We learn Italian step by step | Impariamo l'italiano piano piano
Impariamo l’italiano piano piano is a story-based podcast designed for B1 to B2 Italian language learners who want to immerse themselves in engaging narratives while strengthening their grammar and vocabulary. Novices are welcome too—because we take everything piano piano, one gentle step at a time.Each episode unfolds through an ongoing story, allowing you to experience Italian in context, naturally reinforcing key structures like the imperfetto, passato prossimo, and congiuntivo. You’ll also get guided practice, interactive exercises, and cultural insights to help you think, speak, and write in Italian with more confidence.Your host Myra—an instructional designer...
Bonus Episode 08 Preview - Dove si trova il pacco? – A Neighborly Mystery of Italian Commands
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🎧 Bonus Episode 8 Preview - Dove si trova il pacco? – A Neighborly Mystery of Italian Commands
Elena’s package has disappeared, and the clock is ticking before her nonna’s birthday! Follow the mystery from the very beginning in this preview of our newest Power Up story. In the full version, you’ll practice all types of Italian commands (formal, informal, reflexive, negative, irregular, and with pronouns!) across four scenes, each with guided review and a replay.
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Episode 12 - Trust Yourself… or Don’t! – Italian Negative Reflexive Commands in Action
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🎧 Episode 12 - Trust Yourself… or Don’t! – Italian Negative Reflexive Commands in Action
In this episode of Impariamo l’italiano piano piano – Un impegno quotidiano, we return to Le Pagine del Passato, where Mariella meets a mysterious woman who tells her, “Fidati del tuo istinto.” But what if she wanted to say the opposite - “Non ti fidare”?
We’ll explore how Italian forms negative reflexive commands, discover when to use non ti riposare instead of riposati, and review how pronouns shift position in negative imperatives. Along the way, we’ll revisit...
Episode 11 - The Rebel Verbs: Mastering Italian's Irregular Commands
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🎧 Episode 11 - The Rebel Verbs: Mastering Italian's Irregular Commands
In this episode of Impariamo l’italiano piano piano, Myra and Antonio return to the story “Le Pagine del Passato” to uncover a new set of Italian imperatives—this time, the irregular ones!
After revisiting the mysterious encounter under the lamplight, they dive into real-life examples of how to use the most common irregular commands, like fa’, da’, di’, sta’, va’, sii, abbi, and vieni. Along th...
Episode 10 - Gentle Orders and Friendly Advice
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Episode 10 – Gentle Orders, Friendly Advice: Forming the Imperativo
🎧 Episode 10 – Gentle Orders, Friendly Advice
Podcast: We Learn Italian Step by Step | Impariamo l’italiano piano piano
In this episode, we step deeper into the imperativo—Italian commands that can sound sharp, polite, or even affectionate depending on how they’re used.
With Antonio (always ready to “command”), Paolo (ever the critic), and Myra guiding the way, we explore:
How to form regular imperativo with -ARE, -ERE, and -IRE verbs.Why tu and Lei seem to “swit...Episode 9 - From Orders to Invitations: Introducing the Italian Imperativo
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🎧 Episode 9 – From Orders to Invitations: Introducing the Italian Imperativo
Podcast: We Learn Italian Step by Step | Impariamo l’italiano piano piano
Welcome to Chapter 2! In this episode, we explore one of Italian’s most practical (and most used!) verb forms: l’imperativo - the command form.
But don’t be fooled: Italian commands aren’t just about barking orders. They can be warm invitations, gentle advice, or urgent instructions, all depending on tone and context.
✨ Here’s what you’ll hear in this episode:
E...👀 Bonus Episode 07B Preview - Italian Emotions, Shadows, and Sudden Turns
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🎧 Bonus Episode 07B Preview – Emotions, Shadows, and Sudden Turns – Chap 2 Part 1
In Bonus Episode 7A, we already opened the door to Chapter 2 with two free categories of vocabulary. Now, in this short preview of 7B, Antonio steps in with his usual energy… and even takes a little initiative of his own.
You’ll get a taste of the atmosphere that sets the scene for Chapter 2, along with Antonio’s unexpected announcement about sharing part of the bonus content with everyone. But this is only the beginning.
The full ve...
🛠️ Bonus Episode 07B - Italian Emotions, Shadows, and Sudden Turns
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🎧 Bonus Episode 07B – Emotions, Shadows, and Sudden Turns – Chap 2 Part 1
In this second half of our vocabulary gateway into Chapter 2: Mysterious Encounters at the Station, the atmosphere deepens and the vocabulary grows.
Antonio takes center stage, Myra regains her footing, and together we explore three more categories of words you will need to follow the suspense:
🧥 Category 3: People & Objects – from donna anziana and sciarpa to cappotto and messaggio.
⚡ Category 4: Actions & Commands – essential imperatives like fidati, segui, riprenditi, and sali.
👣 Category 5: Movement & Sound – the steps, echoes, and shadows o...
🛠️ Bonus Episode 07A - Emotions, Shadows, and Sudden Turns - Chap 2 Part 1
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🎧 Bonus Episode 07A – Emotions, Shadows, and Sudden Turns – Chap 2 Part 1
In this first half of our vocabulary gateway into Chapter 2: Mysterious Encounters at the Station, we begin exploring the words that set the scene.
Together with Antonio, we look at the first two categories you will need to follow the suspense:
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Mini Episode 07 – The Moment It Happened: Passato Prossimo in Action
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🎙 Welcome to We learn Italian step by step / Impariamo l’italiano piano pian
🎧 Mini Episode 07 – The Moment It Happened: Passato Prossimo in Action
In this mini episode, we take a closer look at how the passato prossimo works on its own and alongside the imperfetto. First, we review the building blocks of the tense and practice with verbs drawn from Chapter 1 of our story. Then we expand with a few new verbs and see how quick “snapshots” of completed action can suddenly interrupt the flowing background of the...
Mini Episode 6 – Maybe, If Only, Hopefully… Magari! An Italian Language Journey
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🎙 Welcome to We Learn Italian Step by Step / Impariamo l’italiano piano piano
🎧 Mini Episode 6 – Learn Italian with Magari, Rimbocchiamoci, and Studenti Saggi
In this mini episode, we dive into three memorable pieces of Italian. First, the tiny but powerful word magari, which can mean maybe, hopefully, or even if only. Next, we roll up our sleeves with the expression rimbocchiamoci le maniche, and explore how similar verbs work when Italians do things “together.” Finally, we return to a question from Episode 1: what should we call...
Mini Episode 05 – Imperfetto Rebels: Irregular Verbs & Fishy Proverbs
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🎧 Mini Episode 05 – Imperfetto Rebels: Irregular Verbs & Fishy Proverbs
In this mini episode of Impariamo l’italiano piano piano, we turn to the “celebrities” of the imperfetto: irregular verbs. From essere, always stealing the spotlight, to fare, dire, and bere, we’ll break down their stems and show you how they fit into everyday storytelling.
But verbs aren’t the only stars today. We’ll also explore some classic Italian sayings about fish, from the well-known chi dorme non piglia pesci...
Mini Episode 04 – Regular Verbs in the Imperfetto: Conjugations & Clues
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In this mini episode, we shine the spotlight on regular verbs in the imperfetto. Together, we’ll walk through new examples from all three verb groups (-are, -ere, and -ire), practice their conjugations, and see how they flow naturally in everyday sentences.
But it’s not just about charts and endings. Antonio also brings along a few playful riddles to test your memory. Can you guess the right verb in the imperfetto? Pause, think, and then check yourself against Antonio’s answers.
By the end, you’ll have add...
Mini Episode 3 - From Wolves to Formal You in Everyday Italian
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🎧 Mini Episode 3 – From Wolves to Formal You in Everyday Italian
In this mini episode, we revisit three everyday Italian expressions that popped up in Episode 2 of our story - each one revealing something unique about how Italians communicate.
You’ll learn:
How Italians wish you good luck with In bocca al lupo!What una bella sfida really means (hint: it's more than just a “beautiful challenge”)Why che mi racconti di bello? is a friendly way to say “What’s new?” — and when not to use itWe’ll also exp...
Mini Episode 02 – Small Italian Words with Big Reactions
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🎧Mini Episode 2 – Small Italian Words with Big Reactions: “Come on!”, “What’s wrong?”, “Whatever.”
Featuring: Dai, su! – Che c’è? – Va be…
What do you say in Italian when someone’s stalling, being dramatic, or just not listening? In this short episode, we’ll unpack three everyday expressions: Dai, su! (Come on!), Che c’è? (What’s wrong?), and Va be… (Whatever.). All drawn from Episode 1 of the podcast — and all worth adding to your spoken Italian.
✨ Want to participate? Leave Myra a voice message using the link here. You might even hear your voice in a fu...
Mini Episode 01 – Che crudeltà! / What Cruelty! And a Special Interview
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🎧 Mini Episode 1 – Behind the Voice: Meet Antonio + Learn “Che crudeltà!”
In this short and playful mini-episode, Myra shares an update on the podcast, reveals the story behind Antonio (your ever-charming Italian narrator), and breaks down a handy Italian expression: “Che crudeltà!” (What cruelty!).
You’ll hear an excerpt from Myra’s interview on the How to Podcast show, find out how Antonio came to life, and learn how to use the Italian “che + noun” structure to express emotion like a native.
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Episode 08 - It Was a Dark and Stormy Verb - Meet the Passato Remoto
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🎧 Episode 08 – Introduction to Passato Remoto
Podcast: We Learn Italian Step by Step | Impariamo l’italiano piano piano
Ready for a taste of Italian literary drama? In this episode, we dip our toes into il passato remoto—the stylish past tense often found in books, fairy tales, and formal storytelling. But don’t worry, we’re keeping it simple: just the third person singular.
Together with Antonio, we explore how to recognize and understand this elegant one-word tense—no auxiliary verbs, no avere or essere in si...
Episode 07 - Chapter One Review
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🎙 Episode Seven: Impariamo l’italiano piano piano – Un impegno quotidiano
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📌 Episode Summary
We’ve reached the end of Chapter 1 of Le Pagine del Passato! In this special recap episode, you’ll hear the entire chapter in three immersive formats—first in Italian, then in a bilingual version (English + Italian), and finally as a literary retelling in passato remoto, the tense often used in Italian storytelling.
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🎤 Interview Episode 02 - Dottoressa Chiara Brambilla
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🎤 Interview Episode Two – A Conversation with Chiara Brambilla
Teaching, Writing & Learning from Mistakes—Piano Piano
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In this episode, we sit down with Chiara Brambilla, the creator of the blog SOS Italian and author of the popular SOS grammar books. Chiara teaches Italian online and shares practical tools for learners of all levels—especially those navigating the challenges of intermediate Italian.
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👀 Bonus Episode 06 Preview – Vocabulary for our Interview with Dottoressa Chiara Brambilla
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🎧 Bonus Episode 06 Preview – Vocabulary for our Interview with Dottoressa Chiara Brambilla
Vocabulary Boost for Interview Episode 02 – Preview Version
-> Link to vocabulary flashcards for Interview Episode 2 Leave me a voice message
🛠️ Bonus Episode 06 - Vocabulary for our Interview with Chiara Brambilla
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🎧 Bonus Episode 06 – Vocabulary for our Interview with Dottoressa Chiara Brambilla
To Prepare for Interview Episode 02
-> Link to vocabulary flashcards for Interview Episode 2
🎤 Interview Episode 01 - Professoressa Daniela Bartalesi-Graf
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🎤 Interview Episode One – A Conversation with Professoressa Daniela Bartalesi-Graf
Teaching, Learning & Staying Motivated—Piano Piano
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In this special interview episode, we sit down with Professoressa Daniela Bartalesi-Graf, a language educator at Wellesley College and the creator of one of the most respected Italian courses on EdX.
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👀 Bonus Episode 05 Preview – Vocabulary for our Interview with Professoressa Daniela Bartalesi-Graf
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👀 Bonus Episode 05 Preview– Vocabulary for our Interview with Professoressa Daniela Bartalesi-Graf
Vocabulary Boost for Interview Episode 01 – Preview Version
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In this special bonus episode, we preview the vocabulary you'll hear in our interview with Professoressa Daniela Bartalesi-Graf—creator of the renowned It...
🛠️ Bonus Episode 05 - Vocabulary for our Interview with Professoressa Daniela Bartalesi-Graf
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🎧 Bonus Episode 05 – Vocabulary for our Interview with Professoressa Daniela Bartalesi-Graf
To Prepare for Interview Episode 01
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Before you listen to our inspiring conversation with Professoressa Daniela Bartalesi-Graf, take a moment to explore the key vocabulary you'll hear throughout the interview. This bonus episode gives you a head start with words and expressions grouped into five practical categories:
-> Link to vocabulary flashcards for Interview Episode 1 Link to Inte...
Episode 06 – Reflecting on Ourselves: Reflexive Verbs in Chapter One
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🎙 Podcast Episode Six: Impariamo l’italiano piano piano – Un impegno quotidiano
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In this episode, we dive into i verbi riflessivi—reflexive verbs that describe actions we do to or for ourselves. You’ll learn how to recognize them, how to conjugate them in the present tense and passato prossimo, and how to use them naturally in context.
With examples from Chapter One of our story, plus a few poetic detour...
👀 Bonus Episode 04 Preview – Passato Prossimo: Your Practice Power-Up! 🏋️♀️
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Curious about what’s inside our bonus episodes? In this preview of Bonus Episode 04 – Passato Prossimo: Your Practice Power-Up!, you’ll get a taste of the interactive practice session designed to strengthen your Italian grammar muscles.
We’ll review how to form the passato prossimo, warm up with a mix of essere and avere conjugations, and even tackle the tricky è vs. e pronunciation point.
📜 The full transcript with vocabulary lists, grammar notes, and contextual stories is available to show supporters at https://www.welearnitalianstepbystep.com
🎧 Want the full episode, i...
🛠️ Bonus Episode 04 – Passato Prossimo: Your Practice Power-Up! 🏋️♀️
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🎧 Bonus Episode 04 – Passato Prossimo: Your Practice Power-Up! 🏋️♀️ – To Reinforce Episodes 04 and 05
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Episode 05: Secrets Revealed – Passato Prossimo Part 2
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🎙 Podcast Episode Five: Impariamo l’italiano piano piano – Un impegno quotidiano
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In this episode, we continue exploring the passato prossimo, focusing on how to recognize when to use it in a story—and how it shifts the action forward. Through Mariella’s memories and an unexpected visit from her friend Zina, we see how past events and new discoveries intertwine.
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👀 Bonus Episode 03 Preview – Vocabulary for Secrets Revealed
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🎧 Bonus Episode 03 Preview – Vocabulary for Surprises, Storms & New Directions
-> Link to vocabulary flashcards for Chapter 1 Part 4
🛠️ Bonus Episode 03 - Vocabulary for Secrets Revealed
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🎧 Bonus Episode 03 – Vocabulary for Surprises, Storms & New Directions – To Prepare for Episode 05
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Before we reach the dramatic conclusion of Chapter 1 in Le Pagine del Passato, take a moment to explore the rich vocabulary that brings these final scenes to life. In this bonus episode, we focus on key words and expressions from Chapter 1, Part 4 – where emotions run high, secrets emerge, and a mysterious letter might just change everything.
💛 L...
Episode 04 - The Moment Everything Changes - Passato Prossimo Part 1
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🎙 Podcast Episode Four: Impariamo l’italiano piano piano - Un impegno quotidiano
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In this episode, we take our first deep dive into the passato prossimo, the Italian past tense used for completed actions. Whether you’re still a novice in the realm of italian past tenses or if you've been practicing for a while, this tense helps you share past experiences with clarity and precision.
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👀 Bonus Episode 02 Preview – Vocabulary for The Moment Everything Changes
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🎧 Bonus Episode 02 Preview – Vocabulary for Rainy Days and Heroic Tales
🌧️ A sneak peek at our second bonus episode – Vocabulary Boost for Chapter 1, Part 3 (coming in Episode 4)
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Before stepping into the next part of our story, join us for this special preview of Bonus Episode 02—designed to help you absorb key Italian words and phrases before they appear in the narrative.
--> Link to vocabulary flashcards for Chapter 1 Pa...
🛠️ Bonus Episode 02 – Vocabulary for The Moment Everything Changes
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🎧 Bonus Episode 02 – Vocabulary for Rainy Days and Heroic Tales – To Prepare for Episode 04
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Before turning the page to the next chapter of our story, let’s pause to explore the vocabulary you’ll soon hear in action. In this bonus episode, we’ll review essential Italian words and phrases from Chapter 1, Part 3 of Le Pagine del Passato – La Biblioteca Antica.
--> Link to vocabulary flashcards for Chapter 1 Part 3
Episode 03 - Imperfetto in Action - The Imperfetto Part 3
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🎙 Podcast Episode Three: Impariamo l’italiano piano piano - Un impegno quotidiano
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In this episode, we continue our exploration of l’imperfetto as we follow Mariella’s journey through Florence. Through storytelling and guided practice, you’ll deepen your understanding of this essential past tense and see how it brings a narrative to life.
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Episode 02 - Crafting the Past - The Imperfetto Part 2
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🎙 Podcast Episode Two: Impariamo l’italiano piano piano - Un impegno quotidiano
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In this episode, we continue our journey through one of Italian’s most essential past tenses: l’imperfetto. We’ve already explored its key uses—descriptions, habits, and ongoing past actions—but now, we’ll take it a step further by learning how to form this beautifully melodic tense.
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👀 Bonus Episode 01 Preview – Crafting the Past
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🎧 Preview – Bonus Episode 01: Vocabulary for Dreamers
🌙 A sneak peek at the bonus episode that prepares you for Episode 2
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Before we continue our story, let’s warm up with some essential Italian vocabulary! This preview gives you the first category from our bonus episode Vocabulary for Dreamers, along with a sample of the interactive learning style you’ll find in the full version.
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🛠️ Bonus Episode 01 - Crafting the Past
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🎧 Bonus Episode 01 - Vocabulary for Dreamers - To preceed Episode 02
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Before diving into the next part of our story, let’s take a moment to strengthen our Italian vocabulary! In this special bonus episode, you’ll review key words and phrases that will help you follow along with ease.
--> Link to vocabulary flashcards for Chapter 1 Part 2
Episode 01 - The Poetry of the Past - The Imperfetto Part 1
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🎙 Welcome to We learn Italian step by step / Impariamo l’italiano piano piano
Episode 01 - The Poetry of the Past - The Imperfetto Part 1
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In this episode, we'll begin our exploration of one of Italian's most poetic and versatile tenses: l’imperfetto. Through vivid examples and storytelling, we’ll uncover the beauty of thi...
Episode Zero - Welcome to Your Italian Journey (Start here 📍)
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🎙 Welcome to We learn Italian step by step / Impariamo l’italiano piano piano
Benvenuti! If you're looking for an engaging way to improve your Italian—beyond textbooks and rigid grammar drills—you’re in the right place. This podcast blends storytelling with structured grammar practice, helping you learn naturally and step by step—piano piano.
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In each episode, you’ll hear Italian in context, uncover key grammar points, and a...
We learn Italian step by step - Podcast Trailer: What to Expect
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🎧 We learn Italian step by step | Impariamo l'italiano piano piano Podcast Trailer
Step into a story—and learn Italian piano piano.
In this short trailer, meet Myra, your host and fellow language learner, and Antonio Giovanni Maria di Rossi, a very opinionated Italian narrator. Together, they’ll introduce you to a podcast designed for upper beginner to intermediate learners who want to build fluency through mystery, meaning, and a touch of drama.
Each episode blends Italian storytelling with guided grammar, vocabulary, and interactive practice. This isn’t just a...
