Masculine and feminine in Italian
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The Italian language distinguishes two genders: masculine and feminine.
Be careful! Italian nouns always have a gender (even animals and things).
According to gender, we can identify four categories
masculine in -o
masculine in -e
feminine in -a
feminine in -e
Masculine | Italian | English |
---|---|---|
-o | albero | tree |
-e | fiore | flower |
Feminine | Italian | English |
---|---|---|
-a | bottiglia | bottle |
-e | stazione | station |
Here some tricks to recognize the gender of nouns ending in -e:
masculine: -ore, -ale, -ile
feminine: -ione, -udine, -ice
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The grammatical gender follows the natural one
The grammatical gender is just a language convention
masculine: tavolo, cappotto
table, coat
feminine: fiaba, maglia
fairy tale, shirt
Here some tricks to recognize the gender of inanimated beings
Masculine | Feminine | |
---|---|---|
Categories | trees chemical elements months, days of the week seas, mountains, lakes, rivers | fruits |
Endings | -o, -consonant (foreign origine) | -a, - i, -tà, -tù |
A lot of Italian nouns, in particular nouns of animated beings, can have both masculine and feminine forms.
In general, Italian nouns create the feminine form (or the masculine one) by editing their ending
Masculine | Feminine | Italian | English |
---|---|---|---|
-o | -a | nonno → nonna | grandfather → grandmother |
-e | -a | parrucchiere → parrucchiera | male hairdresser → female hairdresser |
A lot of nouns form their feminine form (or the masculine one) in an irregular way
Irregularities | Features | Italian | English |
---|---|---|---|
complete irregularity | two different words | fratello → sorella | brother → sister |
common gender | same form + different article | l(o)' artista →l(a)'artista | male artist → female artist |
promiscuous gender | same form + same article | (il) coniglio | rabbit |
suffix changing | same root + different suffix | studente → studentessa | male student → female student |
change of meaning | two different meanings | (il) caso → (la) casa | fate → house |
These nouns have two differents words for each gender
genero → nuora
son-in-law → daughter-in-law
dio → dea
god → goddess
These nouns (professions, jobs...) have the same form both for masculine and feminine. Just the article can distinguish the two genders.
(il) cantante → (la) cantante
male singer → female singer
(il) nipote → (la) nipote
nephew/grandson →niece/granddaughter
These nouns have just one form for both genders. Even the article is the same.
(la) vittima
victim
(il) medico
doctor
That works especially with nouns referring to animals. If you want to indicate the female animal, you have to specify it.
(il) leopardo → (il) leopardo femmina
male leopard → female leopard
(la) zebra→ (la) zebra maschio
female zebra → male zebra
The only exception are gatto→gatta (male cat → female cat) and cane → cagna (male dog → female dog)
These nouns keep their root but they change the suffix in the following way: -tore → -trice, -e → -essa, -a → -essa
attore → attrice
actor → actress
professore → professoressa
male teacher → female teacher
poeta → poetessa
poet → poetess
These nouns have a different meaning in masculine and feminine forms
(il) buco → (la) buca
hole → pit
(il) baleno → (la) balena
flash → whale
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Hello Everybody
My name is Luisa and I teach Italian for foreign students, English, French and German for Italian students
Since 1994, I have dedicated myself to translating and teaching thanks to my travels, abroad studies, foreign reading and writing. I provide fun and customized lessons based on the student's goals. I also triy to minimize English speaking during the lessons. I give homework exercises, and my lessons are intermixed with grammar, conversation, customs and traditions. My goal is to make certain that each student finds learning Italian exciting.
I am available for any explanations also via e mail
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Luisa is very patient and personable. I tend to want to understand the rules that underlie the conversation and she takes the time to explain them to me (as well as all the deviations from the rules of which there are a few in Italian). Working with her got me through living in Italy for 3+ months and I look forward to continuing our lessons well into the future.
Luisa A.Dear Juliet thank you, thank you so much !!!!! you improve because you're a good student !!!!
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Hello, I'm Paul originally from London, I've been teaching adults for 9 years online and in person, individually and in groups. I'm passionate about teaching and helping people improve their communication, I really like travelling and realise how important english can be for people's jobs and social lives so I do whatever I can so my students reach their objectives.
I love hearing people's opinions and discussing lots of subjects and I base my classes on your interests.
I have a very high success rate preparing students for exams and can offer some great tips and advice to help you pass whatever exam you're studying for.
If you'd like to meet to discuss your needs select a free lesson and you can see if you think I'm the right person to help you with your English. I look forward to hearing from you soon. Thanks!
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Paul is a well-structrured, certified and experienced teacher. He is passionate about teaching English and is a very good choice as a teacher.
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Hello, my name is Francesca.
I am qualified Italian teacher.
I love teaching and my lessons are always tailored on your goals. During the first lesson, we will identify what you want to learn or to improve and I will design your lessons.
My approach is largely conversational: that is role-plays, informal conversation or other activites to help you. I welcome beginners right up to proficient speakers.
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Had my trial class with Francesca. She creates a very inviting atmosphere for a pleasant communication despite the language challenges. Although it was just an introductory class, I have already learned a few things.. Going to continue my studies with Francesca !
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Ana is a genuinely nice person and her kindness and gentleness comes through in the lessons. I thoroughly enjoy Ana’s teaching , it’s informative and tailored exactly to what I want to achieve. I wholeheartedly recommend Ana as your Spanish tutor.
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**** Please contact me before booking a lesson, thanks! :-)*** Hello everyone, I'm Federica and I'm an italian and english teacher. Before being a teacher I've been a student infact I graduated in languages so I know very well how hard can be learning a new language. I'm interested in music, cinema, literature and I enjoy talking about several topics. I've been teaching since 2009 and in 2012 I've qualified as italian language teacher. I've experience with children and adults, with in company courses, with total beginners as well as with advanced. Also I've succesfully prepared a number of students for the most important english and italian certification (CELI, CILS, FIRST, PET, KET). Over the last years I've became specialized in one-to-one or small groups lessons because in this way I can create a tailored programme for each student. I follow a communicative approach and in my classes there's lot of room for speaking but I don't neglect grammar, listening and writing. I provide you with material, sometimes selfmade, other times taken from books, videos, or songs, but always useful to help you to immerse in the target language! At the end of every lesson I always assign homework in order to revise the things learnt. I define myself as a happy, positive and very patient person and I do my best to make the class a funny and relaxed moment. I look forward to meet you online!
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Federica has been a great teacher - our lessons are mainly for conversation and she is very patient, making corrections when necessary with pronunciation, translations, which words to use, etc. Her explanations are very clear as well. Most importantly she is very punctual with classes which I appreciate. In summary, I have enjoyed the classes immensely and look forward to future improvement!
Federica C.Thanks, I'm sure you will improve a lot! :-)
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Hi everyone!
My name is Daniela, I am Italian and I come from a small town in Sicily, Southern Italy. I am a qualified Italian language teacher and a CELI examiner! I work in two language schools teaching Italian and I also teach English at school.
I love foreign languages, translating, reading and listening to music. Are you ready to start your language learning path with me? We are going to learn many things and to talk a lot, if you allow me to! Don’t worry if you’ve never studied the language before: everyone can attend my classes – from beginner to advanced students. You just need passion for what you're going to do and... a good Internet connection. Materials are provided by me!
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Daniela is a wonderful teacher and a pleasure to talk to. Any student would be lucky to have her as a teacher. Thank you Daniela for your help with my Italian!!!
Daniela V.Ciao Robbie, thanks a lot for your feedback. I'm very happy you like the classes together and I'll do my best to keep them as fun and interesting as possible :-)
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Do you want to learn Italian to know better the Italian culture and enjoy a trip in Italy? Do you need it for your business or to speak with your relatives?
Whatever is your reason in learning Italian I can help you and personalize your lesson according to your needs and interest.
My work as Italian tutor started with my love for languages and for travels. I experienced that learning a new language is a way to know a new culture and to enrich your knowledge of the world.
I started teaching Italian online few years ago. I have a TEFL certificate, and currently teach students from different parts of the world.
Before teaching Italian, I worked for a few years after graduation in tourism.
I believe that the teacher work requires continual renewal and study of new teaching methods is part of my job.
Feel free to contact me so we can tailor your personal lessons.
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A big 'thank you'to Davide for the last 12 lessons. We have done some very useful work together and he is supportive and encouraging.
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Hi everyone!
My name is Daniela, I am Italian and I come from a small town in Sicily, Southern Italy. I am a qualified Italian language teacher and a CELI examiner! I work in two language schools teaching Italian and I also teach English at school.
I love foreign languages, translating, reading and listening to music. Are you ready to start your language learning path with me? We are going to learn many things and to talk a lot, if you allow me to! Don’t worry if you’ve never studied the language before: everyone can attend my classes – from beginner to advanced students. You just need passion for what you're going to do and... a good Internet connection. Materials are provided by me!
See you online!
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Fabulous teacher. Very clear, very encouraging and very helpful. Also very flexible and accommodating. Cannot recommend Daniela highly enough.
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My name is Jay and I'm from Morocco I love to teach English and share my knowledge of Moroccan and western culture with young students.
My degree is in English Studies. I possess a CELTA certificate as well and I have also worked for 7 years in both Morocco and China.
I like basketball and going to the gym.
I believe the most effective way to feel comfortable and confident with learning English is to enjoy having conversations with a teacher who guides students in lessons that are fun and interesting, with plenty of congratulations and corrections where necessary!
I am friendly, motivated, funny, and more importantly patient.
And I love to teach children and adults.
I hope and look forward to seeing you, in one of my classes soon.
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Jalal is a teacher with experience in several countries with lots of passion about teaching English.
This review was written by a coLanguage team member during a manual screening of this teacher profile.
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Maria is a well-structured teacher that is fluent in both russian and spanish. I recommend her to anyone!
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Hi everyone!
My name is Daniela, I am Italian and I come from a small town in Sicily, Southern Italy. I am a qualified Italian language teacher and a CELI examiner! I work in two language schools teaching Italian and I also teach English at school.
I love foreign languages, translating, reading and listening to music. Are you ready to start your language learning path with me? We are going to learn many things and to talk a lot, if you allow me to! Don’t worry if you’ve never studied the language before: everyone can attend my classes – from beginner to advanced students. You just need passion for what you're going to do and... a good Internet connection. Materials are provided by me!
See you online!
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Daniela is an excellent teacher. has a lot of patience and you shouldn't be afraid of making mistakes. she is always there to help you. Thanks Daniela
Daniela V.Dear Linda, thank you for your positive feedback. I am very happy that you feel comfortable and this is very important to me. Thanks to you for the great trust :-)
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Why should you choose me? Take a look at what people say who have taken online classes with me.
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My lessons are based on conversations. My method is to help you practice the language from the very beginning in spontaneous and direct conversations, using often role plays.
With books, articles, songs, and other interesting and stimulating material I will encourage conversation, develop grammar in a simpler way, and improve pronunciation.
Learning a foreign language is not a matter of doing much effort, but rather of being consistent, enjoying the lessons and allowing your intuition to work with you. You will book immediate results while having fun!
I've been teaching Dutch, Spanish and Italian for many years, in The Netherlands, for private institutes, for the integration of foreigners into society (Inburgering), and online from Italy, where I currently live.
Contact me for a free trial and let me know how I can help you.
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Elena is an excellent Italian native teacher. She is very punctual, professional and friendly. My daughter and I love the lessons given by her. During the lesson she easily adapts to the difference in level between my daughter and me. In the lesson she takes the time to have a conversation in which we practice the learned material. We highly recommend Elena!!
Elena P.Thank you, Angalinna. I'm happy to know that you are both satisfied with the lessons. Keep on learning and you'll continue to improve!
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**Other time slots can be made available upon request. Don't hesitate to get in touch**
Native speaker from Paris with about 15 years of teaching experience. I’m well-travelled, and I’ve lived and worked in different parts of the world (Europe, Latin America, North America, Africa, Australia and a little bit in Asia).
I have a postgraduate degree (France) in Languages, Literature and Cultural Studies and I’m currently a freelance translator. I’ve previously worked at universities in France and abroad (South Africa/Australia) and have a solid experience in teaching (French Language, Literature, Philosophy, Cultural Studies, Creative Writing, etc.), designing courses, evaluating and guiding students, preparing students for exams/job interviews/professional presentations, managing a Language and Literature department at the university, presenting papers at academic conferences worldwide, publishing, translating and journalism. Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to teach people with different profiles and from various backgrounds: international professionals, university students, beginner translators and teachers, high school students, retirees, travellers, francophiles, children (help with homework), etc.
Being an open-minded, flexible and patient teacher, I enjoy helping others to discover their potential and to explore it. Adapting myself to my students' needs, pace and objectives is essential for me, and designing the best way to work with each student is very stimulating and rewarding.
After the initial introductory lesson, I will design customised lesson plans that will evolve as you progress. We can also, at any time during the programme, change our working method if you wish to do so. I remain very flexible in that regard.
The learning materials will be varied, and we will choose together the themes and aspects of French language to be covered, in line with your objectives. In any case, I am very attentive in general, so please don't hesitate to make any suggestions.
Regardless of your level and objectives, I'm sure that we can find the best way possible to share and enjoy this French language adventure together.
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I've studied with Priscilla for a month already. For me, every lesson is a great experience! Priscilla is very considerate, supportive, and attentive to the needs of her students. Priscilla uses wide variety of materials and always finds something special for you, so you can both upgrade your knowledge and enjoy the process of learning :) After every lesson I feel more confident in my French :)
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Hi everyone!
My name is Daniela, I am Italian and I come from a small town in Sicily, Southern Italy. I am a qualified Italian language teacher and a CELI examiner! I work in two language schools teaching Italian and I also teach English at school.
I love foreign languages, translating, reading and listening to music. Are you ready to start your language learning path with me? We are going to learn many things and to talk a lot, if you allow me to! Don’t worry if you’ve never studied the language before: everyone can attend my classes – from beginner to advanced students. You just need passion for what you're going to do and... a good Internet connection. Materials are provided by me!
See you online!
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Daniela is an extraordinary teacher and has helped me become very confident in speaking Italian and I really like every lesson, thanks Daniela.
Daniela V.Dear Pip, thank you for your positive feedback and thank you for your trust !. You're doing an exceptional job, keep it up :-)
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