Basic Verbs

1. andare

   To go

   Usage

   The key motion verb; combine it with a destination

   Grammar Note

   Irregular: vado / va / andiamo

2. venire

   To come

   Usage

   Used when a person or a vehicle arrives

   Grammar Note

   Irregular: vengo / viene

3. mangiare

   To eat

   Usage

   The basic verb for anything about meals

   Grammar Note

   Regular -are verb: mangio / mangia

4. bere

   To drink

   Usage

   For ordering or declining drinks

   Grammar Note

   Irregular: bevo / beve

5. comprare

   To buy

   Usage

   Shopping verb; pair it with the item name

   Grammar Note

   Regular -are verb: compro / compra

6. vedere

   To see

   Usage

   For sightseeing, and for asking to be shown an item

   Grammar Note

   "Vedere" is perceiving; "guardare" is looking at deliberately

7. aspettare

   To wait

   Usage

   For queues and for explaining a meeting arrangement

   Grammar Note

   "Aspettare" takes a direct object with no preposition

8. Vorrei andare

   I want to go

   Usage

   The standard way to state a destination; add a place name

   Grammar Note

   "Vorrei" is the conditional of "volere" — politer than "voglio". Add a destination

9. Vorrei mangiare

   I want to eat

   Usage

   State what you feel like eating; add the dish name

10. Vorrei questo

    I want it

    Usage

    Point at an item and say you would like it

    Grammar Note

    Say it while pointing; "questo" means "this"

11. Non mi serve

    I don't need it

    Usage

    Decline a bag, a receipt, or anything else you do not need

    Grammar Note

    "Servire" means "to be needed"; literally "it is not needed by me"

12. Sto cercando

    I'm looking for it

    Usage

    Say what you are trying to find, place or object

    Grammar Note

    Progressive form with "stare"; add what you seek

13. Ce l'ho

    I have it

    Usage

    States possession; used to confirm tickets or bookings

    Grammar Note

    The everyday way to say "I have it"; ce l'ho = ci + lo + ho, where "ci" is an idiomatic particle

14. Non ce l'ho

    I don't have it

    Usage

    States you do not have it, e.g. no cash on you

15. Vorrei prelevare dei soldi

    I'll withdraw money

    Usage

    State your intent at an ATM or a bank

    Grammar Note

    A cash machine is called "il bancomat"

16. Vorrei prenotare

    I'll make a reservation

    Usage

    For booking a table or a room

17. Mi può aiutare?

    Can you help me?

    Usage

    Ask for concrete help: carrying a bag, working a machine

    Grammar Note

    A polite "Lei" request; "Potrebbe aiutarmi?" is softer still

18. Mi dica, per favore

    Please tell me

    Usage

    What a shop assistant or clerk says to a customer: "how can I help you?" Hearing it is your cue to state what you need

    Grammar Note

    "Dica" is the "Lei" imperative of "dire"

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