Index
If you’ve already learned how to use regular verbs in the Italian present indicative tense, it’s time to dive deeper. In this lesson, we’ll cover some of the most common irregular verbs and modal verbs in the present indicative. These verbs are used in everyday conversation, so mastering them will greatly improve your fluency.
What are irregular verbs in the italian present indicative tense?
Irregular verbs don’t follow the standard conjugation patterns of -ARE, -ERE, or -IRE verbs. Their endings may change unpredictably, and often their stems are altered.
Here are some must-know irregular verbs in the Italian present indicative tense:
1. Fare – to do, to make
| Subject | Conjugation |
|---|---|
| io | faccio |
| tu | fai |
| lui/lei | fa |
| noi | facciamo |
| voi | fate |
| loro | fanno |
Example: Faccio colazione alle otto. → I have breakfast at eight.
2. Dire – to say, to tell
| Subject | Conjugation |
|---|---|
| io | dico |
| tu | dici |
| lui/lei | dice |
| noi | diciamo |
| voi | dite |
| loro | dicono |
Example: Dici sempre la verità. → You always tell the truth.
3. Uscire – to go out
| Subject | Conjugation |
|---|---|
| io | esco |
| tu | esci |
| lui/lei | esce |
| noi | usciamo |
| voi | uscite |
| loro | escono |
Example: Esco con gli amici il sabato. → I go out with friends on Saturdays.
4. Venire – to come
| Subject | Conjugation |
|---|---|
| io | vengo |
| tu | vieni |
| lui/lei | viene |
| noi | veniamo |
| voi | venite |
| loro | vengono |
Example: Vengo a casa tua domani. → I’m coming to your house tomorrow.
Modal verbs in the present indicative
Modal verbs (verbi modali) are special because they are usually followed by another verb in the infinitive form. The most common ones are:
- Potere – can, to be able to
- Dovere – must, to have to
- Volere – to want to
1. Potere – can / to be able to
| Subject | Conjugation |
|---|---|
| io | posso |
| tu | puoi |
| lui/lei | può |
| noi | possiamo |
| voi | potete |
| loro | possono |
Example: Posso parlare con te? → Can I speak with you?
2. Dovere – must / to have to
| Subject | Conjugation |
|---|---|
| io | devo |
| tu | devi |
| lui/lei | deve |
| noi | dobbiamo |
| voi | dovete |
| loro | devono |
Example: Devo studiare per l’esame. → I have to study for the exam.
3. Volere – to want
| Subject | Conjugation |
|---|---|
| io | voglio |
| tu | vuoi |
| lui/lei | vuole |
| noi | vogliamo |
| voi | volete |
| loro | vogliono |
Example: Voglio imparare l’italiano. → I want to learn Italian.
Pro tip: using modal verbs + infinitive
Modal verbs are always followed by another verb in the infinitive form:
- Posso venire? → Can I come?
- Devi studiare. → You must study.
- Vogliamo mangiare. → We want to eat.
Recap: key irregular and modal verbs
| Verb | Meaning | Notable Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Fare | to do/make | Irregular in all forms |
| Dire | to say/tell | Irregular stem |
| Uscire | to go out | Irregular endings |
| Venire | to come | Double stem change |
| Potere | can | Modal verb, used with infinitive |
| Dovere | must | Modal verb, used with infinitive |
| Volere | to want | Modal verb, used with infinitive |
Learning irregular and modal verbs in the Italian present indicative tense is essential for real-world communication. These verbs appear frequently in daily conversation, so it’s worth taking the time to memorize them. Once you feel comfortable, try forming your own sentences using both regular and irregular verbs.
Next step: Go back to our Italian present indicative tense guide to review regular verbs and sentence structure.
