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

  1. Bob 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

  2. PX296 PX296

    Sì, ma loro non vengono

    Yes, but they are not coming

  3. Bob Bob

    Come non vengono?

    What do you mean?

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

  4. PX296 PX296

    La riunione è virtuale, non fisica

    It is a virtual meeting, not physical

Common questions

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.

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