I did not have any problem to understand the context because the lessons are very comprehensive. Considering that I am still a beginner, I am glad that there are some exercises in the book. With that, I can easily tell if I improved or not. It also helped me assess my level of understanding or learning of the language. If there's such thing as a crash course for learning, personally, I consider this book as one. The book offers simple lessons but strikes areas of learning that is effective and efficient for learners. Regardless, I know that learning a new language is difficult but this book made it easy for me. I highly recommend this!

[Romelyn Castro · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I never thought that I would enjoy learning Italian language for the reason that it was a complicated language to learn. Teaching is indeed one of the factors that affects a student's learning process. I recommend this book to be read by everyone! Good work, Author!

[Trishajan Marzan · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Do you enjoy cooking, especially pasta? Are you in love with the smell of the herbs and spices? Do you wanna travel in Italy? Or do you just love Italian culture in general that you wanted to learn it and their language? If yes, then this book is perfect for you!

Italian for beginners is a suitable book for starters that want to learn the language. From easy to difficult, the book brings it to you. The book is also created to be a quick learning guide for you so you can travel in Italy, sit outside in a cafe with a cup coffee in hand and saying hello in Italian in no time. What are you waiting for? Grab a copy now!

[Chasty Faith Delos Reyes · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I have been trying to learn Italian since the past three years, but I can’t seem to focus in learning it because I did not know where to start and what to read firsthand. And this I shall tell you, that I am not lying if I say that this is the easiest and most effective book about learning Italian I have come across with. The authors filtered the words and sentences and phrases they’ve written in the book to come up with a hundred or two of the most spoken words and catchphrases in Italian. I can say that this book is made perfectly for those who wanted to learn Italian right away either for the traveling or the essence of just learning it. This is the book suitable for travelers and translators or for those who are so tired of watching pretty Italian movies with subtitles that are so hard to read. Highly recommended!!

[Anne Watson · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Learning new languages has been so frustratingly difficult that many of us neverminds to do so instead. It's like you have to dig its power dynamics, being unable to know where and what to start, being confused with what's the difference of this and that. I know how disgusting the feeling is because I, myself, have been problematic too whenever I try to learn learning another language to be more than just monolingual. Luckily, a set of linguists provided us with a dictionary-like guide in learning Italian - which, I can say, is one of the most interesting language to learn - with just the simple, yet most commonly used words around Italy. this book is perfect for those who are interested in travelling to Italy yet doesn't have bit of a knowledge about whatever they are going to speak when they get there, or could be if you wanted to just be bilingual all of a sudden, or be a translator. There much more benefits I can name of the moment yo guarantee yourself be helped by this book.

[Nelna Mae Nalangan · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This book is telling me that there's no shame in being a beginner as long as you want to learn. Well, I am actually interested in learning different languages. Italian added to the equation because I am watching "Vincenzo". Yes, the grammar part is challenging but I am confident that with this book, we got this. Starting from common and useful words, grammar, and reading dialogues, surely, you won't get lost in the way (or probably a bit) because this book will keep you on track.

[Herlyn Martin · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Learning language is a one hard time to think if we wanna learn or not. But this book was such an encourage, for it was made me learn about the language easily. The book was so portable and easy flipped because the book was so helpful. I am looking forward to be more better in Italian. I hope so. Thanks.

[Elliz · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I've always been wanting to learn Italian language but I don't have enough time to do it. I also can't find a good book to read that I can start with. I'm glad that I found this book where I can begin learning the Italian language even in a slow pace. This gave me a comprehensive overview about the language and I love how it guides me little by little as a beginner. Each chapters gave me so much to learn, I'm hoping that soon I can completely understand and use the language. I recommend this!

[John Kenneth Vertido · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I love reading books, but this one captures my mind. I am glad I bought this book and would recommend it if you don't know how to pronounce Italian. The book itsel is great for taking on the trip you’re preparing for and it really holds all the essential phrases and more that you might need for your next trip to a foreign land.

[Eduard Salvador · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I had fun reading this book because the lessons are straightforward and really focuses in teaching you the Italian language. With the help of this book I also learned that there are letters of the English alphabet that is not found on the Italian one. The grammar is very spot on as far as I know. Highly recommended for language learners and the likes.

[Laijho Marapao · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This book made the learning process of italian language more easier. All you need to know about italian vocabulary broadening are here. You only need a couple of days or weeks and you can see the results. Learning italian words and formulate sentences using them? No problem. This book will help you with that. Kindly consider this one, it is really amazing.

[John Lee · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The notorious book and step by step easy learning process. With the help of this book in a couple of weeks, I'm able to communicate with local fluently.

[Jayson Gaerlan · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This is the best book on learning Italian so far, I have a few and I am not making much progress.It is nicely laid out, simple and easy to follow and it covers everything one needs to know about learning Italian.

[Adrian Bejosa · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Italian for Beginners. This book is fantastic. Very clear and well explained, I like this book and have found it very helpful as a start to learning Italian. Of course, it does help that I love to read. Will recommend to anyone learning Italian.

[Julius Brigades · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This book is a WOW! Such an amazing one! When i first saw the book, i wasn't interested at all 'cause i thought it's merely a guide for beginners wanting to be proficient in the Italian Language. Covers verbs, pronunciation, feminine/masculine word forms, and a lot of phrases covering everything one needs to feel comfortable with the Italian language on a trip to Italy.

[Enmar David · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I, like most people these days, love instant results. Diets, online ordering, whatever gets us what we are looking for quickly. This book will have you speaking Italian with little effort each day. The chapters are broken down into basics, learning each part individually instead of hitting you with everything at once.

[Kimmie Camerino · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Writer centers on building a base vocabulary of common Italian words. Though vocabulary words used are pretty common, they seem helpful still. Definitely I’ll be rereading this few more times to memorize the words. This book is just a shortcut to learn the Italian language in a short span of time. I would be thrilled to recommend this book to anyone interested in an elementary and straight way to learn Italian in their own pace.

[Vanessa Elnar · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Thanks to my workmate for sharing with me this super book! It is my dream to visit Italy once this pandemic end. As early as now, I am learning the basics of being an Italian and this book is my life-saver. Author’s expertise regarding the language really shows on this book. It’s informative, complete, and well-explained that even a twelfth grader will never have any difficulty understanding it. I am glad I am able to read this kind of good books.

[Brann Arellano · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I am very delighted with this book. The author is very good because his work is full of information that is very helpful to those who want to learn the basics of Italian language. Good thing this book comes in four explicit sections which I understand easily. Each section, I must say, contains well-supplemented contents that does not only informs but also excites each reader’s mind to know more about the language. In just an hour, I am able to finish reading it and I’m feeling amazed to go over it again.

[Joshua Montesino · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Italian is a language rich with jargon, informal articulations and semantic subtleties. In the event that you need to track down the most ideal approach to learn Italian quick, reading is the best approach. The main thing that drenching gives is a consistent stream of your objective language. You will hear it constantly and read it all over the place.

[Ryan Intes Patigdas · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I'm amaze if ever I read book like this who teaches different languages because it's not easy but I'm grateful for this kind of books because for someone who want to learn languages conveniently this book helps a lot. As for italian language I find it hard to learn but as I read each pages it's easy to comprehend. Learning on your own is not that hard at all, books saves the day!

[Daisy Regala-Ando · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Italian language, Italian people and the country wonderful my biggest dream to be there. So here I am eager to learn the language and this book helps me a lot. This book gives me knowledge in fast and easy way. The book has it all. You can learn in just one setting. I'm so much grateful I able to read this. Thankful for the author and my friend who recommend this.

[Anthony N. Luarez Jr. · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

It focuses on four areas: practical phrases, building vocabulary, pronunciation and basic grammar. If you really want to enhance your language skills, this book is a good source. Also, try to watch Italian shows and songs for familiarity. It is indeed a fantastic learning tool.

[Fränjelä Iënäh · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I would say that it’s an easy way to begin learning Italian start here. With enough knowledge of the sounds, you will be able to say the words correctly and clearly. Though it’s really far from my mother tongue, I am determined to learn it for it’s never too early or late to begin learning something new.

[Maui Lasaga · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I am trying to learn Italian so I decided to read this book. The format of this book is very easy to understand and follows an ideal progression so you will start understanding Italian in no time. This is the book to get!

[Marnie Bentulan · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Learning and speaking Italian language is difficult, but this book made it easy. The author made it sure that readers can understand easily and learn quickly.

[Chelly Cruz · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This is a very useful product for anyone beginning to learn Italian. It has a clever and interesting method of presenting and learning Italian. I have already learned many words and phrases in a very short enjoyable time. It’s good for students and learners for it will lead you through the learning process

[Rosendo Villarmea · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Interesting book to read, it helps me exercise my memory while learning a new language. It is challenging to learn Italian language, but if you are determined and focus, achieving that goal would be easy especially with the help of this book.

[Antoniette Luarez · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This book is useful and informative to learn another language. When learning a new language, it helps us improve our memory skills. This new hobby of mine helped me boost my skills and memory. Learning Italian is challenging yet this book made it easy. It comes with the basics and I was able to clearly understand the concepts. I f you want to develop your understanding and start communicating in Italian, this book is for you. Good luck on your journey.

[Cathy Malubay · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Italian is, I think, the most beautiful and most romantic language. When watching films, I feel in love with the language and the characters. I want to learn about this language so I tried watching Italian lessons online. To learn better, I chose this book since it is beginner-friendly. I want to start speaking fluently soon so I was very eager to study this book. I love reading the basic words and grammar. I still browse the book since it is one of my ideal references.