avere: expressions

The Verb Avere (To Have) in Idiomatic Expressions

In Italian, the verb avere is used in many common expressions where English typically uses the verb "to be" + an adjective. These expressions follow a simple structure: avere + noun. They are used to describe physical sensations, feelings, and age.

1. Physical and Emotional States

Unlike English, where we say "I am hungry," Italians say "I have hunger." Here are the most common expressions:

• avere fame (to be hungry) – Abbiamo fame. (We are hungry.)
• avere sete (to be thirsty) – Ha sete, Signora? (Are you thirsty, Ma'am?)
• avere caldo (to be hot/warm) – Non hai caldo? (Aren't you hot?)
• avere freddo (to be cold) – Ho molto freddo. (I am very cold.)
• avere sonno (to be sleepy) – I bambini hanno sonno. (The children are sleepy.)
• avere paura (to be afraid) – Hai paura del buio? (Are you afraid of the dark?)
• avere fretta (to be in a hurry) – Marina ha fretta. (Marina is in a hurry.)
• avere ragione (to be right) – Avete ragione! (You all are right!)
• avere torto (to be wrong) – Penso di avere torto. (I think I am wrong.)

2. Expressing Age

In Italian, you do not "are" a certain age; you "have" years. You always use avere followed by the number of years and the word anni (years).

• Quanti anni hai? (How old are you?)
• Francesca ha 17 anni. (Francesca is 17 years old.)
• Il figlio di Gianni ha un anno. (Gianni's son is one year old.)

3. Grammar Notes

Since these expressions use a verb and a noun, the verb avere must be conjugated to match the subject (I, you, he/she, etc.), while the noun usually remains unchanged. These are central to daily conversation and are used in both informal and formal settings.