Introduction
The present progressive in Italian is used to describe actions that are currently ongoing or happening at the moment of speaking. This construction is formed using the verb "stare" followed by the gerund form of the main verb.
Structure
The present progressive is formed with:
Stare + Gerund
Conjugation of "Stare"
| Subject Pronoun | Conjugation |
|---|---|
| Io | sto |
| Tu | stai |
| Lui/Lei | sta |
| Noi | stiamo |
| Voi | state |
| Loro | stanno |
Forming the Gerund
Regular Verbs
- -are verbs: Replace -are with -ando
- Example: parlare → parlando
- -ere verbs: Replace -ere with -endo
- Example: leggere → leggendo
- -ire verbs: Replace -ire with -endo
- Example: dormire → dormendo
Irregular Gerunds
Some verbs have irregular gerund forms:
- fare → facendo
- dire → dicendo
- bere → bevendo
Examples
Common Sentences
- Io sto parlando.
- I am speaking.
- Tu stai leggendo.
- You are reading.
- Lui sta dormendo.
- He is sleeping.
- Noi stiamo studiando.
- We are studying.
- Voi state scrivendo.
- You (plural) are writing.
- Loro stanno facendo i compiti.
- They are doing homework.
Usage
The present progressive is primarily used to emphasize that an action is in progress at the moment of speaking.
Conclusion
The present progressive in Italian, using "stare" + gerund, highlights actions currently unfolding. It’s a powerful tool for conveying immediacy and ongoing activity.