We learn Italian step by step | Impariamo l'italiano piano piano

Myra | The Learn Italian Network

Impariamo l’italiano piano piano is a story-based podcast designed for B1 to B2 Italian language learners who want to immerse themselves in engaging narratives while strengthening their grammar and vocabulary. Novices are welcome too—because we take everything piano piano, one gentle step at a time. Each episode unfolds through an ongoing story, allowing you to experience Italian in context, naturally reinforcing key structures like the imperfetto, passato prossimo, and congiuntivo. You’ll also get guided practice, interactive exercises, and cultural insights to help you think, speak, and write in Italian with more confidence. Your host Myra—an instructional designer and passionate language learner who understands the challenges of mastering Italian as an adult—is joined by Antonio, a familiar voice you’ll get to know throughout the episodes. Together, they guide you piano piano, step by step, toward greater fluency.  📜 Looking for full episode transcripts? Transcripts not showing on your app? Find them here: https://www.welearnitalianstepbystep.com 🎙 Listen, learn, and improve your Italian fluency—one chapter at a time!

  1. 👀 Bonus Episode 07B Preview - Italian Emotions, Shadows, and Sudden Turns

    SEP 28

    👀 Bonus Episode 07B Preview - Italian Emotions, Shadows, and Sudden Turns

    Send me a text 🎧 Bonus Episode 07B Preview – Emotions, Shadows, and Sudden Turns – Chap 2 Part 1 In Bonus Episode 7A, we already opened the door to Chapter 2 with two free categories of vocabulary. Now, in this short preview of 7B, Antonio steps in with his usual energy… and even takes a little initiative of his own. You’ll get a taste of the atmosphere that sets the scene for Chapter 2, along with Antonio’s unexpected announcement about sharing part of the bonus content with everyone. But this is only the beginning. The full version of Bonus Episode 7B continues with three more categories of essential vocabulary:  🧥 People & Objects  ⚡ Commands (Imperatives)  👣 Movement & Sound Together, they complete the set of words you’ll need for mysterious encounters at the station. To access the full episode, with contextual stories, recall exercises, and quizzes, become a show supporter today. Check out my recent interview on "Classic Advice" with Scarlett Classic, where we talked about communication, culture shock, and navigating life in different languages: https://classicchronicles.ca/ Support the show Subscribe to my blog here. --->Leave me a voice message--- You might even be featured on the show! I’d love to hear your thoughts on Impariamo l’italiano piano piano! Take the listener survey Email: welearnpianopiano@gmail.com All content © 2025 Impariamo l’italiano piano piano – Un impegno quotidiano

    3 min
  2. Episode 9 - From Orders to Invitations: Introducing the Italian Imperativo

    OCT 5

    Episode 9 - From Orders to Invitations: Introducing the Italian Imperativo

    Send me a text 🎧 Episode 9 – From Orders to Invitations: Introducing the Italian Imperativo Podcast: We Learn Italian Step by Step | Impariamo l’italiano piano piano Welcome to Chapter 2! In this episode, we explore one of Italian’s most practical (and most used!) verb forms: l’imperativo - the command form. But don’t be fooled: Italian commands aren’t just about barking orders. They can be warm invitations, gentle advice, or urgent instructions, all depending on tone and context. ✨ Here’s what you’ll hear in this episode: Eight essential everyday commands you’ll meet constantly in Italian, from Riposati! (Get some rest!) to Ascolta bene! (Listen carefully!).How the same phrase can shift between direct orders, polite requests, or caring advice.A lively back-and-forth between Antonio and Paolo - with coffee debates, playful interruptions, and plenty of laughs.The beginning of Chapter 2 in Mariella’s story: a chilly evening at the Florence train station, an urgent message from her friend Zina, and a single imperative hidden in the dialogue for you to spot.🎯 Grammar Focus: Introduction to the three shades of imperativo 📖 Story: Chapter 2, Part 1 — Mariella’s mysterious lawyer appointment begins 🎲 Interactive Challenge: Spot the hidden command in the story and decide which category it belongs to Whether you’re giving directions, inviting a friend, or offering encouragement, this episode will help you start using Italian imperatives naturally — while following along with Mariella’s unfolding mystery.  0:00 Intro  1:59 Examples of Commands  3:25 Listening Instructions  5:37 Examples with Italian Translation  8:02 Welcome to Chapter 2  9:11 What is the Imperativo?  10:06 The Three Main Types of Imperativo  12:13 Test Your Understanding of the 3 Types of Imperativo  16:39 Chapter 2 Part 1A – Slow Speed  18:00 Chapter 2 Part 1A – Normal Speed  19:20 Comprehension Questions  21:03 Wrap-up  Check out my recent interview on "Classic Advice" with Scarlett Classic, where we talked about communication, culture shock, and navigating life in different languages: https://classicchronicles.ca/ Support the show Subscribe to my blog here. --->Leave me a voice message--- You might even be featured on the show! I’d love to hear your thoughts on Impariamo l’italiano piano piano! Take the listener survey Email: welearnpianopiano@gmail.com All content © 2025 Impariamo l’italiano piano piano – Un impegno quotidiano

    22 min
  3. Episode 10 - Gentle Orders and Friendly Advice

    OCT 12

    Episode 10 - Gentle Orders and Friendly Advice

    Send me a text 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  Check out my recent interview on "Classic Advice" with Scarlett Classic, where we talked about communication, culture shock, and navigating life in different languages: https://classicchronicles.ca/ Support the show Subscribe to my blog here. --->Leave me a voice message--- You might even be featured on the show! I’d love to hear your thoughts on Impariamo l’italiano piano piano! Take the listener survey Email: welearnpianopiano@gmail.com All content © 2025 Impariamo l’italiano piano piano – Un impegno quotidiano

    36 min
  4. Episode 11 - The Rebel Verbs: Mastering Italian's Irregular Commands

    OCT 19

    Episode 11 - The Rebel Verbs: Mastering Italian's Irregular Commands

    Send me a text 🎧 Episode 11 - The Rebel Verbs: Mastering Italian's Irregular Commands In this episode of Impariamo l’italiano piano piano, Myra and Antonio return to the story “Le Pagine del Passato” to uncover a new set of Italian imperatives—this time, the irregular ones! After revisiting the mysterious encounter under the lamplight, they dive into real-life examples of how to use the most common irregular commands, like fa’, da’, di’, sta’, va’, sii, abbi, and vieni. Along the way, they explore how these forms work in both formal and informal situations—and even how to combine them with pronouns to say things like dimmi tutto! and non glielo dare! But that’s not all: the lesson takes a delicious turn when Paolo reappears in the kitchen, still determined to make tea… in a moka pot. Myra and Antonio step in with a role-play full of imperatives, laughter, and a few “irregular” surprises of their own. By the end of this episode, you’ll not only understand the eight most important irregular commands in Italian—you’ll also know what happens when you tell someone “Vieni qui e porta il tè!” ☕ Grammar Focus: Irregular imperatives, double pronouns with commands, and -ISC verbs in the imperative 🎭 Story Connection: Messages from Beyond – Part 1B 💬 Expressions You’ll Hear: Sta’ attento! – Be careful!Abbi fiducia! – Have faith!Vieni qui! – Come here!Non giudicate prima di averlo assaggiato! – Don’t judge before you’ve tried it!Irregular or not, this episode proves that Italian commands—and even Paolo’s tea—can go down magnificently well. ⏳ CHAPTERS 0:00 – Intro 2:24 – Replay of Chapter 2 Part 1B 3:32 – Review of Commands in This Part of the Story 4:25 – Comprehension Q&A 5:25 – Which Command Was the Irregular One? 6:39 – Giving Commands to Loro 7:27 – Irregular Commands 9:42 – Everyday Examples of Irregular Commands 12:21 – Essere and Avere Commands 14:15 – Quick Review of Common Irregular Commands 14:55 – Irregular Venire 16:11 – Irregular Formal Commands 18:12 – Role Play Exercise 19:46 – Commands with Double Pronouns 21:14 – Negative Commands with Double Pronouns 23:08 – ISC Commands 24:57 – Pronunciation Tip: Hard vs. Soft Sounds 27:40 – How ISC Verbs Behave in Negative Commands 29:25 – Pronouns in the Negative with ISC Commands 30:32 – Noi and Voi Forms of ISC Commands 31:33 – Wrap-Up Check out my recent interview on "Classic Advice" with Scarlett Classic, where we talked about communication, culture shock, and navigating life in different languages: https://classicchronicles.ca/ Support the show Subscribe to my blog here. --->Leave me a voice message--- You might even be featured on the show! I’d love to hear your thoughts on Impariamo l’italiano piano piano! Take the listener survey Email: welearnpianopiano@gmail.com All content © 2025 Impariamo l’italiano piano piano – Un impegno quotidiano

    33 min
  5. Episode 12 - Trust Yourself… or Don’t! – Italian Negative Reflexive Commands in Action

    OCT 25

    Episode 12 - Trust Yourself… or Don’t! – Italian Negative Reflexive Commands in Action

    Send me a text 🎧 Episode 12 - Trust Yourself… or Don’t! – Italian Negative Reflexive Commands in Action In this episode of Impariamo l’italiano piano piano – Un impegno quotidiano, we return to Le Pagine del Passato, where Mariella meets a mysterious woman who tells her, “Fidati del tuo istinto.” But what if she wanted to say the opposite - “Non ti fidare”? We’ll explore how Italian forms negative reflexive commands, discover when to use non ti riposare instead of riposati, and review how pronouns shift position in negative imperatives. Along the way, we’ll revisit common commands and  compare formal and informal forms. By the end, you’ll feel more confident recognizing and using negative reflexive commands - and ready to put them into practice in real contexts. ✨ Coming up next: In our upcoming Bonus Power Up story, Il Pacco Misterioso – Parte 1 e 2, you’ll join Elena, Chiara, and Marco as they try to solve the mystery of a missing package,  while putting all the command forms you’ve learned into action. It’s a lively, real-world story full of useful vocabulary, natural Italian, and everyday expressions to reinforce everything we’ve studied so far. ⏳ CHAPTERS 0:00 Intro 0:26 Le Pagine del Passato – Capitolo Due Part 1b (Full Translation) 4:20 Welcome to Episode 12 5:54 Review Formation of Negative Commands 6:12 Practice Negative Informal Commands 6:48 Review Negative Formal Commands 7:38 Review Reflexive Commands 8:20 Negative Reflexive Commands with Pronouns 10:25 Story Connection 11:06 Practice with Negative Reflexive Commands 13:52 Flexibility of Reflexive Pronoun Positioning 16:53 Intro to Bonus Power Up Story 18:30 Wrap-up Check out my recent interview on "Classic Advice" with Scarlett Classic, where we talked about communication, culture shock, and navigating life in different languages: https://classicchronicles.ca/ Support the show Subscribe to my blog here. --->Leave me a voice message--- You might even be featured on the show! I’d love to hear your thoughts on Impariamo l’italiano piano piano! Take the listener survey Email: welearnpianopiano@gmail.com All content © 2025 Impariamo l’italiano piano piano – Un impegno quotidiano

    20 min
  6. Episode 13 - Adverbs of Place - Finding Your Way in Italian

    NOV 9

    Episode 13 - Adverbs of Place - Finding Your Way in Italian

    Send me a text 🎧 Episode 13 - dverbs of Place - Finding Your Way in Italian Today we dive into gli avverbi di luogo — adverbs of place. These small but powerful words like qui, lì, lassù, laggiù, dentro, fuori, and dappertutto help paint a scene and make your Italian sound natural and confident. We return to our story outside the train station. The mysterious woman disappears, Zina arrives, and Antonio has very strong biscotti opinions. Then we break down adverbs of place step by step with examples and speaking practice. You'll learn how to say:  • here vs there (qui/qua, lì/là)  • up there/down there (lassù/laggiù)  • inside/outside (dentro/fuori)  • above/below (sopra/sotto)  • near/far (vicino/lontano)  • in front/behind (davanti/dietro)  • everywhere/nowhere (dappertutto/da nessuna parte) We also explore when to use a and da with location words so you sound more like a native speaker. 📚 You’ll practice:  – Using adverbs of place naturally  – Story-based speaking prompts  – Telling someone to come here, go there, look up, wait outside, and more  – Key differences like vicino vs vicino a and fuori vs fuori da Next time, we finally step into the lawyer’s office… and the mystery deepens. What did Nonna Maria leave Mariella? ⏳ CHAPTERS 03:24 - What is an Adverb? 06:06 - Adverbs vs Prepositions 08:50 - Avverbi di luogo: Example 1 09:22 - Avverbi di luogo: Example 2 09:45 - Avverbi di luogo: Example 3 10:26 - Avverbi di luogo: Example 4 10:42 - Recap of Story Examples 11:48 - Essential Adverbs of Place 11:53 - Group 1: Here/There 13:51 - Practice: Group 1 14:32 - Group 2: Inside/Outside, Above/Below 18:17 - Practice: Group 2 20:32 - Group 3: Near/Far, Front/Behind 22:34 - Group 4: Everywhere/Nowhere 23:34 - Practice: Groups 3 & 4 25:59 - Combination Practice Round 1 28:21 - Combination Practice Round 2 32:48 - Wrap-up & Preview Check out my recent interview on "Classic Advice" with Scarlett Classic, where we talked about communication, culture shock, and navigating life in different languages: https://classicchronicles.ca/ Support the show Subscribe to my blog here. --->Leave me a voice message--- You might even be featured on the show! I’d love to hear your thoughts on Impariamo l’italiano piano piano! Take the listener survey Email: welearnpianopiano@gmail.com All content © 2025 Impariamo l’italiano piano piano – Un impegno quotidiano

    36 min

About

Impariamo l’italiano piano piano is a story-based podcast designed for B1 to B2 Italian language learners who want to immerse themselves in engaging narratives while strengthening their grammar and vocabulary. Novices are welcome too—because we take everything piano piano, one gentle step at a time. Each episode unfolds through an ongoing story, allowing you to experience Italian in context, naturally reinforcing key structures like the imperfetto, passato prossimo, and congiuntivo. You’ll also get guided practice, interactive exercises, and cultural insights to help you think, speak, and write in Italian with more confidence. Your host Myra—an instructional designer and passionate language learner who understands the challenges of mastering Italian as an adult—is joined by Antonio, a familiar voice you’ll get to know throughout the episodes. Together, they guide you piano piano, step by step, toward greater fluency.  📜 Looking for full episode transcripts? Transcripts not showing on your app? Find them here: https://www.welearnitalianstepbystep.com 🎙 Listen, learn, and improve your Italian fluency—one chapter at a time!

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