
Coffee Break Italian
With Coffee Break Italian you can learn Italian where and when it suits you. In Season 1, you'll join teacher Mark, learner Katie and native speaker Francesca in our 15-minute lessons, and build your confidence in the language, learning Italian from scratch. Take your learning further with Season 2 in which Mark and Francesca are joined by learner Isla. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Latest episodes

Jul 15, 2025 • 8min
How to use the preposition 'da' | A Coffee Break with Francesca
Here at Coffee Break Italian, we're currently enjoying working on our next podcast series for you, but in the meantime, we hope you enjoy this mini espresso lesson with Francesca. In this episode, we're taking a closer look at the incredibly useful preposition da. It may be small, but it plays a big role in Italian and can have a range of meanings depending on the context. You’ll learn how to use it: ➡️ in time expressions➡️ to express purpose➡️ to tell which city you are from➡️ to talk about being at or going to someone's place or shop🎯 To keep improving your Italian skills, explore content like this and enjoy regular, free mini-lessons sent straight to your inbox by visiting: coffeebreaklanguages.com/italian Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jun 3, 2025 • 25min
CBI Scenes 1.10 | L’inizio di un amore
Join Francesca and Mark for the last Chapter of Scenes from the Coffee Break Italian Café! Summer has finally arrived, and as two high school students return, there's a noticeable shift in the atmosphere between them. What happens next could very well change everything for them...Click here to access the premium course of Scenes, which includes access to lesson notes, vocabulary lists, exercises, quizzes (and much more!) to check your understanding. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 27, 2025 • 26min
CBI Scenes 1.09 | In bocca al lupo per la verifica
Join Francesca and Mark for this Chapter of Scenes from the Coffee Break Italian Café! A high school student stops at a café before class, clearly troubled and reluctant to face the day ahead. As he confides in Lorenzo, we learn he’s ready to give up, but a gentle conversation may shift his course...Click here to access the premium course of Scenes, which includes access to lesson notes, vocabulary lists, exercises, quizzes (and much more!) to check your understanding. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 20, 2025 • 26min
CBI Scenes 1.08 | Che affare!
Join Francesca and Mark for this Chapter of Scenes from the Coffee Break Italian Café! In this episode, a familiar face comes to the bar with an unusually cheerful spirit! He shares his new idea: renting out his city apartment as a charming summer B&B. It sounds like a great deal could be worked out with the bar.Click here to access the premium course of Scenes, which includes access to lesson notes, vocabulary lists, exercises, quizzes (and much more!) to check your understanding. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 13, 2025 • 30min
CBI Scenes 1.07 | Un caffè fortunato
Conversations at the bar typically revolve around work, even during coffee breaks. However, tonight, with the arrival of three men carrying their laptops and big plans, something unusual could be about to happen… Join Francesca and Mark for this exciting Chapter of Scenes from the Coffee Break Italian Café! Click here to access the premium course of Scenes, which includes access to lesson notes, vocabulary lists, exercises, quizzes (and much more!) to check your understanding. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 6, 2025 • 28min
CBI Scenes 1.06 | Si balla alla sagra del cocomero
Join the festive atmosphere as a vibrant watermelon festival takes center stage, bringing romance and dance to life. Discover the cultural significance behind two Italian words for 'watermelon' and explore how language reflects emotions. Listen in on lively bar conversations that highlight community connections and traditional dances. Experience the joy of food, music, and togetherness while the charming tale of Mario and Pina unfolds. This rich narrative celebrates not just the festival, but also the heart of Italian culture and learning.

Apr 22, 2025 • 22min
CBI Scenes 1.05 | Un ritratto speciale
In a cozy café, a peaceful day takes a turn when a young woman enters to sketch and order a latte. Conversations about literature and the importance of portraits flow among the characters. As the artist captures attention, the focus shifts to language learning intertwined with art. A surprise awaits when she departs, leaving behind a mysterious portrait, igniting curiosity about her intentions. This blend of art, conversation, and language exploration creates an engaging atmosphere for all.

Apr 15, 2025 • 35min
CBI Scenes 1.04 | Una domenica al bar
Experience the vibrant atmosphere of an Italian café on a Sunday! A playful question brings unexpected twists to the usual routine. Delight in charming interactions, like the arrival of a kind old lady with a pie. Dive into Italian language nuances with discussions on essential phrases and grammar. Discover the warmth of community and humorous exchanges among regulars, revealing the heart of local life. Bonus: explore resources to enhance your Italian learning journey!

Apr 8, 2025 • 23min
CBI Scenes 1.03 | Angelica e Mattia
A charming Italian café sets the stage for the budding romance between Angelica and Mattia, complete with youthful awkwardness and sibling dynamics. Their conversations reveal the deeper meaning of the Italian verb 'frequentare,' emphasizing its importance in love and friendship. Tensions arise as workplace absenteeism is discussed, adding a layer of drama. Listeners will not only enjoy the story but also pick up valuable vocabulary and grammar insights along the way.

Apr 1, 2025 • 26min
CBI Scenes 1.02 | Chi trova un amico, trova un cornetto alla Nutella
In a vibrant café setting, a barista unravels a heartwarming story about two students worried for their friend recovering from surgery. Their casual conversation dives into the nuances of Italian language, exploring verbs, pronouns, and cultural references. Hilarious generational differences in communication styles are highlighted, revealing the charm of modern friendships. With humor and insights, they navigate language learning through this touching narrative, all while sharing anecdotes that resonate with listeners.