Italian for English speakers Office · Lesson 2

How is it possible?!

Express surprise in Italian — Sì, ma non vengono (Yes, but they're not coming) — contradicting news politely.

Conversation

Pronunciation Translations Tips

Bob

Domani c'è la riunione con i clienti, vero?

We are meeting our customers tomorrow, right?

Tip: <Incontrare> = to meet <Fare una riunione> = to have a (business) meeting
PX296

Sì, ma loro non vengono

Yes, but they are not coming
Bob

Come non vengono?

What do you mean?

Tip: Literally "How aren't they coming?"
PX296

La riunione è virtuale, non fisica

It is a virtual meeting, not physical

Quick answers about this lesson's grammar and vocabulary.

How do you express surprise in Italian?

Davvero? (really?), Sul serio? (seriously?), Non ci credo! (I don't believe it!), Incredibile! (incredible!).

What is vero? as tag?

Tag question 'right?': domani abbiamo riunione, vero? = 'we have a meeting tomorrow, right?'.

Sì, ma... structure?

Acknowledge then push back: Sì, ma in realtà... = 'yes, but actually...'. Italian conversation often uses this softening.