If clauses with se: Italian grammar lesson 39

In today’s short lesson, we’re going to learn something very important and common in Italian: if clauses with se. Learn how to use it with simple rules and examples and practice with audio lessons.

Start here

You’ll receive my free resources together with my best offers! Opt out at any time.
To master this topic, take a lesson from my audio course!

If clauses

You might be wondering what we’re talking about. Well, an “if clause” is a phrase that indicates a condition and is usually followed by a phrase that refers to a consequence.

There are many different types of “if clauses”. For now, we’re only going to focus on the easiest ones: the ones that refer to realistic hypotheses.

Before we go into detail in Italian, let’s have a look at some “if clauses” in English.

  • If it rains, people don’t go to the beach.
  • If you heat ice, it melts.
  • If you talk to me like that, I won’t come.
  • If we get there late, we’ll miss the train.

As you can see, the “if clause” indicates the condition, and the other clause refers to the consequence.

If clauses Italian

If clauses with se

In Italian, instead of “if” we use the short word se. If you spot this tiny word, you’ll know people are talking about a hypothetical situation.

As we said, we’re going to focus on realistic hypotheses. There are four different combinations. We’ll first look at the structures and we’ll then give you examples for you to understand.

1. Se + present indicative + present indicative

2. Se + present indicative + future indicative

3. Se + future indicative + future indicative

4. Se + present tense + imperative

We use these four combinations to talk about something that’s either happening in the present, or that will surely happen soon/has a high chance of happening.

Free Guide
How to Learn Languages Fast

It’s up to you to choose which one you’ll use, depending on what you’re referring to.

If clauses with se

Practice with Quizlet

Here's a set of flashcards and quizzes to practice this grammar topic.

Se: examples

We’re going to go in order, so make sure you check what we just explained.

1. Se non capisci, te lo spiego.

If you don’t understand, I explain it to you.

2. Se non studio, non passerò l’esame.

If I don’t study, I won’t pass the exam.

3. Se non verrà, non le parlerò piu.

If she doesn’t come, I won’t speak to her again.

4. Se vai al supermercato, comprami la pasta.

If you go to the supermarket, buy me some pasta.

Se if clauses

Se is often used together with altrimenti (else, otherwise).

Still translating in your head? Wanna speak Italian for real? Check out Stefano's courses to think directly in Italian and become fluent fast!

FAQs on If clauses with se: Italian grammar lesson 39

What is the SE rule in Italian?

In Italian, the word 'se' is used in place of 'if' to indicate a hypothetical situation. This short word is easy to spot in conversation and provides a useful means of expressing conditionality.

What is the if clause in Italian?

In Italian, the "If clauses" are referred to as Periodo Ipotetico. There are three different types of "If clauses": Type 1, which refers to reality; Type 2, which refers to possibility; and Type 3, which refers to impossibility.

Stefano

Italian language tutor, course author, and polyglot. After learning 12 languages, I can tell you that we all master languages by listening and mimicking. With my method, you'll be speaking Italian from Lesson 1.

Follow me to fluency​

Receive my free resources once a week together with my best offers! No need to look around, just tell me where to send everything.

Follow me to fluency

Receive my free resources once a week together with my best offers! No need to look around, just tell me where to send everything.

Opt out at any time.

Leave a Reply

Share:

Still translating in your head?

Wanna speak Italian for real? Check out Stefano’s courses to think directly in Italian and become fluent fast!
Try my courses for free​
ripeti con me mockup sm

Let me show you around

Overcome your Barriers

Anything holding you back from becoming fluent?
Get on the right track today with my free checklist!

pain learning languages checklist preview
How long to fluency?

Find out how long it will take you to master Italian!
Get on the right track in 3 minutes.

dolce vita logo

We're already friends!

Coming from Luca and Marina?
Here's a special deal for you!
Just tell me where I should send the coupon.

50% OFF
all language resources

We're already friends!

Coming from All Language Resources?
Here's a special deal for you!
Just tell me where I should send the coupon.

50% OFF
GRAB A COUPON NOW, REDEEM IT LATER
50% OFF

To receive free resources once a week together with my best offers, just tell me where to send everything. Opt out at any time.