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←A1 - Tappa 1 · First contact

Who are you?

Add the second grammar system and use it in controlled sentences.

Subject pronouns, essere, questions, and non

Essere means to be. Its six present forms are sono, sei, è, siamo, siete, and sono. Italian usually omits the subject pronoun because the verb form shows the person. Keep the pronoun for contrast.

A yes-or-no question normally keeps statement word order and uses rising intonation. Put non directly before the verb. Use tu with one person in an informal setting and Lei with one person in a formal setting.

  • Sono inglese.· I am English.
  • Sei italiana?· Are you Italian? (informal)
  • Lei è la signora Bianchi?· Are you Mrs Bianchi? (formal)
  • Noi siamo studenti.· We are students.

Controlled practice model

Build each sentence from meaning to form. Select the verb or function first, then check every linked ending and the position of small words.

  • Voi siete di Londra?· Are you from London? (plural)
  • Loro sono a Roma.· They are in Rome.
  • Non sono americano.· I am not American.
  • Io sono Marco, e tu?· I am Marco, and you?

In context

The words of this lesson in sentences from other A1 lessons.