In English, verbs have an ‑ing form, for example finding, going, etc. In a similar way, Italian verbs have an ‑ndo form, like trovando or andando.
Most ‑are verbs use the ending ‑ando, while ‑ere and ‑ire verbs use ‑endo.
Verb | ‑ndo form |
---|---|
pensare to think |
pensando thinking |
sapere to know |
sapendo knowing |
capire to understand |
capendo understanding |
In English, we can use to be plus an ‑ing verb to talk about what you’re doing right now.
In Italian, you can do the same thing, but you’ll need to use stare plus an ‑ndo verb, as in Lui sta lavorando or Noi stiamo guardando la partita.
Some verbs have special ‑ndo forms. But don’t worry, there are just a few! Here they are:
Verb | ‑ndo form |
---|---|
fare | facendo |
dire | dicendo |
bere | bevendo |
Cosa stai facendo nell'angolo?
What are you doing in the corner?
Non capisco cosa stai dicendo.
I do not understand what you are saying.