Present perfect (passato prossimo) in Italian
Sign up for free to get all information about private lessons and our available group courses (A1, A2, B2, B2, C1, C2)
Sign up for free Course informationsSign up for free to get all information about private lessons and our available group courses (A1, A2, B2, B2, C1, C2)
Sign up for free Course informationsWe offer both private lessons and organized group courses
Sign up for free to get all available courses or contact one of our teachers yourself!
Our offer
The present perfect (passato prossimo) belongs to the indicative mood.
The passato prossimo is one of the most used compound past tenses in Italian. It is used to express:
Example:
In Northern Italy people tend to always use the passato prossimo.
In Southern Italy people tend to use the passato remoto (absolute past) more.
Take online language lessons with a professional teacher
Marker words that indicate the passato prossimo are:
Example | Translation |
---|---|
Ieri | Yesterday |
Ieri mattina/pomeriggio/sera | Yesterday morning/afternoon/evening |
Due minuti/ore/giorni fa | Two minutes/hours/days ago |
Questa mattina | This morning |
Prima | Before |
Già | Already |
Appena | Just |
Example:
Passato prossimo is formed by two verbs:
*Past participle is important because regular and irregular verbs have different forms.
In order to conjugate the present perfect in Italian, it is important to know how the past participle is formed.
Regular verbs always form the past participle by adding the endings -ato, -uto, -ito to the root.
Here you can find a helping chart:
Verb | Root | Ending | |
---|---|---|---|
-are conjugation | Parlare (to speak) Giocare (to play) | parl gioc | ato ato |
-ere conjugation | Vendere (to sell) Sapere (to know) | vend sap | uto uto |
-ire conjugation | Finire (to finish) Sentire (to feel/listen/hear) | fin sent | ito ito |
Let's now conjugate the regular verbs parlare, vendere and finire in the passato prossimo tense:
Here is the conjugation of the verb parlare:
Example parlare (to speak)
Auxiliary verb | Past participle | Example | Translation | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Io | ho | parlato | Io ho parlato con Maria ieri | I spoke to Maria yesterday |
Tu | hai | parlato | Tu hai parlato con Maria ieri | You spoke to Maria yesterday |
Egli/Ella | ha | parlato | Egli ha parlato con Maria ieri | He spoke to Maria yesterday |
Noi | abbiamo | parlato | Noi abbiamo parlato con Maria ieri | We spoke to Maria yesterday |
Voi | avete | parlato | Voi avete parlato con Maria ieri | You spoke to Maria yesterday |
Essi/Esse | hanno | parlato | Essi hanno parlato con Maria ieri | They spoke to Maria yesterday |
Here is the conjugation of the verb vendere:
Example vendere (to sell)
Auxiliary verb | Past participle | Example | Translation | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Io | ho | venduto | Io ho venduto dei pomodori | I sold some tomatoes |
Tu | hai | venduto | Tu hai venduto dei pomodori | You sold some tomatoes |
Egli/Ella | ha | venduto | Egli ha venduto dei pomodori | He sold some tomatoes |
Noi | abbiamo | venduto | Noi abbiamo venduto dei pomodori | We sold some tomatoes |
Voi | avete | venduto | Voi avete venduto dei pomodori | You sold some tomatoes |
Essi/Esse | hanno | venduto | Essi hanni venduto dei pomodori | They sold some tomatoes |
Here is the conjugation of the verb finire:
Example finire (to finish)
Auxiliary verb | Past participle | Example | Translation | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Io | ho | finito | Io ho finito i compiti | I finished the homework |
Tu | hai | finito | Tu hai finito i compiti | You finished the homework |
Egli/Ella | ha | finito | Egli ha finito i compiti | He finished the homework |
Noi | abbiamo | finito | Noi abbiamo finito i compiti | We finished the homework |
Voi | avete | finito | Voi avete finito i compiti | You finished the homework |
Essi/Esse | hanno | finito | Essi hanno finito i compiti | They finished the homework |
Let's now briefly see how the past participle of irregular verbs is formed.
Unlike regular verbs, irregular verbs do not follow grammatical rules to form the past participle. These verbs have to be studied by heart.
Here is a list of the main irregular forms of the past participle:
Infinite | Past participle |
---|---|
Aprire (to open) | Aperto |
Correre (to run) | Corso |
Rimanere (to remain) | Rimasto |
Apparire (to appear) | Apparso |
Chiudere (to close) | Chiuso |
Chiedere (to ask) | Chiesto |
Dire (to say) | Detto |
Prendere (to take) | Preso |
Leggere (to read) | Letto |
Perdere (to lose) | Perso |
Vedere (to see) | Visto |
Example:
As you already know, transitive verbs can be followed by an object.
e.g. Tu canti una canzone (You sing a song)
Intransitive verbs cannot be followed by an object.
e.g. Luca ride (Luca laughs)
All transitive verbs use the auxiliary verbs "avere" to form the passato prossimo.
The majority of intransitive verbs use the auxiliary verb "essere" to form the passato prossimo.
When the passato prossimo if formed with the auxiliary verb "essere", the past participle must agree with the gender and number of the subject.
e.g: Giulia è andata a casa (Giulia went home)
Edoardo è andato a casa (Edoardo went home)
Edoardo e Giulia sono andati a casa (Edoardo and Giulia went home)
Here is how the auxiliary verbs essere and avere form the passato prossimo:
Essere | Avere | |
---|---|---|
Io | sono stato/a | ho avuto |
Tu | sei stato/a | hai avuto |
Egli/Ella | è stato/a | ha avuto |
Noi | siamo stati/e | abbiamo avuto |
Voi | siete stati/e | avete avuto |
Essi/Esse | sono stati/i | hanno avuto |
Example:
Now don't forget to try our exercises to test what you have learned!
Unlike in other platforms, all our teachers are manually verified by our professional team. Trust in the experiences of our students.
Hello Everybody
My name is Luisa and I teach Italian for foreign students, English, French and German for Italian students
Since 1994, I have dedicated myself to translating and teaching thanks to my travels, abroad studies, foreign reading and writing. I provide fun and customized lessons based on the student's goals. I also triy to minimize English speaking during the lessons. I give homework exercises, and my lessons are intermixed with grammar, conversation, customs and traditions. My goal is to make certain that each student finds learning Italian exciting.
I am available for any explanations also via e mail
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Luisa is wonderful! She takes what my specific goals for learning Italian (how to communicate while traveling around Italy) into consideration and created an individualized lesson plan.
Luisa A.Dear Shraddha thank you, thank you so much for your kind message. It was a real pleasure to meet you !!! See you on Friday ciao ciao
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Buongiorno gente!
Are you ready to learn italian with me?
My name is Mojra and I'm a qualified mother tongue tutor. Whether you need to prepare yourself for a job interview, you're planning to relocate to Italy or to spend your next holiday there, I look forward to assisting you to achieve your goals!
I am here to help you improve you grammar, sentence structure and to teach you helpful phrases in a fun and relaxed way.
I graduated from university majoring in Linguistic Mediation and in Modern Languages and then I specialized in the teaching of Italian as a second language, attending a one-year post-graduate course devoted to this and receiving excellent grades (FILIS: Formatori Interculturali di Lingua Italiana per Stranieri). I also teach in the Italian public schools.
If you'd like to learn Italian fluently, I'd love to be your teacher, then why not book a trial class with me now? In this lesson, we will design a lesson plan especially for you discussing how you will reach your specific goals.
IMPORTANT: Please contact me before booking your lesson with me and let me know your Italian level as well as the reasons why you want to learn Italian.
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
I've now had 2 lessons with Mojra and I can warmly recommend her. We keep the lessons in Italian, which I really enjoy. Mojra is a kind and patient teacher who listens to you and your wishes in regards to what you want to focus on during the classes. Mi piacciono molto le mie lezioni con Mojra e non vedo l'ora per le nostre lezioni in futuro!
Mojra G.Thanks for your nice words Sofia, see you next lesson!
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Hi! I have been teaching Italian for several years and I offer Italian lessons for all levels and all ages. In my lessons I often use ad hoc didactized Italian movies and songs, to bring students closer to the authentic language and culture and I always try to stimulate interest in literature. I try to start each lesson with a motivating lexical activization and then to analyze in detail the text (video, audio, written, oral) to face also some grammatical or cultural aspects. I always try to make the lessons fun using even educational games. I’m avaible for individual and group lessons and exam preparation.
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Serena is really good teacher. I like it to learn with her. We have very good conversations in different themes like italian food, sports, italian and german culture, politics and the real life. This is a good way to learn how to speak italian in a natural way. Not to forget, she is very authenticly and funny :-)
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Hello, everybody ! My name is Elena. I’m a native Italian speaker, I’m 49 years old and live in Turin. I am a certified CEDILS teacher, I graduated in Foreign Languages and Literature in Milan and have been working as a teacher of Italian for more than 10 years. I speak English and German. I attended specialization courses for Italian L2 teachers and I am interviewer for C1 PLIDA exam.
Are you seeking a friendly and dynamic study environment ? I got what you need. I am looking forward to being in touch with new students and organize pleasant, interesting and fruitful courses.
Do you wish to learn or improve your Italian to speak with your parents or friends? Do you need Italian for work or study ? Do you simply love Italian language and culture ? Do you need to improve your writing skills ?
My classes are tailored on your needs and considering your level of knowledge, I create a proper course plan. Classes focus on language and on the possibility for you to improve your ability to speak and understand Italian in your daily life or in work.
I offer 1-to-1 or 2-to-1 tuition, general Italian courses (grammar, conversation, listening, reading and writing), preparation to Italian examinations (all levels, also Italian for residence permit) and Italian and culture courses.
Grammar, vocabulary exercises, reading articles and magazines and talking together are all tools to feel at ease with the Italian language and then be able to practice it.
I have worked with children, adolescents and adults for all levels of Italian, from beginner to advanced. I have experience in preparing students to international certification (CILS, PLIDA). I was an A2/B1 Telc examiner.
Learning Italian can be closely related to culture, literature, music, sport and any other interest of my students.
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
I had a trial class with Elena, and was very satisfied with the professionalism and all the teaching experience that she possesses. Will definitely continue to have classes with her.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
I'm a Italian/German bilingual teacher form Florence!
I offer lessons for beginners as well as for advanced speakers. I carry out different kinds of lessons: I could help you for example to prepare for a test, for your trip to Italy or for more advanced needs.
The lessons are focused on improving listening/comprehension skills as well as reading, writing, speaking and grammar.
If you want to know more about my methods, just book a trial lesson! It's free! I hope to see you soon!
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Niccolò has a pleasant way of teaching. He responds well to questions or comments from our group, while he knows how to follow the structure of the lesson. He carries out his lessons calmly, with interest and with humor.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Bonjour à tous!
My name is Daniel, and I have been an online and face-to-face French teacher for more than 5 years (I work at the Alliance Française of Burgos and I have been teaching private classes online and face-to-face for several years).
I have experience in teaching children, teenagers and adults, whether for professional or educational purposes or simply for the pleasure of learning a language as beautiful as French.
I also have experience in preparing official exams such as DELF (A1-B2) and DALF (C1/C2), and I have many exam samples at my disposal to help you achieve your goal!
À très bientôt!!!
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Daniel is a teacher with a lot of experience in teaching and plenty of materials. .I can totally recommend him
This review was written by a coLanguage team member during a manual screening of this teacher profile.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Hi everyone!
My name is Daniela, I am Italian and I come from a small town in Sicily, Southern Italy. I am a qualified Italian language teacher and a CELI examiner! I work in two language schools teaching Italian and I also teach English at school.
I love foreign languages, translating, reading and listening to music. Are you ready to start your language learning path with me? We are going to learn many things and to talk a lot, if you allow me to! Don’t worry if you’ve never studied the language before: everyone can attend my classes – from beginner to advanced students. You just need passion for what you're going to do and... a good Internet connection. Materials are provided by me!
See you online!
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Daniela is an extraordinary teacher and has helped me become very confident in speaking Italian and I really like every lesson, thanks Daniela.
Daniela V.Dear Pip, thank you for your positive feedback and thank you for your trust !. You're doing an exceptional job, keep it up :-)
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Are you doing an Erasmus in Italy or Spain?
Are you came back recently?
Do you want a languages certification?
Here i am! I'm Andrea an Italian/spanish teacher that living in Spain. I got a Teaching Master and I'm working as italian teacher. Also, I have a C1 spanish level ( DELE certification) and I can teach you both languages.
Send me a request and we can find the best solution for you ;)
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
It's very useful to go through writing I have done and discuss other ways of expressing the same idea.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Hello, my name is Francesca.
I am qualified Italian teacher.
I love teaching and my lessons are always tailored on your goals. During the first lesson, we will identify what you want to learn or to improve and I will design your lessons.
My approach is largely conversational: that is role-plays, informal conversation or other activites to help you. I welcome beginners right up to proficient speakers.
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Had my trial class with Francesca. She creates a very inviting atmosphere for a pleasant communication despite the language challenges. Although it was just an introductory class, I have already learned a few things.. Going to continue my studies with Francesca !
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
My name is Mara, I took a Master's in Foreign Languages and Translation (English and German) and then I started working as a Teacher to kids and adults. Since my students are aged between 1 and 69 years old, I developed 3 different methods:
1. Fluency - for intermediate/upper intermediate students, mainly based on listening and speaking; specific topics.
2. TPR - total physical response, all levels, mainly based on activities, role plays and board games.
3. Traditional - all levels, grammar, listening, speaking and writing/reading with a traditional approach
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Mara is an experienced teach who is passionate about teaching English to people of all ages. I recommend her to anyone
This review was written by a coLanguage team member during a manual screening of this teacher profile.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Why should you choose me? Take a look at what people say who have taken online classes with me.
Book lessons with me and
- prepare Dutch exams "Basisinburgering A1" and "Inburgeringsexamen A2". Your full commitment and my energetic, professional approach are the winning combination to help you succeed at once!
- learn Dutch because you live in the Netherlands (or are planning to move there) and still don’t speak the language properly or haven’t started yet. You’ll enjoy your environment more!
- learn Italian for work or because you will move to this beautiful country or simply because you just love it. Let me help you experience the language!
- study Spanish for pleasure, work or because you have to prepare an exam for school and you need to get confident to perform optimally
- get confident in useful daily conversations, meetings at work, exams, and presentations
- overcome the fear of failure; if you have learning problems, feel shy or need a boost of energy you’ll get confident enough to achieve your goals
My lessons are based on conversations. My method is to help you practice the language from the very beginning in spontaneous and direct conversations, using often role plays.
With books, articles, songs, and other interesting and stimulating material I will encourage conversation, develop grammar in a simpler way, and improve pronunciation.
Learning a foreign language is not a matter of doing much effort, but rather of being consistent, enjoying the lessons and allowing your intuition to work with you. You will book immediate results while having fun!
I've been teaching Dutch, Spanish and Italian for many years, in The Netherlands, for private institutes, for the integration of foreigners into society (Inburgering), and online from Italy, where I currently live.
Contact me for a free trial and let me know how I can help you.
CANCELATION POLICY
If you cancel a reservation please do it at least 24 hours before the session
(otherwise I would have to charge you for the lesson).
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Elena is a great teacher, she is extremely accessible, knowledgeable and will work with you to develop the best approach that works best for you. My husband and I have had multiple lessons now and we enjoy it a lot and look forward every week to the next lesson!
Elena P.Thank you for your feedback, Marja. It's a real pleasure to work with you and your husband. I am very satisfied of the results that you both have achieved in such a short time!
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
My name is Jay and I'm from Morocco I love to teach English and share my knowledge of Moroccan and western culture with young students.
My degree is in English Studies. I possess a CELTA certificate as well and I have also worked for 7 years in both Morocco and China.
I like basketball and going to the gym.
I believe the most effective way to feel comfortable and confident with learning English is to enjoy having conversations with a teacher who guides students in lessons that are fun and interesting, with plenty of congratulations and corrections where necessary!
I am friendly, motivated, funny, and more importantly patient.
And I love to teach children and adults.
I hope and look forward to seeing you, in one of my classes soon.
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Jalal is a teacher with experience in several countries with lots of passion about teaching English.
This review was written by a coLanguage team member during a manual screening of this teacher profile.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Hi, guys! My name is Lucia and I would like to invite you to learn Italian with me.
I am both a native speaker and a QUALIFIED teacher, as I hold a post-graduate degree in “Teaching Italian as a second language” and a national certification as teacher of Italian to not-native speaking.
My teaching method is COMMUNICATION-oriented and involves also the study of Italian culture and grammar. Indeed, as it happens in your mother language, the knowledge of spare words is not enough to get able to speak (i.e. INTERACT!) properly and conveniently.
I’ll prepare for you all teaching materials, tailoring lessons to your needs and interests, taking advantage from both the huge number of textbooks I hold and my creativity!
I offer lessons for all levels, from absolute beginners to advanced, as well as support in preparation to certification exams (I am also qualified ad examiner for the oral part of CELI).
Do not hesitate to get in contact with me to find a suitable time-slot for your trial lesson!
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Lucia is an excellent teacher of the Italian language with an excellent methodology, with a perfectly organized and individualized teaching program that meets the needs and level of each student and with a willingness to offer multidimensional tools to achieve the purpose of the courses. At the same time, she is an extremely noble and pleasant person, with amazing contagion in her field! An excellent teacher whom I feel extremely lucky to have met!
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Ciao! My name is Mauro, I am native Italian from Calabria! I am a very passionate teacher, I love to share my language and my knowledge about Italy, and its culture, films, music, literature, arts, food!!! I firmly believe that learning is based on trust between teacher and student, and the first objective of my classes is to individuate student's objectives and preferences. My teaching methodology is integrated: I think that it is important to work on all of linguistic abilities: oral and writing comprehension and production. I also think that lessons must be as much as fun as possible, and I use a lot of authentic material: songs, films, cooking recipes, newspapers, advertising and so on...
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
So far, I have studied with Mauro four times a week for a month. As a retired university professor, I find Mauro to be a thoughtful and deliberate teacher of Italian as a second language. He exercises care in preparing lessons and yet remains flexible to take opportunity of teachable moments. I highly recommend Mauro to anyone who is serious about learning Italian. Bravo Mauro! I look forward to continuing my studies with you.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials