accompagnare

§ Understanding 'accompagnare'

Alright, let's talk about accompagnare. It's a really useful verb in Italian, and it generally means 'to accompany' or 'to go with someone'. Think of it like when you walk someone to their car, or you go with a friend to a party. It's not just for walking, though; you can accompany someone by car, by train, or even just by being present with them.

Italian Word

accompagnare (verb)

CEFR Level

A1

Definition

To go with someone; to accompany.

§ Basic Conjugation of 'accompagnare'

Since accompagnare is a regular -are verb, its conjugation in the present tense is straightforward. Remember, these are the forms you'll use most often when talking about accompanying someone in the present moment.

• Io accompagno (I accompany)
• Tu accompagni (You accompany - singular informal)
• Lui/Lei accompagna (He/She accompanies)
• Noi accompagniamo (We accompany)
• Voi accompagnate (You accompany - plural/formal)
• Loro accompagnano (They accompany)

§ How to use it in a sentence — grammar, prepositions

Using accompagnare is generally simple. It's a transitive verb, meaning it usually takes a direct object (the person you are accompanying). You don't typically need a preposition directly after the verb when the object is a person. However, you might use prepositions to specify how or where you are accompanying someone.

Here, 'mia sorella' is the direct object. 'A scuola' tells us the destination.

Again, 'la nonna' is the direct object. 'Dal medico' specifies the destination (to the doctor's place).

§ Using 'con' (with) for accompanying objects or ideas

While you generally don't use 'con' with the person you are accompanying (as in, not 'accompagnare con la persona'), you might use it to talk about what you are accompanying with or what is accompanying something else. This usage is less about a person going with another person, and more about an item or concept going along with something.

In this case, it's not a person accompanying, but an item (wine) pairing well with another item (meat). Notice the reflexive 'si accompagna' here, meaning 'it accompanies itself' or 'it is accompanied'. This is a common way to express something going well with something else.

Here, music is 'accompanying' the walks, meaning it's present during the walks.

§ Common phrases with 'accompagnare'

You'll often hear accompagnare in everyday expressions. Pay attention to the context to understand its nuances.

• Accompagnare qualcuno a casa: To walk someone home.
• Accompagnare con la chitarra: To accompany with the guitar (e.g., singing with guitar accompaniment).
• Farsi accompagnare: To have someone accompany you. (This is a reflexive construction, meaning 'to make oneself be accompanied').

Notice how 'ti' (you, informal) is attached to the infinitive here. This is common with modal verbs or when the verb is in the infinitive form.