Conversazione In Italiano
The MINUS ONE method
Cercare un Hotel (a1)
A customer visits a tourist information office looking for a hotel in Rome. The employee asks for the dates and the customer specifies they need a room from March 10th to 12th. The employee suggests two options: a hotel near Piazza Navona for 100 euros per night and another, more affordable option in the city center for 80 euros per night. The customer chooses the cheaper option and requests the phone number. The employee provides it, and the conversation ends with polite greetings.
In cassa al supermercato (a1)
In this dialogue, the scene takes place at the checkout of an Italian supermarket. A cashier asks the customer if they have a loyalty card, informs them of the total amount, and processes the payment. The conversation ends with the customer requesting the receipt and exchanging polite greetings with the cashier.
In Farmacia (A2)
A customer enters a pharmacy looking for a remedy for a cough. The pharmacist asks whether it’s a dry or productive cough, and the customer specifies it’s dry. The pharmacist recommends a syrup and informs the customer that it costs 8 euros. After the payment, the pharmacist wishes them a good day.
Al mercato (A2)
The dialogue is between a shop assistant and a customer in a grocery store. The customer asks for apples, lettuce, zucchinis, and prosciutto crudo. The assistant confirms the selections and adjusts the quantities as requested. After agreeing on the total of €12.50, the customer pays and is wished a good day.
Prendere il taxi (A2)
A customer takes a taxi and communicates with the driver to reach the central station. During the conversation, the customer asks for information about the duration of the trip, the cost, and the accepted payment methods. The taxi driver provides clear answers and confirms the possibility of paying by card.
Ordinare al bar (b1)
At a coffee shop, Customer 1 orders a cappuccino and a cream-filled croissant, while Customer 2 requests a long black coffee and a glass of still water. The barista prepares and serves the beverages and snacks, informing them that the total cost is 6 euros. Customer 1 pays the bill, and both customers thank the barista before wishing each other a good day.
Comprare un biglietto del treno (b1)
A customer approaches the ticket counter to buy a train ticket to Rome for the afternoon. The clerk offers a Frecciarossa train at 16:10. The customer chooses a second-class ticket for 45 euros and requests a window seat. The clerk confirms the details, including the seat (12A, carriage 5) and asks if the customer needs a return ticket, which they don’t. The customer pays with a card, receives the ticket, and is informed that it can be printed or downloaded to a phone. The interaction ends with the clerk wishing the customer a good trip.
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Ordinare al ristorante (b2)
Two customers enter a restaurant and ask for a table for two. The waiter seats them near the window and gives them the menus. They inquire about local dishes, with one customer ordering pappardelle al cinghiale and the other opting for risotto ai funghi porcini, a vegetarian option. They only order pasta as their main dish. To drink, they request a bottle of sparkling water and a glass of white wine.
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Incontri in treno (b2)
During a train journey, Rachel (Passenger 1) asks Paolo (Passenger 2) if she can sit next to him, and he kindly agrees. Rachel, new to Italy and recently moved to Bologna for work, shares her confusion about train routes. Paolo, who travels often for work and is from Turin, offers assistance and reassures her about settling in. Rachel, originally from New York and fulfilling her dream of living in Italy, finds Bologna fascinating but is still adjusting. Paolo praises New York and encourages Rachel, expressing confidence in Bologna’s charm. They agree to use first names and establish a friendly interaction, with Paolo offering support whenever needed.