Italian · Real conversations
Sharing a home: Italian conversation practice
Share chores, supplies, and a household cost. 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 housemate planning the week.
Goal: Share chores, supplies, and a household cost.
Read the conversation
Partner
Dobbiamo organizzarci per le faccende di stasera.
You
A chi tocca lavare i piatti?
Partner
Tocca a me. Ci sono piatti puliti sul tavolo.
You
Potresti mettere a posto i piatti?
Partner
Sì, dopo aver lavato i piatti. Di cos'altro abbiamo bisogno?
You
Stiamo finendo il latte.
Partner
Aggiungo il latte alla lista. Qualcuno deve comprare anche il detersivo per i piatti.
You
Ci penso io.
Partner
Grazie. La spesa costerà un po' a entrambi.
You
Possiamo dividere la spesa?
Try your part first
Partner says: We need to sort out tonight's chores. Your goal: Whose turn is it to wash the dishes?
Partner says: It's my turn. There are clean plates on the table. Your goal: Could you put the plates away?
Partner says: Yes, after washing up. What else do we need? Your goal: We're running out of milk.
Partner says: I'll add milk to the list. Someone also needs to buy washing-up liquid. Your goal: I'll take care of it.
Partner says: Thanks. The shopping will cost us both a bit. Your goal: Can we share the cost?
Make it your own
- Swap the chore.
- Replace a different household supply.
- Agree to split another cost.
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.
