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Episode 10 - Gentle Orders and Friendly Advice
Season 2
Episode 10 – Gentle Orders, Friendly Advice: Forming the Imperativo
🎧 Episode 10 – Gentle Orders, Friendly Advice
Podcast: We Learn Italian Step by Step | Impariamo l’italiano piano piano
In this episode, we step deeper into the imperativo—Italian commands that can sound sharp, polite, or even affectionate depending on how they’re used.
With Antonio (always ready to “command”), Paolo (ever the critic), and Myra guiding the way, we explore:
- How to form regular imperativo with -ARE, -ERE, and -IRE verbs.
- Why tu and Lei seem to “switch” endings with -ARE verbs.
- How to attach pronouns in positive commands (Parlami!, Leggilo!, Dormici sopra!).
- The rules for negative commands: tu uses non + infinitive (Non parlare!), while Lei, noi, voi keep the imperative form.
- Reflexive verbs in commands, from Riposati! to Si accomodi!
📖 Alongside grammar, Mariella’s mysterious encounter continues: a deserted piazza, a grandmotherly figure, and words of advice whispered in the night—Fidati del tuo istinto! Segui il tuo cuore…
🎭 Expect grammar surprises, dramatic banter (including Antonio’s big declaration: “Sono nato per comandare!”), and lots of practice turning commands into caring advice.
⏳ CHAPTERS
0:00 Intro
2:38 Story Chapter 2, Part 1A (review)
3:31 Answers to comprehension questions
5:04 Story Chapter 2, Part 1A (with English translation)
6:53 Answer to challenge question
7:28 Review: types of imperatives
8:05 Verb “switch” explained
9:28 How to form regular commands
13:05 Practice with regular commands
15:30 Adding pronouns to commands
17:21 Negative imperatives (tu form)
18:11 Negative imperatives (Lei form)
19:11 Reflexive commands
21:15 Topics for the next episode
25:10 Practice: informal tu commands
26:51 Practice: formal Lei commands
29:43 Comprehension questions
30:40 Story Chapter 2, Part 1B (Italian only – slow speed)
32:15 Story Chapter 2, Part 1B (Italian only – normal speed)
33:33 Wrap-up
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Published on 4 weeks ago