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Teaching guidelines +/- 15 minutes

Learn the Italian imperative form "andiamo" to invite others to join activities like "andiamo al supermercato" (let's go to the supermarket) and motivate friends with "andiamo, è tardi!" (let's go, it's late!).
  1. It is the imperative form of "andare" in the first person plural.
Situazione (Situation)Esempio (Example)
Proposta generica (Generic proposal)

Andiamo al supermercato? (Shall we go to the supermarket?)

Andiamo in panetteria a comprare il pane? (Shall we go to the bakery to buy bread?)

Invito tra amici (Invitation among friends)

Andiamo a fare la spesa insieme? (Shall we go shopping together?)

Andiamo a bere qualcosa! (Let's go for a drink!)

Motivare (Encourage)Andiamo, è tardi! (Come on, it's late!)

Exercise 1: Multiple Choice

Instruction: Choose the correct solution

1. ______ al supermercato a comprare il pane?

(______ to the supermarket to buy bread?)

2. ______ a fare la spesa insieme?

(______ to go grocery shopping together?)

3. ______, è tardi! Dobbiamo comprare il latte.

(______, it's late! We have to buy milk.)

4. ______ in panetteria a comprare il pane fresco?

(______ to the bakery to buy fresh bread?)

5. ______ a bere qualcosa dopo la spesa?

(______ to have a drink after shopping?)

6. ______ a chiedere al commesso dove sono le mele?

(______ to ask the clerk where the apples are?)

Introduction to the Imperative Mood: Using "Andiamo" in Italian

This lesson focuses on the use of the imperative form "andiamo", which is the first person plural imperative of the verb andare (to go). It is commonly used to invite others to do something together, make suggestions, or encourage action.

When and How to Use "Andiamo"

"Andiamo" translates roughly as "let's go" or "shall we go" in English, making it a collaborative call to action. It is used in various everyday situations such as:

  • Generic proposals: inviting someone to go somewhere together for an activity. For example, "Andiamo al supermercato?" (Shall we go to the supermarket?) or "Andiamo in panetteria a comprare il pane?" (Shall we go to the bakery to buy bread?)
  • Friendly invitations: informal suggestions or invitations between friends, for example, "Andiamo a fare la spesa insieme?" (Shall we do the shopping together?) or "Andiamo a bere qualcosa!" (Let's go have a drink!)
  • Motivation: encouraging someone to hurry or act, e.g., "Andiamo, è tardi!" (Let's go, it's late!)

Key Vocabulary and Expressions

  • Andiamo – let's go (imperative, first person plural of andare)
  • Supermercato – supermarket
  • Panetteria – bakery
  • Fare la spesa – to do the shopping
  • Bere qualcosa – to have a drink
  • È tardi – it's late

Important Grammar Note

Unlike English, which uses auxiliary verbs like "let's" to express the first person plural imperative, Italian forms this mood by conjugating the verb directly. Andiamo is a direct imperative form meaning "let's go." This form is unique because it's the imperative conjugation for "noi" (we), used to include the speaker and listener in the suggested action.

Practical Phrases to Remember

  • Andiamo al supermercato a comprare il pane? – Shall we go to the supermarket to buy bread?
  • Andiamo a fare la spesa insieme? – Shall we do the shopping together?
  • Andiamo, è tardi! – Let's go, it's late!

Summary

This lesson introduced the imperative form andiamo, explaining its use for making proposals, invitations, and motivating action in everyday conversation. By practicing these key expressions, learners can confidently use "andiamo" to engage with others in Italian-speaking contexts.

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Fabio Pirioni

Bachelor in Humanities

University of Udine

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Last Updated:

Thursday, 17/07/2025 16:24