Verbs with -isc-
While some -ire verbs are completely regular, many belong to a special group that inserts -isc- between the stem and the ending. This happens in all singular forms (io, tu, lui / lei / Lei) and the third-person plural (loro).
The noi and voi forms do not get the extra -isc-; they behave exactly like regular -ire verbs.
| Pronoun | Ending | Example: capire (to understand) |
|---|---|---|
| io | -isco | capisco |
| tu | -isci | capisci |
| lui / lei / Lei | -isce | capisce |
| noi | -iamo | capiamo |
| voi | -ite | capite |
| loro | -iscono | capiscono |
| I understand everything right away. | Capisco tutto subito. |
| Why don't you understand the problem? | Perché non capisci il problema? |
| The child does not understand everything. | Il bambino non capisce tutto. |
Other common -isc- verbs
This is a very common pattern in Italian. Other important -isc- verbs include finire (to finish), pulire (to clean), preferire (to prefer), and spedire (to send).
| I finish dinner immediately. | Finisco la cena subito. |
| When does the lesson finish? | Quando finisce la lezione? |
| We are leaving now, but they are finishing dinner. | Partiamo ora, ma loro finiscono la cena. |
| He eats, and I clean the table. | Lui mangia e io pulisco il tavolo. |
| Does she prefer tea or coffee? | Lei preferisce il tè o il caffè? |
| Do you send the letter today? | Spedisci la lettera oggi? |
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