The other two families follow the same shape as -are with different vowels. -ere verbs take -o, -i, -e, -iamo, -ete, -ono; -ire verbs take -o, -i, -e, -iamo, -ite, -ono. A large group of -ire verbs, like capire and preferire, insert -isc- in every form except noi and voi.
Examples
- Prendo un caffè, grazie.
- I'll have a coffee, thanks.
- Cosa preferisci, pesce o carne?
- Which do you prefer, fish or meat?
- Viviamo vicino al ristorante.
- We live near the restaurant.
The mistake to avoid
Not every -ire verb takes -isc-: dormire keeps dormo, while capire becomes capisco.
Where this fits in
Food & ordering, Italian A1: Order at a café or restaurant, ask for the bill, and talk about basic food and drink.