Italian · Real conversations
Repairing a conversation: Italian conversation practice
Check a meaning and leave with something you can use. Read the exchange, reveal the translations when you need them, then try your part before looking at the sample answers.
A2 · Read and rehearse
Your role: A learner asking a patient conversation partner for clarification.
Goal: Check a meaning and leave with something you can use.
Read the conversation
Partner
Il nome è un po' difficile da scrivere.
Show English translation
The name is a little difficult to spell.
You
Potrebbe scriverlo?
Show English translation
Could you write it down?
Partner
Certo. Questa parola descrive un'azione abituale.
Show English translation
Of course. This word describes a regular action.
You
Potrebbe farmi un esempio?
Show English translation
Could you give me an example?
Partner
Per esempio, ci incontriamo alla fine della settimana lavorativa.
Show English translation
For example, we meet at the end of the working week.
You
Intende venerdì?
Show English translation
Do you mean Friday?
Partner
Sì, venerdì. Ci vediamo fuori dalla stazione.
Show English translation
Yes, Friday. We meet outside the station.
You
Vediamo se ho capito bene: ci vediamo venerdì.
Show English translation
Let me check that I understood: we meet on Friday.
Partner
Esatto. Scrivi nei tuoi appunti la parola per quel posto.
Show English translation
That's right. Write the word for that place in your notes.
You
È la parola giusta?
Show English translation
Is this the right word?
Try your part first
Partner says: The name is a little difficult to spell. Your goal: Could you write it down?
Reveal a sample reply
Potrebbe scriverlo?
Could you write it down?
Partner says: Of course. This word describes a regular action. Your goal: Could you give me an example?
Reveal a sample reply
Potrebbe farmi un esempio?
Could you give me an example?
Partner says: For example, we meet at the end of the working week. Your goal: Do you mean Friday?
Reveal a sample reply
Intende venerdì?
Do you mean Friday?
Partner says: Yes, Friday. We meet outside the station. Your goal: Let me check that I understood: we meet on Friday.
Reveal a sample reply
Vediamo se ho capito bene: ci vediamo venerdì.
Let me check that I understood: we meet on Friday.
Partner says: That's right. Write the word for that place in your notes. Your goal: Is this the right word?
Reveal a sample reply
È la parola giusta?
Is this the right word?
Make it your own
- Ask for an example about your own day.
- Check a second possible meaning.
- Ask the person to write a different word.
Keep the useful expression and change the detail. There can be several appropriate answers; the revealed replies are examples to learn from.
This rehearsal in other languages
A note on speaking Italian
Use tu with friends and Lei with someone you address formally. A request with vorrei or potrebbe can soften the tone; it still helps to say what you need clearly. The examples label the situation so you can choose the appropriate relationship.
Read doubled consonants distinctly and keep the written accents. The English translation explains the intended message; Italian often chooses a different construction rather than matching each English word.
