Dialogue: Shopping for Clothes, Pt. 1

Da dove iniziamo? Dai regali per gli altri o da quelli per noi stesse?

Firsthand experience has taught me that the most effective way to learn a language is by using it in real life.

To help you get that real-life experience without leaving your home, we (meaning myself + Carlotta Macchini) put together this dialogue for you. It’s about two friends — both Italian — who are meeting to do some shopping.

Unlike other dialogues made for students, this one is full of everyday language, and it doesn’t simplify the conversation.

If you’re a beginner, you’ll notice that a lot of the language is complex, but that doesn’t mean you can’t use it to learn. Don’t let the length or the big words intimidate you. What’s more, you’ll notice that the translation from Italian to English is not literal.

That’s on purpose because there are words / phrases that don’t directly translate in the same way.

Buono studio!

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[Texting…] Giulia – Sto arrivando, sono ad un passo da te, aspettami di fronte a Gilli che ci prendiamo un caffè. – I’m arriving, I’m right around the corner from you, wait for me in front of Gilli’s so we can get a coffee.

[Texting back] Marta – Benissimo, sono già qua. – Great, I’m already here.

Giulia: (Waving her hand) – Ciao tesoro!! – Hi darling!!