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Italian Modal Verbs: Potere, Volere, Dovere explained with examples

What are modal verbs in Italian? Modal verbs - potere (can), volere (want) and dovere (must) - are key to expressing yourself in Italian. These verbs allow you to express possibilities, desires and obligations, making them essential tools for anyone learning the language. Thanks to these verbs, you can construct more complex and precise sentences, even at beginner level. Let us now look at the characteristics of each verb, keeping in mind that these modal verbs are irregular and do not follow the typical conjugation patterns of regular verbs. Potere - To express possibility or permission The verb potere is used to indicate that an action is possible , or to ask for or give permission . Examples with Potere: Posso aprire la finestra? (May I open the window?)  - Permission Non posso venire domani. (I can't come tomorrow.) - Possibility Puoi aiutarmi? ( Can you help me?) - Possibility Conjugation of Potere (Present tense) Person Form io posso...
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Numbers from 0 to 100 - I numeri da 0 a 100

Discover Italian numbers from 0 to 100
You need numbers to count, tell your age, tell the time and much more. But don't worry, with a few tricks and a little practice, you'll be able to remember them in no time! In this lesson I will show you how to memorise numbers from 0 to 100, highlight irregular numbers and explain the rules for forming two-digit numbers.

Numbers from 0 to 10: the foundation

We start with the numbers 0 to 10, which you must learn by heart because they are the basis for all other numbers:

0 - zero
1 - uno
2 - due
3 - tre
4 - quattro
5 - cinque
6 - sei
7 - sette
8 - otto
9 - nove
10 - dieci

Numbers 11 to 19: beware of irregulars

Numbers 11 to 19 do not follow any particular rule and are therefore considered 'irregular'. 

You will notice that from number 11 to 16 they end in '-dici' and from number 17 to 19 they begin with 'dici-'. 

There is no fixed rule, so repeat them often to memorise them!

11 - undici
12 - dodici
13 - tredici
14 - quattordici
15 - quindici
16 - sedici
17 - diciassette
18 - diciotto
19 - diciannove

Two-digit numbers with zero: tens

Numbers ending in zero are very easy to learn. Here are the most important tens:

20 - venti
30 - trenta
40 - quaranta
50 - cinquanta
60 - sessanta
70 - settanta
80 - ottanta
90 - novanta
100 - cento

Regular' two-digit numbers: how to join them

For regular two-digit numbers, you can follow a simple rule: just add the tens (20, 30, 40, etc.) to the numbers 1 to 9, making a kind of 'addition':

Example

20 + 5 = 25 → venti+cinque → venticinque
40 + 7 = 47 → quaranta+sette→ quarantasette
60 + 9 = 69 → sessanta+nove → sessantanove
70 + 4 = 74 → settanta+quattro→ settantaquattro

Beware of numbers ending in one and eight

When numbers end with 'uno' (1) or 'otto' (8), you have to be careful because these words start with a vowel in Italian. If they are joined by a ten (which ends with a vowel), the final vowel of the ten is removed:

Example

20 + 1 = 21 → ventuno        ventiuno
30 + 8 = 38 → trentotto       trentaotto
60 + 1 = 61 → sessantuno   sessantauno

Numbers 11 to 19 do not follow any particular rule and are therefore considered 'irregular'. You will notice that from number 11 to 16 they end in '-dici' and from number 17 to 19 they begin with 'dici-'. Beware of numbers ending in one and eight. When numbers end with 'uno' (1) or 'otto' (8), you have to be careful because these words start with a vowel in Italian. If they are joined by a ten (which ends with a vowel), the final vowel of the ten is removed: Example 20 + 1 = 21 → ventuno 30 + 8 = 38 → trentotto 60 + 1 = 61 → sessantuno

Practical Exercises

Now that you have learnt the rules, try practising!

  • Count up to 30 aloud.
  • Write the numbers 45, 58, and 91 in Italian.
  • Find examples of numbers ending with ‘uno’ and ‘otto’.

Remember, the key to mastering numbers in Italian is constant practice. Repeat, write and use the numbers in your daily life. 

Have fun and if you want, write your answers in the comments!


If you have any questions or would like to share your learning experience, please leave a comment below. I'm curious to know how you are progressing on your language journey!

You can now download your FREE EXERCISES on Numbers from 0 to 100 - I numeri da 0 a 100
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Comments

  1. Betullina1 September 2024 at 19:22

    I think numbers were one of the first topics I got to learn. They are so entertaining. Thanks for all the clarity and amazing explaining. As always, you are the BEST <3

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Silvana, specialist in Italian language acquisition2 September 2024 at 09:49

      Grazie Betullina, sei un'ottima studentessa di italiano! Tanta passione e motivazione. Continua a seguire il blog e avrai ancora tanti suggerimenti e spiegazioni per imparare o rafforzare l'italiano.

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