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Stare - ❌

Introduction

The verb stare is one of the most commonly used verbs in the Italian language. It is an irregular verb and can be tricky for learners because its usage often overlaps with the verb essere (to be). However, stare is distinct in meaning and is used in several specific contexts that differ from essere.

Meaning and Usage of Stare

Stare generally means "to stay" or "to be" in a certain state or condition. It is often used in the following contexts:

  1. Location: To indicate where someone or something is located.

    • Example: Io sto a casa ("I am at home").

  2. Health and Well-being: To talk about someone's health or well-being.

    • Example: Come stai? ("How are you?").

  3. Present Continuous Tense: To form the present continuous tense when combined with a gerund (the -ing form of a verb in English).

    • Example: Sto studiando ("I am studying").

  4. Fixed Expressions: In several idiomatic expressions.

    • Example: Stare attento ("to be careful").

Present Tense Conjugation of Stare

The present tense conjugation of stare is irregular, so it is important to memorize the forms.

Subject Pronoun Conjugation of Stare Example Sentence
Io sto Io sto bene. (I am well.)
Tu stai Tu stai lavorando. (You are working.)
Lui/Lei sta Lui sta dormendo. (He is sleeping.)
Noi stiamo Noi stiamo andando. (We are going.)
Voi state Voi state parlando. (You all are speaking.)
Loro stanno Loro stanno giocando. (They are playing.)

Example Sentences

  • Io sto guardando la TV. (I am watching TV.)
  • Tu stai per partire. (You are about to leave.)
  • Lui sta lavorando al progetto. (He is working on the project.)
  • Noi stiamo cenando. (We are having dinner.)
  • Voi state cercando qualcosa? (Are you all looking for something?)
  • Loro stanno discutendo. (They are discussing.)

Special Uses of Stare

1. Stare per + Infinitive

Stare per is used to express that something is about to happen. - Example: Sta per piovere. (It is about to rain.)

2. Stare + Gerund

This construction is used to form the present continuous tense, indicating an action that is happening right now. - Example: Sto leggendo un libro. (I am reading a book.)

3. Idiomatic Expressions

  • Stare bene/male: To feel well/unwell.
    • Example: Sto bene, grazie. (I am well, thank you.)
  • Stare attento: To be careful.
    • Example: Stai attento! (Be careful!)

Common Mistakes

  • Confusing stare with essere: Remember that stare is used for location, health, or ongoing actions, while essere is more general for identity, characteristics, and permanent states.
  • Incorrect conjugation: Since stare is irregular, make sure to use the correct form for each subject pronoun.

Practice