Index
Italian sentence structure is generally Subject – Verb – Object (SVO), just like in English. However, Italian is a flexible language, and word order can change for emphasis or style. Let’s explore the basic structure and the most common patterns.
Basic sentence structure: SVO
The most typical Italian sentence has:
- S = Subject (who is doing the action)
- V = Verb (the action)
- O = Object (who or what receives the action)
Structure
[Subject] + [Verb] + [Object]
Examples:
- Maria mangia una mela.
Maria eats an apple. - Luca guarda la televisione.
Luca watches television. - Io leggo un libro.
I read a book.
Omitting the subject
In Italian, the subject is often dropped because the verb ending already shows who is doing the action.
Examples:
- Mangio una mela.
I eat an apple. → The subject “io” is understood. - Guarda la TV.
He/She is watching TV. → The subject “lui/lei” is understood from the verb.
Negation
To make a sentence negative, simply add “non” before the verb.
Structure
[Subject] + “non” + [Verb] + [Object]
Examples:
- Io non mangio carne.
I don’t eat meat. - Non parli inglese?
Don’t you speak English? - Loro non capiscono la lezione.
They don’t understand the lesson.
Questions
Italian questions can be formed in different ways:
Using intonation only (informal)
Just say the statement with a rising tone.
- Hai fame?
Are you hungry? - Vieni con noi?
Are you coming with us?
Using question words (come, cosa, dove, etc.)
| Question Word | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Chi | Who | Chi è lui? – Who is he? |
| Cosa | What | Cosa fai? – What are you doing? |
| Dove | Where | Dove abiti? – Where do you live? |
| Quando | When | Quando arrivi? – When do you arrive? |
| Perché | Why | Perché studi italiano? – Why do you study Italian? |
| Come | How | Come stai? – How are you? |
Adjective position
In Italian, adjectives usually come after the noun, unlike in English.
Examples:
- Una macchina rossa.
A red car. - Un ragazzo intelligente.
A smart boy.
However, some adjectives can come before the noun, especially if they express size, beauty, age, or quantity.
- Una bella giornata.
A beautiful day. - Tre grandi città.
Three big cities.
Direct and indirect object pronouns
When using object pronouns, they usually come before the verb.
Examples:
- Lo vedo.
I see him/it. - Ti scrivo domani.
I will write to you tomorrow. - Ci chiamano spesso.
They call us often.
Reflexive verbs
Reflexive verbs use reflexive pronouns and often describe daily activities.
Structure
[Reflexive pronoun] + [verb]
Examples:
- Mi sveglio alle 7.
I wake up at 7. - Ti lavi le mani.
You wash your hands. - Ci vestiamo in fretta.
We get dressed quickly.
Prepositional phrases
Italian often uses prepositions + article to form common phrases.
Examples:
- Vado al cinema.
(a + il = al) → I’m going to the cinema. - La penna è sul tavolo.
(su + il = sul) → The pen is on the table. - Parliamo dell’esame.
(di + l’ = dell’) → We are talking about the exam.
Complex sentences (with “che”)
To combine two sentences, use “che” (that/who).
Examples:
- Conosco una ragazza che parla tre lingue.
I know a girl who speaks three languages. - Voglio un libro che sia interessante.
I want a book that is interesting.
Practice sentences
Try translating these into Italian:
- I’m reading a book.
- She doesn’t understand the question.
- Where do you live?
- We get up at 7.
- They go to the park every Sunday.
