191: You in Italian: Formal vs. Informal Explained
Learn Italian with Joy of Languages
Joy of Languages
4.8 • 869 Ratings
🗓️ 8 July 2025
⏱️ 26 minutes
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Summary
_Learn the three forms of “you” in Italian and when to use each one, so you get the right tone every time you’re chatting with Italians. _
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Today's Italian words:
Hai una penna? = Do you (informal) have a pen?
Preferisci mangiare dentro o fuori? = Do you (informal) prefer to eat inside or outside?
Ha un sacchetto? = Do you (formal) have a bag?
Volete un dolce? = Do you (plural) want a dessert?
Preferite acqua naturale o frizzante? = Do you (plural) prefer still or sparkling water?
Cerca qualcosa in particolare? = Are you (formal) looking for something in particular?
Vuoi un gelato? = Do you (informal) want an ice-cream?
Transcript
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| 0:00.0 | It can feel confusing to know which word for you to use in Italian, because in English we just say you, but in Italian there are actually three different words for it. |
| 0:10.8 | Don't worry though, because we'll tell you the rules so you know which you to use and when. |
| 0:17.0 | At the end of the episode, we'll also tell you how Italians usually react if you use the wrong one. |
| 0:22.6 | In today's episode, we'll also tell to Learn Italian with Joy of Languages. |
| 0:39.4 | In today's episode, we'll explain the different words for you in Italian and when you should use each one. |
| 0:46.5 | Although it can seem a bit difficult at first, it's something that everyone needs to know, |
| 0:50.5 | whether you're a beginner or more advanced, because you'll need the word you all the time |
| 0:55.0 | in Italy, whether it's for making small talk or asking for directions. But first, can we ask you a quick |
| 1:02.2 | favor? If you're listening to this on your podcast app, could you click the subscribe or follow |
| 1:07.0 | button? This way, you'll get notified when we release a new episode and you'll also help |
| 1:11.3 | our podcast grow so that we can keep making free lessons like this one. |
| 1:15.4 | Grazie. |
| 1:16.8 | You're going to hear a conversation between Katie and I where we're pretending to be in a wine shop. |
| 1:23.6 | When you're in Italy, you might easily hear or use at least two types of you in places like shops and restaurants, and you'll see what we mean a bit later. |
| 1:32.7 | For this conversation, I'll be the shop assistant, helping Katie with wines and Katie will be the customer. |
| 1:40.7 | Goodgiorno. |
| 1:42.3 | Cere something in particular? |
| 1:46.4 | Yes, have you a good Franchoorta? |
| 1:51.0 | Yes, |
| 1:52.0 | here the bottles of Franchoorta. |
| 1:56.0 | Vance A. |
| 1:57.0 | They're from 40 to 150 euro. |
... |
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