Ascolto bene la domanda.

I listen well to the question.

Breakdown of Ascolto bene la domanda.

• io: I
• bene: well
• la domanda: the question
• ascoltare: to listen

Questions & Answers about Ascolto bene la domanda.

Why does ascolto take a direct object here and not a preposition (for example, a)?

In Italian, ascoltare means to listen to and is used with a direct object. There’s no preposition. So, while in English you say “listen to something,” in Italian you simply say ascoltare qualcosa without adding a.

Why is bene used instead of buono?

Bene is an adverb and modifies the verb ascoltare (how someone listens), while buono is an adjective and describes nouns. Since you want to say listen well, you use bene.

Why can the subject (“Io”) be left out of the sentence?

Italian is a pro-drop language, meaning the pronoun subject can be omitted. The verb ending -o in ascolto already implies the subject is “I.”

Can I say Sto ascoltando bene la domanda instead?

Yes, you can. Using sto ascoltando emphasizes the ongoing action (like I am listening right now), while ascolto is a simple present form meaning I listen or I do listen in a more general sense.

Is there a difference in meaning if I say Sento bene la domanda instead of Ascolto bene la domanda?

Sentire focuses on the passive act of hearing (acknowledging the sound), while ascoltare is an active process (making an effort to listen). If you say Sento bene la domanda, you’re emphasizing that you can hear it clearly, but if you say Ascolto bene la domanda, you’re emphasizing that you are actively paying attention to it.