The most common Italian verb for “to learn” is imparare. Apprendere has a more formal tone and often emphasizes acquiring knowledge or understanding.
to learn in Italian = imparare or apprendere, pronounced approximately eem-pah-RAH-reh / ahp-PREN-deh-reh.
How Do You Say to learn in Italian?
Imparare means to learn or become able to do something. Apprendere means to learn, acquire, or understand, and is more common in formal or written contexts.
Meaning: to learn; to acquire knowledge or a skill
Use imparare a before an infinitive when learning how to do something: imparare a parlare italiano means “to learn to speak Italian.” Both verbs use avere in compound tenses.
Different Ways to Express to learn
The two verbs overlap, but imparare is the everyday default, while apprendere is more formal and knowledge-focused.
1. Imparare — everyday “to learn”
imparare — to learn. This is the natural choice for learning a language, skill, or practical task. To practice it with useful actions, see common verbs in Italian.
2. Imparare a + infinitive — learn how to
imparare a nuotare — to learn to swim. Use a before another infinitive to describe the skill you are acquiring.
3. Apprendere — acquire or learn
apprendere — to learn; to acquire. This verb is more formal and is often used for information, concepts, or knowledge.
4. Studiare — study
studiare — to study. Studiare describes studying or practicing a subject. It does not always mean that learning has already taken place.
to learn in Italian: Quick Comparison
Use this comparison to choose the form that best fits your sentence. Pay attention to whether you are counting, describing a quality, or referring to a particular situation.
| Italian | Meaning | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| imparare | to learn | Everyday learning |
| imparare a nuotare | to learn to swim | Learning an action |
| apprendere | to learn; to acquire | Formal or academic contexts |
| studiare | to study | The process of studying |
How to Pronounce imparare or apprendere
In imparare, stress the third syllable: im-pa-RA-re. In apprendere, stress the first e after pr: ap-PREN-de-re. Double consonants are held slightly longer.
Example Sentences Using to learn
Read each example aloud and notice how the surrounding words give the phrase its exact meaning. The English translation is natural rather than a strict word-for-word rendering.
Meaning: I want to learn Italian.
Use: Imparare is the common verb for learning a language.
Meaning: He or she learned to drive.
Use: Use a before the infinitive guidare.
Meaning: The students learn new words.
Use: Apprendere sounds more formal.
Frequently Asked Questions About to learn in Italian
Tap a question below to see the answer.
How do you say “to learn” in Italian?
The everyday verb is imparare.
What is the difference between <em>imparare</em> and <em>apprendere</em>?
Imparare is the common everyday choice; apprendere sounds more formal and knowledge-focused.
How do you say “to learn to swim”?
Say imparare a nuotare.
Does <em>studiare</em> mean “to learn”?
It means “to study.” It describes the process and may or may not imply that something has been learned.
What auxiliary do these verbs use in the past?
Both commonly use avere, as in ho imparato (“I learned”).
Summary: to learn in Italian
Use imparare for the everyday sense “to learn,” especially a language or skill. Use imparare a plus an infinitive for learning an action. Apprendere is more formal, and studiare means “to study.”
