We learn Italian step by step | Impariamo l'italiano piano piano

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In this episode, we take another important step forward… piano piano.
--> Link to Post for Transcript for this episode <--
We bring together two key ideas you’ve already started to explore:
 reflexive verbs and the gerundio.
You’ll learn:
 how reflexive verbs work in the passato prossimo (and why they always use essere) 
 how to form and use the reflexive gerund (svegliandosi, vestendosi…) 
 what changes when the gerund stands alone
 how reflexive verbs behave with stare + gerundio
 and how combined pronouns come together and attach
(preparandoselo, comprandoselo…) 
We build step by step, moving from familiar structures into more complex combinations, always grounded in clear examples from the story.
Then we return to Le Pagine del Passato with Capitolo 3, Parte 3: Collegamenti, where you’ll hear these structures in context.
As you listen, try to notice:
 reflexive verbs in action 
 moments where the gerund appears 
 and how pronouns interact within the sentence 
You may also hear a few new forms such as the trapassato prossimo and the congiuntivo. Don’t worry about producing them yet. This is your first exposure.
Just listen… and let the language settle in.
If you’d like extra support:
 full transcripts are available on Substack to show supporters
 vocabulary episodes are available for supporters 
 and chapter markers will help you return to any section 
And as always,
 thank you for learning Italian with me…
piano piano.

⏳ CHAPTERS

0:00 Introduction  
1:56 Quick Review – Reflexive Pronouns  
3:21 Passato Prossimo and the Reflexive Auxiliary  
4:42 Reflexive Actions from Chapter 3  
6:36 Reflexive Verbs with Il Gerundio  
8:12 Reflexive Verbs as Stand-alone Gerund  
9:22 Reflexive Verbs with Stare + Gerundio  
10:32 Practice with Reflexive Gerundio Standing Alone  
13:00 Combined Pronouns with Reflexive Verbs and the Gerund  
15:50 Story Listening Instructions  
17:58 Capitolo 3, Parte 3 – Italian Only Slow Speed  
22:51 A Quick Note on Some Forms You May Have Heard  
23:55 Comprehension Questions  
24:28 Chapter 3, Part 3 – Normal Speed  
28:56 Wrap-up
Support the show
I’d love to hear your thoughts on Impariamo l’italiano piano piano!
Here are a few ways you can connect with me:
Read my blog here
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You might even be featured on the show! 
Take the listener survey
Join us on meetup!
Email: [email protected]

All content © 2026 Impariamo l’italiano piano piano – Un impegno quotidiano

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In this preview of Bonus Episode 16B, we step into Category 6: Actions, Perception & States from Chapter 3, Part 3 of Le Pagine del Passato.
This time, it’s not just about what you see or hear…
 it’s about what you feel, what you imagine, and what you begin to understand.
You’ll hear a short excerpt from the vocabulary episode, where words like affascinata, immaginava, impressionava, and conservassero come to life in context.
And when Luca steps in to read… of course Antonio needs to show us how it’s really done.
The full bonus episode includes:
 guided contextual learning 
 slow and natural-speed Italian readings 
 active recall practice 
 and interactive exercises to help you truly use the language 
The rest of this episode is reserved for show supporters.
If you’d like access to the full bonus episode, transcripts, and study materials, click “Support the show”.
And in the next episode, we return to the story… where all of this vocabulary comes alive.
 ⏳ CHAPTERS
 0:00 Introduction
 2:36 Category 6 – Actions, Perception & States
 4:17 Italian Only Slow Speed – Category 6
 5:55 Italian Only Normal Speed – Category 6
 7:09 Bonus Episode Wrap-Up 
Support the show
I’d love to hear your thoughts on Impariamo l’italiano piano piano!
Here are a few ways you can connect with me:
Read my blog here
-->Leave me a voice message<-- 
You might even be featured on the show! 
Take the listener survey
Join us on meetup!
Email: [email protected]

All content © 2026 Impariamo l’italiano piano piano – Un impegno quotidiano

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In this bonus episode, we continue working through the vocabulary for Chapter 3, Part 3 of our story, moving beyond what we can see… and into how the space feels, sounds, and is experienced.
--> Vocabulary Flashcards for Bonus Episodes 16A and 16B <--
To help you go deeper, we continue with new categories and build on what you explored in Part A.
--> Link to Post for Transcript for this episode <--
In this episode, you’ll explore:
🎬 Movement and sound
 🧠 Actions, perception and states
 🧭 Space and position
For each category, you’ll hear:
 • a short contextual introduction
 • the same passage in Italian
 • active recall practice
 • and a mini quiz to help you use the words
This is where the scene begins to come alive…
 where sounds, impressions, and spatial awareness shape your understanding.
These bonus episodes are part of the Podcast Companion Series - designed to help you build your Italian actively, with repetition, context, and practice.
And if you’d like to practice live, you can join us in our community meetups.
 ⏳ CHAPTERS
 0:00 Introduction
 2:42 Category 5 – Movement & Sound
 5:16 Active Recall – Category 5
 6:22 Mini Quiz – Category 5
 7:24 Category 6 – Actions, Perception & States
 9:05 Introduzione Contestuale – Italiano – Category 6
 14:00 Mini Quiz – Category 6
 14:56 Category 7 – Space & Position
 16:11 Introduzione Contestuale – Italiano – Category 7
 17:49 Active Recall – Category 7
 19:03 Mini Quiz – Category 7
 19:45 Wrap-Up 
Live Italian practice session
Ready to start using Italian?
In this guided meetup, we’ll work through Episodes 19–23, focusing on the gerundio with examples like camminando and sto leggendo.
You’ll interact with Antonio and practice step by step.
👉 https://www.meetup.com/italian-piano-piano-community-meetup/events/313631277
Support the show
I’d love to hear your thoughts on Impariamo l’italiano piano piano!
Here are a few ways you can connect with me:
 Subscribe to my blog here
-->Leave me a voice message<-- 
You might even be featured on the show! 
Take the listener survey
Join us on meetup!
Email: [email protected]

All content © 2026 Impariamo l’italiano piano piano – Un impegno quotidiano

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In this short episode, we take a moment to welcome two new show supporters, Joe and Kelly Anne. Grazie mille for your support!
If you’ve recently joined as a supporter, you should have received an email from Buzzsprout with instructions on how to access the bonus episodes. If anything is unclear, don’t hesitate to reach out. I am always happy to help.
We’ve just released Bonus Episode 16A, a vocabulary episode for Chapter 3, Part 3 of Le Pagine del Passato, and 16B is coming very soon.
As a show supporter, you have access to:
 • Bonus vocabulary episodes
 • Full transcripts for all episodes
 • Interactive online flashcards for each bonus episode
 • Study guides and answer keys
You’ll find the transcripts and flashcards linked directly in the Substack post for each episode.
--> Vocabulary Flashcards for Bonus Episodes 16A and 16B <--
We also mention our upcoming live Meetup session, a guided class based on the podcast, where you can practice, ask questions, and build confidence with the language.
Thank you for being part of this journey.
Impariamo l’italiano… piano piano, con noi.
Support the show
I’d love to hear your thoughts on Impariamo l’italiano piano piano!
Here are a few ways you can connect with me:
Read my blog here
-->Leave me a voice message<-- 
You might even be featured on the show! 
Take the listener survey
Join us on meetup!
Email: [email protected]

All content © 2026 Impariamo l’italiano piano piano – Un impegno quotidiano

Send me a text
In this preview of Bonus Episode 16A, we begin exploring the vocabulary for Chapter 3, Part 3 of our story, a section where the language becomes richer, more detailed, and more immersive.
--> Link to Post for and Transcript for this episode <--
In this first category, you’ll hear vocabulary related to setting and atmosphere - the words that help you describe what surrounds you and shape the feeling of a place.
As always, you’ll experience the vocabulary step by step:
 • first in context
 • then in Italian
 • followed by active recall
 • and a short mini quiz
This is just a small part of the full episode.
In the complete version, we continue with additional categories that explore space, objects, history, and fine detail, giving you the tools to not just follow the story, but truly notice the language.
🎧 Want to continue?
To access the full version of this episode please click here to support the show.
Impariamo l’italiano… piano piano, con noi.
⏳ CHAPTERS  
0:00 Introduction
3:40 Category 1 – Contextual Introduction
5:00 Italian Only – Category 1
6:29 Active Recall – Category 1
7:30 Mini Quiz – Category 1
9:01 Wrap-Up 
Support the show
I’d love to hear your thoughts on Impariamo l’italiano piano piano!
Here are a few ways you can connect with me:
Read my blog here
-->Leave me a voice message<-- 
You might even be featured on the show! 
Take the listener survey
Join us on meetup!
Email: [email protected]

All content © 2026 Impariamo l’italiano piano piano – Un impegno quotidiano