Italian for English speakers Sports · Lesson 4

Describing clothes

Describe shoes in Italian — Mi servono scarpe robuste per fare trekking (I need sturdy shoes for trekking) — with servire for needs.

Conversation

  1. Rocky Rocky

    Ho bisogno di scarpe resistenti per la montagna.

    I need sturdy shoes for hiking

    Tip: <bisogno> = need/ necessity (noun) <ho bisogno di...> = I need (literally "I have the need")

  2. Bolin Bolin

    Queste due paia sono molto resistenti.

    These two pairs are very sturdy.

    Tip: IRREGULAR NOUN Un paio = one pair due paia = two pairs

  3. Rocky Rocky

    Forse quelle rosse sono più resistenti di quelle nere.

    Maybe the red ones are sturdier than the black ones.

  4. Bolin Bolin

    Sì, probabilmente ha ragione.

    Yes, you are probably right.

Common questions

Quick answers about this lesson's grammar and vocabulary.

How do you say 'I need ...' in Italian?

Mi serve + singular / mi servono + plural: mi serve un libro, mi servono le scarpe. Or: ho bisogno di + noun.

What is il trekking?

'Trekking / hiking' — English loanword. Italian also has: l'escursionismo (hiking). Andare a fare trekking = go hiking.

Common shoe adjectives in Italian?

Robusto (sturdy), comodo (comfortable), leggero (light), elegante (elegant), economico (cheap), caro (expensive).