Top-10 Common Irregular Verbs in Italian

Italian ⋙ Italian A1

Welcome to our Italian grammar course for beginners! Today we`re going to talk about the top-10 common irregular verbs.

It`s important to introduce you to common irregular verbs. Irregular verbs in Italian do not follow the standard conjugation patterns, so it`s crucial for learners to memorize their specific forms. Here are some of the most common irregular verbs in Italian, along with their present tense conjugations.

Essere (to be)

"Essere" is a copula verb, meaning it serves as a linking verb that connects the subject of a sentence to its subject complement (predicate noun or adjective). It is used to express identity, characteristics, and attributes. Also "Essere" is a highly fundamental verb and serves as a building block for learning other verb conjugations and tenses.
Here you can read more about the verb `essere`.

Avere (to have)

"Avere" is used as an auxiliary verb to form certain verb constructions, such as the causative "far avere" (to make someone have) or the passive "essere avuto" (to be had). Understanding "avere" is essential for learning and forming compound verb tenses in Italian. Understanding the difference between "avere" and "essere" (to be) helps learners distinguish between possession and identity.
Here you can read more about the verb `avere`.

Fare (to do / to make)

"Fare" is a versatile verb that encompasses a wide range of actions and activities. "Fare" is employed in numerous idiomatic expressions, such as "fare attenzione" (to pay attention), "fare un viaggio" (to take a trip), etc. "Fare" is used to indicate the passage of time in certain expressions. For instance, "fa un anno" (it`s been a year) or "fa tanto tempo" (it`s been a long time).
Here you can read more about the verb `fare`.

Andare (to go)

"Andare" is a highly common and essential action verb in Italian. Knowing how to use it properly allows learners to express movement and actions related to going from one place to another. "Andare" is often used as an auxiliary verb with other verbs to express the future tense (futuro prossimo).
For example:

In Italy, "andare" plays a significant role in everyday cultural and social interactions. Being able to use it accurately enables learners to engage in conversations, make plans, and interact more comfortably with native speakers. "Andare" is also essential for forming the present continuous tense (forma progressiva) in Italian. By combining the present tense of "andare" with the gerund form of another verb, learners can describe actions happening at the moment.

Conjugation of the verb "andare" in the present tense:

Venire (to come)

"Venire" allows learners to convey the concept of movement and arrival, enabling them to describe when someone is coming to a specific location or event. Understanding "venire" is crucial for extending invitations and making arrangements with others. Learners can use it to invite people to events, gatherings, or activities. "Venire" is also used to form the present continuous tense (forma progressiva) in Italian when combined with the gerund of another verb. This tense is used to describe actions happening at the moment. "Venire" can be used as an auxiliary verb to form the future tense (futuro prossimo) when combined with the infinitive form of another verb.

Conjugation of the verb "venire" in the present tense:

Stare (to stay, to be)

"Stare" is a highly essential verb in Italian as it is used to indicate both physical location and the state of being at a given moment. "Stare" is employed in numerous idiomatic expressions, such as "stare attento" (to be careful), "stare zitto" (to be quiet), "stare bene" (to be fine/well), etc. Learning these expressions enhances vocabulary and cultural understanding. "Stare" is used in the imperative form to give orders or commands politely.
For example:

While both "stare" and "essere" can translate to "to be" in English, "stare" specifically refers to temporary states, while "essere" refers to permanent or inherent qualities.

Conjugation of the verb "stare" in the present tense:

Dare (to give)

"Dare" is used to discuss gifting or offering something to others, making it essential for expressing generosity and kindness. Understanding "dare" is crucial for asking for directions or giving instructions on how to reach a location. "Dare" can be used politely to ask someone if they would like something or offer to give assistance. "Dare" is also used to form the present continuous tense (forma progressiva) in Italian when combined with the gerund of another verb. This tense is used to describe actions happening at the moment. Understanding the conjugation of "dare" serves as a foundation for learning the conjugation of other -are verbs with similar patterns.

Conjugation of the verb "dare" in the present tense:

Sapere (to know information)

"Sapere" is used to form questions that ask for specific information or inquire about someone`s knowledge.
For example:

"Sapere" is used to form the present continuous tense (forma progressiva) in Italian when combined with the gerund of another verb. This tense is used to describe actions happening at the moment. "Sapere" is essential for asking about opening hours, schedules, prices, and other practical information when traveling or living in Italy.

Conjugation of the verb "sapere" in the present tense:

Conoscere (to know people/places)

"Conoscere" is essential for social interactions, as it allows learners to talk about knowing others, making new acquaintances, and building relationships. While both "sapere" and "conoscere" can translate to "to know" in English, "conoscere" specifically refers to knowing people or being familiar with places, whereas "sapere" refers to factual information. "Conoscere" is used to form the present continuous tense (forma progressiva) in Italian when combined with the gerund of another verb. This tense is used to describe ongoing or continuous actions in the present.

Conjugation of the verb "conoscere" in the present tense:

Volere (to want)

"Volere" is a verb for expressing desires, wishes, and wants. It allows learners to communicate what they want or need in various situations. "Volere" can be used to ask for information or inquire about someone`s intentions.
For example:

"Volere" can be used as an auxiliary verb to form the future tense (futuro prossimo) when combined with the infinitive form of another verb. "Volere" can be used in polite expressions, such as "Vorrei" (I would like) or "Vorresti" (Would you like).

Conjugation of the verb "volere" in the present tense:


In summary, all the verbs are essential in Italian. Understanding and using them effectively is vital for basic communication, forming polite requests, expressing determination, and engaging in everyday conversations. Good luck!