Making Plans

Making Plans in Italian

When you want to invite friends out in Italian, you need to know how to ask, accept, and decline politely. At the A2 level, you can use simple modal verbs and direct questions to arrange activities.

1. Making an Invitation

To ask someone out, you can use verbs like volere (to want) or phrases like Ti va di... (Do you feel like... / Would you like to...).

  • Ti va di prendere un caffè? (Would you like to grab a coffee?)
  • Vuoi andare al cinema stasera? (Do you want to go to the cinema tonight?)

2. Accepting Invitations

Showing enthusiasm is easy! Use words like volentieri (gladly) or ottimo (great).

  • Sì, volentieri! (Yes, gladly!)
  • Ottimo idea! (Great idea!)

3. Declining Politely

If you cannot go, always start with Mi dispiace (I'm sorry) and give a brief reason.

  • Mi dispiace, ma sono occupato. (I'm sorry, but I am busy.)
  • Non posso venire. (I cannot come.)

Common Mistake: Don't say "Voglio fare un caffè" when inviting someone; use "Ti va di" for a softer, more natural invitation.

Words

Ti va di
Would you like to
Ti va di uscire?Would you like to go out?
stasera
tonight
Stasera vado al cinema.Tonight I am going to the cinema.
volentieri
gladly
Sì, volentieri!Yes, gladly!
Mi dispiace
I'm sorry
Mi dispiace, non posso.I'm sorry, I cannot.
occupato
busy
Oggi sono occupato.Today I am busy.
libero
free
Sei libero domani?Are you free tomorrow?
andare al cinema
to go to the cinema
Vogliamo andare al cinema?Do we want to go to the cinema?
prendere un caffè
to grab a coffee
Andiamo a prendere un caffè.Let's go grab a coffee.
domani
tomorrow
Ci vediamo domani.See you tomorrow.
un'ottima idea
a great idea
È un'ottima idea!It's a great idea!

Lessons are prepared with the help of AI.

Patterns

Ti va di ___ stasera?

Asking someone if they want to do an activity tonight.

Ti va di mangiare una pizza stasera?Would you like to eat a pizza tonight?

Mi dispiace, ma sono ___.

Declining an invitation politely by stating you are busy.

Mi dispiace, ma sono occupato.I'm sorry, but I am busy.

Sì, ___!

Accepting an invitation enthusiastically.

Sì, volentieri!Yes, gladly!