In Italian, a handful of verbs constantly recur in everyday conversations. Knowing them allows you to get by in the majority of situations, whether it’s ordering at a restaurant or asking for directions.
This list covers the 20 most frequent verbs in Italian. It’s not just about knowing their translation, but understanding how they work, their irregularities and their specific uses. Without these fundamentals, it’s impossible to speak Italian that sounds right.
1. Essere (to be)
The verb “essere” represents the absolute foundation of Italian grammar. It fulfils two main functions: that of a state verb to describe a person or thing, and that of an auxiliary to form the compound tenses of many verbs of movement or state. Its conjugation is completely irregular and must be memorised by heart from the beginning of learning.
It’s used to indicate identity, nationality, profession or origin. Unlike English, the personal subject pronoun is often omitted because the verb ending is sufficient to identify the person. It’s omnipresent in introductions and physical or moral descriptions.
Examples:
Sono italiano e vivo a Roma. (I am Italian and I live in Rome)
Lui è molto simpatico. (He is very nice)
Siamo stanchi dopo il viaggio. (We are tired after the journey)
- Usage: Identity, description, auxiliary for compound tenses
- To remember: Present indicative: sono, sei, è, siamo, siete, sono
2. Avere (to have)
Just like “essere”, the verb “avere” plays a crucial dual role. It expresses possession in the strict sense, but also serves as an auxiliary for the majority of transitive verbs in compound tenses like the present perfect (passato prossimo). Mastering it is therefore essential for recounting past events.
An important peculiarity of this verb lies in its use for physical sensations where English would sometimes use “to be”. It’s used to express hunger, thirst, heat, cold or age. The initial “h” is never pronounced in Italian, it only serves to distinguish verb forms from other words in writing.
Examples:
Ho fame, andiamo a mangiare? (I’m hungry, shall we go and eat?)
Quanti anni hai? (How old are you?)
Abbiamo una macchina nuova. (We have a new car)
- Usage: Possession, physical sensations, age, auxiliary
- To remember: The “h” is silent: ho, hai, ha, abbiamo, avete, hanno
3. Fare (to do/make)
The verb “fare” is probably the most versatile verb in the Italian language. It translates “to do/make”, but also replaces numerous specific verbs in everyday language. It appears in an impressive number of idiomatic expressions that give natural colour to speech.
It’s used to talk about the weather, jobs, or daily activities like having breakfast or doing the shopping. It’s an irregular verb that retains traces of its Latin origin. Mastering “fare” allows you to compensate for a lack of precise vocabulary in other areas.
Examples:
Che lavoro fai? (What job do you do?)
Oggi fa molto caldo qui. (Today it’s very hot here)
Faccio colazione alle otto. (I have breakfast at eight o’clock)
- Usage: Actions, weather, professions, idiomatic expressions
- Variants: Often replaces more precise verbs (e.g. fare una foto)
4. Dire (to say/tell)
The communication verb par excellence, “dire” is essential for reporting speech, expressing an opinion or telling a story. It’s an irregular verb, a contraction of the old “dicere”, which explains the presence of the “c” in certain conjugations like the imperfect or gerund.
It’s frequently used with indirect pronouns to indicate who you’re addressing. It also enters into the composition of common expressions to ask for the meaning of something or to express surprise at news.
Examples:
Cosa dici? Non ti sento bene. (What are you saying? I can’t hear you well)
Dico sempre la verità. (I always tell the truth)
Come si dice questo in italiano? (How do you say this in Italian?)
- Usage: Communication, expressing opinions
- To remember: Irregular (dico, dici, dice, diciamo, dite, dicono)
5. Potere (can/to be able to)
First of the three “verbi servili” (modal verbs) in this ranking, “potere” expresses possibility, ability or permission. It’s systematically followed by a verb in the infinitive. It’s the indispensable tool for politeness, particularly for making requests without appearing too direct.
It allows you to nuance speech and ask for services. Its conjugation presents irregularities, notably the modification of the root. Knowing how to use it opens the door to smoother social interactions that respect Italian codes of politeness.
Examples:
Puoi aiutarmi, per favore? (Can you help me, please?)
Non posso venire alla festa stasera. (I can’t come to the party tonight)
Possiamo entrare? (Can we come in?)
- Usage: Possibility, permission, polite requests
- Grammar: Always followed by an infinitive
6. Volere (to want)
The verb “volere” expresses will, desire or demand. Like “potere”, it’s a modal verb that modifies the meaning of the infinitive that follows it. It’s very used for placing orders in cafés or restaurants, although using the conditional is often preferred for greater politeness.
It also serves to express strong wishes or firm intentions. Be careful of the nuance between “voglio” (I want), which can seem authoritarian, and “vorrei” (I would like), which is the standard polite form for asking for something from a stranger or shopkeeper.
Examples:
Voglio imparare l’italiano presto. (I want to learn Italian quickly)
Cosa vuoi mangiare stasera? (What do you want to eat tonight?)
Vuole andare in vacanza al mare. (He/She wants to go on holiday to the seaside)
- Usage: Will, desire, orders
- To remember: Use the conditional “vorrei” for politeness
7. Sapere (to know)
The verb “sapere” covers the field of intellectual knowledge and learned skills. It means “to know” information, but also “to know how to do” something when followed by an infinitive. It’s distinguished from the verb “conoscere” (to know) which is used rather for people and places.
It’s also used to express a flavour or taste in specific constructions. It’s an irregular verb whose mastery is necessary to talk about one’s abilities or to ask for factual information.
Examples:
Non so a che ora arriva il treno. (I don’t know what time the train arrives)
Sai cucinare la pasta alla carbonara? (Do you know how to cook pasta carbonara?)
Questa torta sa di limone. (This cake tastes of lemon)
- Usage: Knowledge of facts, skills (know-how)
- Distinction: Different from “conoscere” (to know someone)
8. Stare (to stay/to be)
“Stare” is a complex verb that literally means “to stay” or “to be located”, but which is commonly used to ask how someone is. The expression “Come stai?” is one of the first phrases learnt. It often replaces “essere” to indicate a temporary position or precise location.
It also enters into the formation of the present progressive (stare + gerund) to describe an action taking place, a structure very frequent in spoken Italian to give dynamism to the account of an immediate action.
Examples:
Come stai? Sto bene, grazie. (How are you? I’m well, thank you)
Stasera sto a casa, sono stanco. (Tonight I’m staying at home, I’m tired)
Sto mangiando una pizza. (I’m eating a pizza)
- Usage: State of health, position, ongoing action (progressive)
- To remember: Indispensable for greetings
9. Dovere (must/to have to)
Third modal verb, “dovere” expresses obligation, necessity or probability. It’s followed by an infinitive and allows you to talk about tasks to accomplish, rules to respect or logical deductions. It’s a strong verb that often structures daily organisation.
It can translate “one must” in a personal way. Its use is frequent for giving strong advice or for apologising for having to leave. Like other modals, it takes the auxiliary of the verb it accompanies in compound tenses.
Examples:
Devo andare via subito. (I must leave immediately)
Dobbiamo comprare i biglietti per il museo. (We must buy tickets for the museum)
Deve essere tardi, è già buio. (It must be late, it’s already dark)
- Usage: Obligation, necessity, supposition
- Grammar: Modal verb followed by infinitive
10. Vedere (to see)
The verb “vedere” concerns visual perception. It’s irregular in the future and conditional, losing a vowel in its root. It’s used for physical sight, but also in the sense of “understanding” or “meeting” someone, just like in English.
It appears in numerous greeting expressions like “Ci vediamo!” (See you! / See you later!). It’s a basic verb for describing one’s environment or recounting lived experiences, watched films or visited places.
Examples:
Vedi quella casa rossa in fondo? (Do you see that red house at the end?)
Non vedo l’ora di partire! (I can’t wait to leave!)
Ci vediamo domani alle nove. (We’ll see each other tomorrow at nine)
- Usage: Visual perception, meetings, understanding
- Key expression: “Non vedo l’ora” (I can’t wait)
11. Andare (to go)
Essential movement verb, “andare” is very irregular. It expresses movement towards a place. Be careful, unlike English, it’s not used to say “I’m going to do something” (near future), except if you’re physically moving to do it.
It’s used with the preposition “a” before cities and verbs in the infinitive, and “in” before countries or regions. It also serves to express the functioning of something (a machine, a project) or the general state of things.
Examples:
Vado a Roma la prossima settimana. (I’m going to Rome next week)
Come va il lavoro? (How’s work going?)
Andiamo a mangiare fuori stasera. (We’re going to eat out tonight)
- Usage: Movement, functioning, general state
- To remember: Very irregular present (vado, vai, va, andiamo…)
12. Venire (to come)
Counterpart of the verb “andare”, “venire” indicates movement towards the place where the speaker is or the person being spoken to. The distinction between “andare” and “venire” is sometimes subtle for English speakers, particularly when saying “I’m coming to yours” (vengo da te).
It’s an irregular verb that changes root at certain persons. It’s often used for invitations or to talk about a person’s geographical origin. It can also serve as an auxiliary to form the passive in more formal language.
Examples:
Vengo da Milano. (I come from Milan)
Vieni con noi al cinema? (Are you coming with us to the cinema?)
Vengono spesso in Italia per le vacanze. (They often come to Italy for holidays)
- Usage: Movement towards the interlocutor, origin
- Grammar: Auxiliary “essere” in compound tenses
13. Dare (to give)
The verb “dare” is short but complex. It means “to give”, but it’s used in a multitude of idiomatic contexts. For example, it’s used to talk about taking an exam (“dare un esame”) or to express the effect something has on us.
The conjugation of “dare” presents important stress irregularities, notably in the third person singular “dà” (he gives) which takes an accent to distinguish it from the preposition “da” (from/at). It’s a fundamental social interaction verb.
Examples:
Mi dai un bicchiere d’acqua? (Will you give me a glass of water?)
Questo film mi dà fastidio. (This film bothers/annoys me)
Dai, andiamo! (Come on, let’s go! – expression of encouragement)
- Usage: Transfer, interaction, idiomatic expressions
- Attention: The accent on “dà” is obligatory
14. Parlare (to speak)
Finally a regular verb in this ranking! “Parlare” belongs to the first group (ending in -are) and follows a standard conjugation. It’s the reference verb for evoking linguistic ability, discussion or the act of expressing oneself.
It’s indispensable for specifying which languages you master or for asking someone to speak more slowly. It’s often constructed with the preposition “di” to indicate the subject of conversation or “con” to indicate the interlocutor.
Examples:
Parli italiano molto bene. (You speak Italian very well)
Di cosa state parlando? (What are you talking about?)
Non parlare al conducente. (Don’t speak to the driver)
- Usage: Languages, discussion, speech
- Characteristic: Regular verb model of the 1st group
15. Trovare (to find)
Also a regular verb, “trovare” expresses discovery or opinion. It’s used to say that you’ve found a lost object, but also very often to give your opinion on something or someone (“I find him nice”).
There’s a common pronominal expression, “trovarsi”, which means “to be located” or “to feel” in a given situation. It’s a useful verb for describing your impressions during a trip or for locating places.
Examples:
Non trovo le mie chiavi. (I can’t find my keys)
Come trovi questo ristorante? (How do you find this restaurant?)
Mi trovo bene a Firenze. (I feel good in Florence)
- Usage: Location, opinion, state (pronominal form)
- Type: Regular in -are
16. Sentire (to hear/feel)
The verb “sentire” is a partial false friend. It means “to hear” (auditory perception) but also “to feel” (physical perception, touch, smell or feeling). It therefore covers a wide range of sensory perceptions. It belongs to the third group (-ire).
It’s very frequent for checking communication on the telephone (“Mi senti?”). Its pronominal form “sentirsi” is used to express one’s state of health or emotion, in the same way that “trovarsi” can express comfort.
Examples:
Senti questo rumore? (Do you hear this noise?)
Non mi sento molto bene oggi. (I don’t feel very well today)
Hai sentito che profumo? (Did you smell that perfume?)
- Usage: Hearing, smell, physical and emotional sensations
- Versatility: Covers “to hear” and “to feel”
17. Lasciare (to leave/let)
“Lasciare” means “to leave” an object somewhere, “to leave” a person or place, or “to let” something happen. It’s a regular verb that expresses separation or abandonment, but also permission in certain constructions.
It’s often used for romantic breakups or for leaving messages. A very common expression is “lascia stare”, which means “leave it” or “forget it”, very useful for closing a discussion or minimising a problem.
Examples:
Ho lasciato la borsa in macchina. (I left the bag in the car)
Lasciami spiegare la situazione. (Let me explain the situation)
Lascia stare, non è importante. (Leave it, it’s not important)
- Usage: Abandonment, leaving, permission, breakup
- Expression: “Lascia stare” (Leave it)
18. Prendere (to take)
Very frequent action verb, “prendere” is used like in English to grasp an object, consume food or drink, or take transport. It’s an irregular verb in the past participle (past participle: “preso”).
It’s used in cafés to order (“Prendo un caffè”), at the station (“Prendo il treno”) or to make choices. It also has a figurative meaning to say that you “catch” an illness or that you make an important decision.
Examples:
Prendiamo un aperitivo insieme? (Shall we have an aperitif together?)
Devo prendere l’autobus per andare in centro. (I must take the bus to go to the centre)
Hai preso una decisione? (Have you made a decision?)
- Usage: Consumption, transport, choices, grasping
- Past participle: Preso (irregular)
19. Guardare (to look at/watch)
Not to be confused with “vedere” (to see), “guardare” implies active intention, attentive observation. You watch a film, a football match or a landscape. It’s a regular verb of the first group, simple to conjugate.
It’s often used in the imperative to attract someone’s attention (“Guarda!”). It can also mean “to watch over” or “to guard” in certain contexts, although this meaning is less frequent than direct visual observation.
Examples:
Guardo la televisione ogni sera. (I watch television every evening)
Guarda chi c’è! (Look who’s there!)
Mi piace guardare il mare. (I like looking at the sea)
- Usage: Active observation, visual attention
- Distinction: Voluntary action unlike “vedere” (perception)
20. Capire (to understand)
The verb “capire” is fundamental for learning. It belongs to the group of -isc verbs (like finire), which means it inserts the letters “isc” between the root and the ending in the three singular persons and the third person plural in the present.
It’s indispensable for signalling that you’re following (or not) a conversation. The expression “Ho capito” (I understand) or “Non capisco” (I don’t understand) are among the most useful survival phrases for any learner in immersion.
Examples:
Non capisco quando parli veloce. (I don’t understand when you speak quickly)
Hai capito la lezione? (Did you understand the lesson?)
Capiscono tutto quello che dici. (They understand everything you say)
- Usage: Intellect, linguistic comprehension
- Conjugation: Type -isc (capisco, capisci, capisce…)
To conclude
There you have these 20 essential verbs! The truth is, if you master these verbs, you can get by in 80% of everyday situations in Italy. The rest will come gradually.
My advice: don’t try to learn everything at the same time. Start with the first 5 (essere, avere, fare, dire, potere) – these are the most important. Then add 3 or 4 per week. The important thing is to use them, not just know them in theory.
A trick that works well: create sentences about yourself with each verb. “Sono francese, ho 30 anni, faccio l’insegnante, dico spesso buongiorno…” The more personal it is, the better it sticks. And above all, don’t be afraid of irregular verbs – yes, “essere” and “andare” are odd, but everyone uses them so often that they end up becoming natural.
Last point: modal verbs (potere, volere, dovere) are your best friends for politeness. A simple “posso avere…” instead of “voglio…” completely changes the tone. Italians are very attentive to this, so take the time to learn them well.