Italian · Everyday Verbs
"to listen" in Italian: ascoltare
ascoltare
To listen in Italian is ascoltare (ah-skol-TAH-reh). Io ascolto, tu ascolti, lui/lei ascolta. Ascolta! means listen! You ascolti un podcast or ascolti musica on purpose—unlike sentire, which is hear.
Podcast commute
In treno ascolto un podcast.Speak with an AI partner · 7 days free
How to pronounce ascoltare
Say it
ah-skol-TAH-reh
/askolˈta.re/
Ascoltare stresses TAH: ah-skol-TAH-reh. Ascolto is ah-SKOL-toh.
"to listen" in Italian: quick reference
| Italian | English | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| ascoltare | to listen Core verb. | Core verb. |
| ascolto / ascolti / ascolta | I listen / you listen / he-she listens Present singular. | Present singular. |
| Ascolta! | Listen! Attention. | Attention. |
| ascoltare musica | to listen to music Common object. | Common object. |
How to use ascoltare in real life
- 1Podcast commute
In treno ascolto un podcast.
On the train I listen to a podcast.
Ascolto.
- 2Class tip
Ascolta bene la domanda.
Listen carefully to the question.
Ascolta command.
- 3Sharing headphones
Ascolti questa canzone?
Are you listening to this song?
Ascolti for you.
Mistakes English speakers make with ascoltare
Incorrect: Io ascoltare la radio.
Correct: Io ascolto la radio.
Conjugate: io ascolto.
Incorrect: Sento un podcast ogni giorno. (for intentional listen)
Correct: Ascolto un podcast ogni giorno.
Ascoltare is active listening.
Good to know
Ascolta is how teachers, parents, and friends claim attention. Playlists are for ascoltare musica; overheard noise is sentire. Radio still matters in cars: ascolto la radio is everyday.
Try it in a ChatPal conversation
Sharing a new playlist
ChatPal
Ascolti un momento questa traccia?
Will you listen to this track a moment?
You
Sì, ascolto. Alza un po' il volume.
Yes, I'm listening. Turn the volume up a bit.
ChatPal
Se ti piace, ascoltiamo tutto l'album.
If you like it, let's listen to the whole album.
You
Ok, ma ascolta anche la B-side.
Ok, but listen to the B-side too.
This is a sample. In ChatPal you have this conversation out loud and get feedback on what you say.
Practice this conversation in ChatPal"to listen" in other languages
FAQ
Common questions about "to listen" in Italian
Ascoltare vs sentire?
Ascoltare = listen on purpose; sentire = hear/feel.
Listen to me?
Ascoltami.
I'm listening?
Ti ascolto / sto ascoltando.
Listen up?
Ascolta! / Ascoltate! (plural)
Learn a word, then use it out loud
- Step 1: See it in context
- Step 2: Say it out loud
- Step 3: Get feedback
- Step 4: Use it in real scenarios
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