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Lesson Introduction
Here's the scene: the pressure's on you to pop that cork and you just... can't... get it... Listen to today's podcast and learn how to describe opening a stubborn bottle in Italian (or learn how to encourage a friend who's having trouble doing the same).
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Out of consideration for our Newbie and Elementary users, English translations should be provided with any Chinese (characters or pinyin) written in Newbie and Elementary lesson discussion posts. New lesson idea? Please let us know on our contact page.
user2048 says
August 6, 2008
Simple, but I still learn something with the newbie lessons. Would the following exchange be correct?
Apri la finesta. (Open the window.)
La finestra non si apre. (It won't open)
Tira forte! (Pull harder!) or Tenta forte! (Try harder!)
Grazie.
catherinem says
August 7, 2008
User2048,
I think it's a great idea for our users to check out the lower level lessons even if their ability levels are higher because not only does it reinforce what you already know, but it also allows you to make more connections with other phrases, words, and grammatical structures.
Your example above is great. I'd just make a small correction on the last line:
to say pull harder you'd say: Tira più forte!
To color the phrase a little more, you could even add a dai to encourage the person opening the window:
Dai, su, tira! (Come on, pull!)
You don't really say tenta. Try would be provare, but in this context it wouldn't really work.
patlovelock says
June 19, 2009
Wow! I've been learning Italian for six months but this is so much better than the course we are doing. I have learned so much from one lesson - and speaking too, idiomatically. I think I'll stay. Maybe next time I can write in Italian!
Fantastico.
catherinem says
June 21, 2009
@patlovelock Welcome! I'm glad you're learning so much so fast. Remember that if anything is unclear or confusing, just ask!
Catherine
cyra says
July 8, 2009
what do we say in italian language how are you?
catherinem says
July 9, 2009
@cyra You can say: Come stai?
cyra says
July 10, 2009
Catherinem,
Can you tell me pronounciation also of come stai?
annaa says
July 13, 2009
@cyra: I found this link thay can help you with the pronunciation of Come stai
http://www.education.vic.gov.au/languagesonline/italian/sect06/no_1/no_1.htm
cyra says
July 13, 2009
Ciao
Come stai?
thanks for helping me anna
blueschaeffer says
August 21, 2009
Grazi for the link on "come stai", always great to hear the words. I also liked the info on "dai!".
Grazi!
jaty says
October 11, 2009
caio
Your lessons are interesting but the grammer part needs a llittle work.
grazie
catherinem says
November 3, 2009
@jaty
Thanks for that suggestion about grammar. Have you checked out our grammar guide section? That might prove helpful if you're looking for more guidance in that area. There are other great resources on the web, such as About.com's Italian Language Page.
artdodger says
December 15, 2009
The lessons are great, thank you
ciao!
(fellow Chicagoan)
catherinem says
December 15, 2009
@artdodoger
Hooray Chicago! :) We're glad to hear you're enjoying the lessons! If you have any questions about grammar or vocabulary, etc., feel free to ask!
yelenacoco says
it is very cool lessonFebruary 14, 2010
renjuthomas says
February 17, 2010
Its very easier lesson and cool
Renju
giacomo1 says
February 20, 2010
I assume this is not live - but Marco your the man.
I like what I here and see - I will join.
Apri gli occhi!
catherinem says
March 28, 2010
@giacomo1 Glad to hear that your will join! The lessons are here and they're not going anywhere. Let us know if you have any questions.
binrais says
May 31, 2010
hi everyone سلام
i like italy language i dont know why ;)
i can say i understood the 1st lesson i did exam i did only one mistake really im happy ,,,thanks a lot ..
ciao
mido
hyuukaa says
August 1, 2010
ciao !
mi chiamo erika, sono indonesiana. you guys are so cool.. i love the lesson and just can't wait for another lesson..
Grazie...
catherinem says
August 2, 2010
@hyuukaa
Ciao, Erika! Glad you are enjoying the lessons. Let us know if you you have any questions!
In bocca al lupo :)