100 Italian Verbs Face-Off (Part 2)

[D] to know (be acquainted) | Unlike "sapere" (knowing facts), conoscere is for knowing people and places. Fun fact: Italians say "Piacere di conoscerti" (Pleased to know you) at first meetings, creating instant familiarity!

[A] to hear | This sensory superstar covers hearing, feeling, smelling, and tasting! "Senti!" is the Italian equivalent of "Hey, listen!" - used constantly in casual conversation.

[A] to cook | From "cucina" (kitchen) - Italian grandmothers say "Chi non sa cucinare non sa amare" (Who can't cook can't love). No pressure on your pasta skills!

[C] to study | Italian students "study" at university regardless of major - even party planning could be "studiare organizzazione eventi"!

[A] to play | Reserved for games and sports - but musical instruments need "suonare." Italian kids play "nascondino" (hide-and-seek) shouting "Gioco!"

[C] to ask | Past participle "chiesto" is irregular - trips up learners! Italians ask for everything with "Posso chiedere...?" making requests super polite.

[C] to find | "Trovare" appears in the phrase "Come ti trovi?" (How do you find yourself?) meaning "How are you getting along?" Location matters in Italian!

[B] to believe | Italians "credono" in everything from luck to love. "Credici!" (Believe in it!) is their motivational motto - fake it till you make it, Italian style!

[A] to open | Past participle "aperto" gives us shop signs everywhere! "Aperto" vs "Chiuso" - the two words tourists learn fastest in Italy.

[A] to work | Despite stereotypes about Italian work ethic, "lavorare" appears constantly. "Lavoro" (work) as a noun even became slang for "thing" or "situation"!

[B] to think | "Pensaci!" (Think about it!) is the Italian "sleep on it." They distinguish between thinking of (a) and thinking about (di) something!

[A] to run | Past participle "corso" also means "course" - Italian streets called "corso" were originally race tracks! "Di corsa" means "in a hurry."

[D] to hold | "Tenere a" means "to care about" - Italians "hold" their loved ones dear. "Ci tengo!" (I care about it!) shows emotional investment.

[D] to watch | Not "to guard" (that's "sorvegliare")! Italian TV addicts "guardano" everything. "Guarda!" is the everyday "Look!" exclamation.

[B] to call | "Come ti chiami?" (What do you call yourself?) is lesson one in Italian. The reflexive form makes your name something you actively call yourself!

[C] to return | "Torno subito" (I'll return immediately) is posted on every small shop during lunch breaks - Italy's most seen phrase between 1-3 PM!

[B] to go up | Takes "essere" in compound tenses because it's motion! "Salire le scale" (climb stairs) is Italian StairMaster - no gym needed in hillside towns!

[B] to prefer | An -isc verb that adds syllables in present tense. Italians prefer everything "preferisco" - from coffee to soccer teams, neutrality is rare!

[C] to die | "Muoio di..." (I'm dying of...) expresses everything from hunger to laughter. Italian drama makes even minor inconveniences death-worthy!

[D] to wait | Already includes "for" - no preposition needed! "Aspetta!" (Wait!) is shouted across Italian streets, markets, and kitchens constantly.

[C] to buy | The shopping verb! "Comprare" differs from "acquistare" (more formal purchasing). Italian markets echo with "Cosa compri?" (What are you buying?)

[D] to be born | Irregular past "nato" appears on every Italian ID. "Sono nato/a..." starts countless stories about origins and hometown pride!

[A] to look for | Already includes "for" - saying "cercare per" is redundant! "Cerco..." starts every lost tourist's plea for help in Italy.

[B] to lose | "Perdere tempo" (waste time) is ironically what Italians excel at during their glorious long meals and coffee breaks!

[D] to sing | Every Italian seems to know infinite songs! "Cantare" in the shower is practically a national sport - acoustics optional.

[D] to pass | "Passare" time, salt, or exams - incredibly versatile! "Come è passato?" (How did it go?) literally asks how something passed.

[B] to begin | Interchangeable with "iniziare" but more casual. "Cominciamo!" (Let's begin!) starts every Italian class, meal, and adventure!

[B] to listen to | More intentional than "sentire" (hear) - "Ascoltami!" (Listen to me!) demands attention in Italian arguments and love songs alike!

[C] to be able to | Literally "to come out again" - success is emerging! "Ce la faccio" is more casual, but "riesco" sounds more accomplished.

[A] to decide | Past participle "deciso" becomes an adjective meaning "determined." Italians may take forever to decide where to eat, but once "deciso," it's final!