Welcome to Lesson 11 of the Latinum Institute's Italian course for English speakers. In this lesson, we will explore the Italian verb "avere," which means "to have" in English. This fundamental verb is one of the most frequently used in Italian and serves multiple grammatical functions beyond simple possession. For a complete index of all lessons in this course, please visit: https://latinum.substack.com/p/index
Definition: The Italian verb "avere" corresponds to the English verb "to have." It indicates possession, ownership, or the experiencing of states and conditions. Unlike English, Italian uses "avere" in many expressions where English might use "to be," particularly when describing physical sensations, age, and certain emotional states.
FAQ Schema: Question: What does "avere" mean in Italian? Answer: "Avere" is the Italian verb meaning "to have" in English. It is used to express possession (I have a book), age (I have twenty years = I am twenty years old), physical sensations (I have hunger = I am hungry), and forms compound tenses (I have eaten = ho mangiato).
Educational Schema: Subject: Italian Language Learning Level: Beginner to Intermediate Topic: The verb "avere" (to have) Learning Objectives: Students will learn to conjugate and use the Italian verb "avere" in various contexts Material Type: Self-study reading lesson with interlinear glossing
In this lesson, "avere" will appear in various forms and contexts. You'll encounter it expressing possession, forming compound tenses, describing physical and emotional states, and in idiomatic expressions unique to Italian. The examples progress from simple present tense usage to more complex constructions, helping you build a comprehensive understanding of this essential verb.
Key Takeaways: -
"Avere" is an irregular verb that must be memorized in all its forms -
It is used for possession, age, physical sensations, and emotional states -
"Avere" is the auxiliary verb for forming compound tenses with most verbs -
Many Italian expressions with "avere" translate to "to be" expressions in English -
Understanding "avere" is crucial for basic communication in Italian
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11.1 Ho I-have un a libro book nuovo new di of storia history italiana Italian
11.2 Maria Maria non not ha has tempo time per for studiare to-study oggi today
11.3 Loro They hanno have sempre always ragione reason in in queste these discussioni discussions
11.4 Quanto How-many anni years hai have-you tu you?
11.5 Il The professore professor ha has spiegato explained la the lezione lesson molto very bene well
11.6 Non Not abbiamo we-have ancora yet ricevuto received la the tua your lettera letter
11.7 Chi Who ha has le the chiavi keys della of-the macchina car?
11.8 I The bambini children hanno have fame hunger e and sete thirst
11.9 Avete You-all-have bisogno need di of qualcosa something dal from-the supermercato supermarket?
11.10 Mia My nonna grandmother ha has novant' ninety anni years ma but è is ancora still molto very attiva active
11.11 Non Not ho I-have mai never avuto had problemi problems con with questo this computer computer
11.12 Gli The studenti students hanno have finito finished tutti all i the compiti homework
11.13 Quando When avrai you-will-have tempo time di of venire to-come a to trovarmi visit-me?
11.14 Il The ristorante restaurant ha has una a vista view bellissima very-beautiful sul on-the mare sea
11.15 Se If avessi I-had più more soldi money, viaggerei I-would-travel per through il the mondo world
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11.1 Ho un libro nuovo di storia italiana. I have a new book of Italian history.
11.2 Maria non ha tempo per studiare oggi. Maria doesn't have time to study today.
11.3 Loro hanno sempre ragione in queste discussioni. They are always right in these discussions.
11.4 Quanti anni hai tu? How old are you?
11.5 Il professore ha spiegato la lezione molto bene. The professor explained the lesson very well.
11.6 Non abbiamo ancora ricevuto la tua lettera. We haven't received your letter yet.
11.7 Chi ha le chiavi della macchina? Who has the car keys?
11.8 I bambini hanno fame e sete. The children are hungry and thirsty.
11.9 Avete bisogno di qualcosa dal supermercato? Do you need anything from the supermarket?
11.10 Mia nonna ha novant'anni ma è ancora molto attiva. My grandmother is ninety years old but is still very active.
11.11 Non ho mai avuto problemi con questo computer. I have never had problems with this computer.
11.12 Gli studenti hanno finito tutti i compiti. The students have finished all the homework.
11.13 Quando avrai tempo di venire a trovarmi? When will you have time to come visit me?
11.14 Il ristorante ha una vista bellissima sul mare. The restaurant has a very beautiful view of the sea.
11.15 Se avessi più soldi, viaggerei per il mondo. If I had more money, I would travel around the world.
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11.1 Ho un libro nuovo di storia italiana.
11.2 Maria non ha tempo per studiare oggi.
11.3 Loro hanno sempre ragione in queste discussioni.
11.4 Quanti anni hai tu?
11.5 Il professore ha spiegato la lezione molto bene.
11.6 Non abbiamo ancora ricevuto la tua lettera.
11.7 Chi ha le chiavi della macchina?
11.8 I bambini hanno fame e sete.
11.9 Avete bisogno di qualcosa dal supermercato?
11.10 Mia nonna ha novant'anni ma è ancora molto attiva.
11.11 Non ho mai avuto problemi con questo computer.
11.12 Gli studenti hanno finito tutti i compiti.
11.13 Quando avrai tempo di venire a trovarmi?
11.14 Il ristorante ha una vista bellissima sul mare.
11.15 Se avessi più soldi, viaggerei per il mondo.
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The Italian verb "avere" is one of the most important irregular verbs in the language. It serves multiple functions that English speakers must understand to communicate effectively in Italian.
Present Tense Conjugation: -
io ho (I have) -
tu hai (you have - informal singular) -
lui/lei ha (he/she has) -
noi abbiamo (we have) -
voi avete (you have - plural) -
loro hanno (they have)
Key Functions of Avere: -
Possession: Like English, "avere" expresses ownership or possession. Example: Ho una casa (I have a house) -
Age: Unlike English, Italian uses "avere" to express age. Italian: Ho vent'anni (literally: I have twenty years) English: I am twenty years old -
Physical Sensations: Italian uses "avere" where English uses "to be" -
avere fame (to be hungry - literally: to have hunger) -
avere sete (to be thirsty - literally: to have thirst) -
avere freddo (to be cold - literally: to have cold) -
avere caldo (to be hot - literally: to have heat) -
avere sonno (to be sleepy - literally: to have sleep) -
Auxiliary Verb: "Avere" forms compound tenses with most transitive verbs. Example: Ho mangiato (I have eaten) -
Idiomatic Expressions: Many Italian expressions use "avere" where English might use different verbs. -
avere ragione (to be right - literally: to have reason) -
avere torto (to be wrong - literally: to have wrong) -
avere bisogno di (to need - literally: to have need of) -
avere voglia di (to feel like - literally: to have desire of)
Common Mistakes: -
Using "essere" instead of "avere" for age: Wrong: Sono vent'anni Correct: Ho vent'anni -
Forgetting that "avere" is used for physical sensations: Wrong: Sono fame (attempting to say "I am hungry") Correct: Ho fame -
Incorrect auxiliary verb selection: Some verbs take "essere" as their auxiliary, not "avere." Motion verbs and reflexive verbs typically use "essere." -
Literal translations from English: English speakers often try to translate word-for-word, but Italian expressions with "avere" don't always match English patterns. -
Agreement errors: When "avere" is used as an auxiliary, the past participle doesn't agree with the subject (unlike with "essere"). Example: Maria ha mangiato (not mangiata)
Step-by-Step Guide to Using Avere: -
First, identify if you're expressing possession, age, sensation, or using it as an auxiliary. -
Choose the correct form based on the subject (io, tu, lui/lei, etc.). -
For physical sensations, remember to use the noun form (fame, sete, etc.), not an adjective. -
In compound tenses, place "avere" before the past participle. -
Check if your verb requires "avere" or "essere" as its auxiliary.
Other Important Forms: -
Imperfect: avevo, avevi, aveva, avevamo, avevate, avevano -
Future: avrò, avrai, avrà, avremo, avrete, avranno -
Conditional: avrei, avresti, avrebbe, avremmo, avreste, avrebbero -
Present Subjunctive: abbia, abbia, abbia, abbiamo, abbiate, abbiano -
Past Participle: avuto
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Understanding "avere" provides insight into Italian culture and mindset. The use of "avere" in expressions where English uses "to be" reflects a different conceptualization of experiences. Italians view hunger, thirst, and temperature as things one possesses temporarily rather than states of being.
The expression "avere anni" (to have years) for age emphasizes the accumulation of life experience rather than a state of existence. This reflects the Italian respect for age and experience, where having lived many years is seen as possessing wisdom and stories.
In Italian social interactions, expressions like "avere ragione" (to be right) and "avere torto" (to be wrong) are softer than their English equivalents. Saying someone "has reason" rather than "is right" suggests that truth can be possessed rather than absolute, allowing for more diplomatic disagreements.
The abundance of idiomatic expressions with "avere" demonstrates the Italian love of figurative language. Expressions like "avere le mani bucate" (to have holes in one's hands - meaning to be a spendthrift) show how Italians use vivid imagery in everyday speech.
In business contexts, "avere" appears in many formal expressions: "avere il piacere di" (to have the pleasure of), "avere l'onore di" (to have the honor of). These formulations maintain the Italian preference for elaborate courtesy in professional settings.
Understanding when Italians use "avere" versus "essere" also helps in navigating social situations. For instance, "ho fretta" (I'm in a hurry - literally: I have hurry) implies a temporary state that will pass, while being something suggests a more permanent condition.
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Tutti All scoprono discover, più more o or meno less presto soon nella in-the loro their vita life, che that la the felicità happiness perfetta perfect non not è is realizzabile realizable, ma but pochi few si themselves soffermano pause invece instead sulla on-the considerazione consideration opposta opposite: che that tale such è is anche also una an infelicità unhappiness perfetta perfect. I The momenti moments che that si themselves oppongono oppose alla to-the realizzazione realization di of entrambi both questi these stati states sono are della of-the stessa same natura nature: derivano they-derive dalla from-the nostra our condizione condition umana human, che which è is nemica enemy di of ogni every infinito infinite.
"Tutti scoprono, più o meno presto nella loro vita, che la felicità perfetta non è realizzabile, ma pochi si soffermano invece sulla considerazione opposta: che tale è anche una infelicità perfetta. I momenti che si oppongono alla realizzazione di entrambi questi stati sono della stessa natura: derivano dalla nostra condizione umana, che è nemica di ogni infinito."
"Everyone discovers, sooner or later in their life, that perfect happiness is not achievable, but few pause instead on the opposite consideration: that such is also perfect unhappiness. The moments that oppose the realization of both these states are of the same nature: they derive from our human condition, which is the enemy of every infinite."
Tutti scoprono, più o meno presto nella loro vita, che la felicità perfetta non è realizzabile, ma pochi si soffermano invece sulla considerazione opposta: che tale è anche una infelicità perfetta. I momenti che si oppongono alla realizzazione di entrambi questi stati sono della stessa natura: derivano dalla nostra condizione umana, che è nemica di ogni infinito.
This passage from Primo Levi's Holocaust memoir demonstrates sophisticated Italian prose. While this excerpt doesn't contain "avere," it illustrates important contrasts with constructions using "essere" (to be). Note how Italian uses "essere" for states of being and philosophical concepts.
The passage uses several subjunctive forms ("si soffermano," "si oppongono") showing the reflective nature of Italian philosophical writing. The phrase "condizione umana" (human condition) shows how Italian, like English, uses abstract nouns to discuss philosophical concepts.
Levi's style here is notably clear and direct, reflecting his scientific background. The balanced structure of opposing concepts (happiness/unhappiness, finite/infinite) demonstrates classical Italian rhetorical patterns. His use of "tutti" (everyone) and "pochi" (few) creates a universal yet exclusive observation about human nature.
For learners, note how Italian handles abstract concepts with definite articles ("la felicità," "la nostra condizione") where English might omit them. This reflects Italian's tendency to treat abstract concepts as concrete entities that can be possessed or experienced - connecting back to our lesson's theme of having versus being.
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11.16 Ogni Every mattina morning ho I-have solo only venti twenty minuti minutes per for prepararmi prepare-myself prima before di of uscire leaving
11.17 Marco Marco ha has sempre always una a lista list di of cose things da to fare do sulla on-the sua his scrivania desk
11.18 Non Not abbiamo we-have abbastanza enough tempo time per for finire to-finish il the progetto project entro within venerdì Friday
11.19 I The miei my genitori parents hanno have l' the abitudine habit di of cenare dining alle at-the otto eight precise precise
11.20 Quando When hai you-have l' the appuntamento appointment dal at-the dentista dentist?
11.21 Laura Laura ha has tre three riunioni meetings importanti important questo this pomeriggio afternoon
11.22 Gli The studenti students universitari university hanno have spesso often orari schedules molto very irregolari irregular
11.23 Se If avete you-all-have un a momento moment libero free, potremmo we-could discutere discuss il the problema problem
11.24 Il The direttore director non not ha has mai never tempo time per for le the pause breaks caffè coffee
11.25 Domani Tomorrow avrò I-will-have tutta all la the giornata day libera free per for studiare to-study
11.26 I The bambini children hanno have bisogno need di of almeno at-least otto eight ore hours di of sonno sleep
11.27 Quest' This anno year abbiamo we-have avuto had molte many difficoltà difficulties con with l' the organizzazione organization
11.28 Chi Who ha has voglia desire di of andare to-go al to-the cinema cinema stasera tonight?
11.29 Marta Marta ha has già already pianificato planned tutte all le the sue her vacanze vacations estive summer
11.30 Se If avessimo we-had avuto had più more tempo time, avremmo we-would-have visitato visited anche also Firenze Florence
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11.16 Ogni mattina ho solo venti minuti per prepararmi prima di uscire. Every morning I have only twenty minutes to get ready before leaving.
11.17 Marco ha sempre una lista di cose da fare sulla sua scrivania. Marco always has a to-do list on his desk.
11.18 Non abbiamo abbastanza tempo per finire il progetto entro venerdì. We don't have enough time to finish the project by Friday.
11.19 I miei genitori hanno l'abitudine di cenare alle otto precise. My parents have the habit of dining at eight o'clock sharp.
11.20 Quando hai l'appuntamento dal dentista? When do you have the dentist appointment?
11.21 Laura ha tre riunioni importanti questo pomeriggio. Laura has three important meetings this afternoon.
11.22 Gli studenti universitari hanno spesso orari molto irregolari. University students often have very irregular schedules.
11.23 Se avete un momento libero, potremmo discutere il problema. If you have a free moment, we could discuss the problem.
11.24 Il direttore non ha mai tempo per le pause caffè. The director never has time for coffee breaks.
11.25 Domani avrò tutta la giornata libera per studiare. Tomorrow I will have the whole day free to study.
11.26 I bambini hanno bisogno di almeno otto ore di sonno. Children need at least eight hours of sleep.
11.27 Quest'anno abbiamo avuto molte difficoltà con l'organizzazione. This year we have had many difficulties with the organization.
11.28 Chi ha voglia di andare al cinema stasera? Who feels like going to the cinema tonight?
11.29 Marta ha già pianificato tutte le sue vacanze estive. Marta has already planned all her summer vacations.
11.30 Se avessimo avuto più tempo, avremmo visitato anche Firenze. If we had had more time, we would have also visited Florence.
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11.16 Ogni mattina ho solo venti minuti per prepararmi prima di uscire.
11.17 Marco ha sempre una lista di cose da fare sulla sua scrivania.
11.18 Non abbiamo abbastanza tempo per finire il progetto entro venerdì.
11.19 I miei genitori hanno l'abitudine di cenare alle otto precise.
11.20 Quando hai l'appuntamento dal dentista?
11.21 Laura ha tre riunioni importanti questo pomeriggio.
11.22 Gli studenti universitari hanno spesso orari molto irregolari.
11.23 Se avete un momento libero, potremmo discutere il problema.
11.24 Il direttore non ha mai tempo per le pause caffè.
11.25 Domani avrò tutta la giornata libera per studiare.
11.26 I bambini hanno bisogno di almeno otto ore di sonno.
11.27 Quest'anno abbiamo avuto molte difficoltà con l'organizzazione.
11.28 Chi ha voglia di andare al cinema stasera?
11.29 Marta ha già pianificato tutte le sue vacanze estive.
11.30 Se avessimo avuto più tempo, avremmo visitato anche Firenze.
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When discussing daily routines and time management, "avere" appears in several important constructions that differ from English usage.
Time Expressions with Avere: -
avere tempo (to have time) - Used exactly like English Example: Ho tempo domani (I have time tomorrow) -
avere + time expression + per - Indicates duration available for an activity Example: Ho un'ora per pranzare (I have an hour to have lunch) -
avere bisogno di (to need - literally: to have need of) Common in routine contexts: Ho bisogno di più tempo (I need more time) -
avere l'abitudine di (to have the habit of) Used for regular routines: Ho l'abitudine di svegliarmi presto (I have the habit of waking up early) -
avere voglia di (to feel like) For desires and preferences: Ho voglia di riposarmi (I feel like resting)
Common Mistakes in Time Contexts: -
Forgetting articles with time expressions: Wrong: Ho appuntamento alle tre Correct: Ho l'appuntamento alle tre -
Using "essere" for appointments: Wrong: Il mio appuntamento è alle tre (grammatically correct but not idiomatic) Better: Ho un appuntamento alle tre -
Translating "to be busy" literally: Wrong: Sono occupato (this works but is less common) Better: Ho molto da fare (I have a lot to do)
Compound Tenses in Routine Narration:
When describing completed routine actions, "avere" forms the passato prossimo: -
Ho fatto colazione (I had breakfast) -
Abbiamo finito il lavoro (We finished the work) -
Hanno organizzato tutto (They organized everything)
Future Time Expressions:
The future of "avere" (avrò, avrai, etc.) is essential for planning: -
Avrò più tempo domani (I will have more time tomorrow) -
Quando avrai finito? (When will you have finished?)
Conditional Time Expressions:
For hypothetical time situations: -
Avrei bisogno di più tempo (I would need more time) -
Se avessi tempo, lo farei (If I had time, I would do it)
Fixed Expressions in Daily Routines: -
avere fretta (to be in a hurry) -
avere pazienza (to be patient/have patience) -
avere cura di (to take care of) -
avere intenzione di (to intend to)
These expressions are fundamental to discussing daily life in Italian and show how "avere" extends beyond simple possession to express states, intentions, and needs in temporal contexts.
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The Latinum Institute has been creating innovative online language learning materials since 2006. These lessons represent a unique approach to language acquisition, specifically designed for autodidacts - self-directed learners who prefer to study independently.
Our method, detailed at https://latinum.substack.com and https://latinum.org.uk, combines several pedagogical approaches:
Interlinear Translation: Each sentence is broken down word-by-word in Section A, allowing learners to see the direct correspondence between Italian and English. This "construed text" approach helps beginners understand grammatical structures intuitively.
Progressive Difficulty: Sentences progress from simple present tense to complex conditional constructions, building competence systematically.
Contextual Learning: Rather than isolated vocabulary lists, words appear in meaningful sentences that demonstrate real usage.
Cultural Integration: Section E provides cultural context, helping learners understand not just what to say, but why Italians say it that way.
Literary Exposure: Section F introduces authentic Italian texts, bridging the gap between textbook Italian and real literature.
Genre-Based Practice: The genre section provides focused practice in specific contexts (business, daily routine, travel, etc.), preparing learners for real-world communication.
The Latinum Institute's approach recognizes that adult learners benefit from understanding the "why" behind language patterns, not just memorizing phrases. Our detailed grammatical explanations in Section D provide this deeper understanding while avoiding oversimplification.
The complete course index at https://latinum.substack.com/p/index provides a structured path through Italian, with each lesson building on previous knowledge while introducing new concepts.
These materials have been refined through years of online teaching experience and feedback from thousands of learners worldwide. The Institute's reputation for quality language education is reflected in reviews at https://uk.trustpilot.com/review/latinum.org.uk
Whether you're learning Italian for travel, business, cultural interest, or academic purposes, these lessons provide a solid foundation in both the language and the cultural context needed for effective communication.
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