Learn Hardcore Italian: Io imparo la lingua.

Imparo is the first person singular form of the verb imparare, which means to learn. So in this sentence, it translates to I learn (or I am learning, depending on context).

Why is the subject pronoun Io included even though the verb form already indicates the subject?

Italian is a pro-drop language, meaning subject pronouns are often omitted because the verb ending (in this case, -o) clearly indicates the subject. Io is included here to add emphasis or clarity, especially for beginners.

How is the verb imparare conjugated in the present tense?

Imparare is a regular -are verb. Its present tense conjugation is:
• Io imparo – I learn
• Tu impari – You learn
• Lui/Lei impara – He/She learns
• Noi impariamo – We learn
• Voi imparate – You (plural) learn
• Loro imparano – They learn

What does la lingua mean, and why is the definite article used?

La lingua means the language. In Italian, definite articles are typically used with nouns to specify or generalize a concept. Here, the article la indicates that it’s referring to a specific language understood from context.

How would you form the negative version of the sentence Io imparo la lingua?

To form the negative, place non before the verb. The negative sentence becomes: Non imparo la lingua, which means I do not learn the language.