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...
In Italian, the prepositions DA and PER are used to indicate the duration of an action, but they have different meanings and are used at specific times. DA is used when an action started in the past and still continues in the present. PER is used to indicate the duration of an action, but the action has not yet started at the time we are talking. Let's see how to use them. 1. The preposition DA The preposition DA indicates that the action started in the past and still continues in the present . The important thing here is that the action is not finished, it is still happening. For example: Da quanto sei in vacanza? Sono in vacanza DA dieci giorni. (The action of being on holiday started ten days ago and is still going on today). Da quanto studi in Italia? Studio in Italia DA due anni. (The action of studying started two years ago and continues in the present). Da quanto abiti in questa casa? Abito in questa casa DA cinque anni. (The action of living in this house started five y...