Dear curious and committed Italian learner,
This newsletter is a little different from the others.
It’s not a story from my life in Italy or a cultural deep-dive — it’s a practical, research-informed answer to one of the questions I get most often from you:
“How long should I study Italian each day to really improve?”
In this new Su Misura Study Lab series, I’ll occasionally pop into your inbox to break down learning habits, study routines, or tricky grammar topics — always based on real student questions and always with suggestions tailored to your level.
Let’s begin with the most valuable (and underestimated) thing you can do:
Create a simple, 20-minute-a-day routine.
Spoiler: it works better than cramming. And your brain will thank you for it.
Why 20 Minutes a Day Works
Modern learning science gives us a few solid reasons:
Spaced repetition – reviewing small bits often is more effective than long, infrequent sessions.
Interleaving – mixing types of input (listening, writing, reading) builds real flexibility
Retrieval practice – trying to recall something (instead of re-reading it) strengthens memory
Cognitive load theory – short sessions reduce overwhelm and help you absorb more
Habit psychology – 20 minutes is doable enough to become part of your day
Beginner Routine (A1)
This is the most exciting phase.
You’ve decided to learn Italian — and that decision is already a big deal.
I always suggest using this initial enthusiasm to build a strong habit.
Even if your brain still doesn’t “see itself” as a language learner yet, you can help it: leave a few sticky notes around the house that say “I’m learning Italian now!” — it works. Repetition, small wins, and joy will do the rest.
Main goal: Build a habit, learn high-frequency words, and get comfortable with sounds
🗓️ Daily routine:
5 min – Listen & Repeat
Use beginner-friendly audio. Listen to one sentence. Pause. Repeat it out loud. Focus on rhythm and melody. You do not have to understand all the words!10 min – Learn 3 new words + write 1 sentence
Pick useful everyday words. Write a mini sentence using one or more of them (e.g. Oggi fa caldo).5 min – Read something short
A caption, dialogue, or part of this newsletter. Don’t translate everything — just get the idea.
Tip: Review your vocabulary once a week. Repetition = confidence.
Intermediate Routine (A2–B1)
This is the “bridge” stage — and it’s where most people give up.
Why? Because it feels like you “should” already be fluent… but you’re still hesitating. In reality, this is a golden moment: you understand more than ever before, and now it’s time to activate what’s in your brain.
This is the phase where production (speaking + writing) becomes essential — even just a few minutes a day.
Main goal: Activate what you know, expand vocabulary, build fluency
🗓️ Daily routine:
5 min – Mini grammar review
Pick one topic (e.g. passato prossimo, prepositions) and look over 2–3 examples.10 min – Listen and transcribe
Play part of a podcast. Pause every few seconds. Write what you hear. Then check the transcript.5 min – Speak or write 3 new variations
Take one phrase and change the subject, verb, or tense. Say it aloud or jot it down.
Tip: Record yourself weekly — it’s a great way to track improvement.
Advanced Routine (B2+)
This is the stage of refinement — and it’s easy to plateau here.
You already “speak Italian”, but do you own it? To keep growing, you need input variety (read, listen, explore) and output precision (challenge yourself to sound natural). One of the best ways to stay sharp is to write freely and notice how natives speak differently than you would.
That small gap? That’s where growth happens.
Main goal: Polish, deepen, and express with ease
🗓️ Daily routine:
5 min – Idiom of the day
Choose an expression like ce la caviamo, avere le mani bucate, fare finta di nulla. Try using it in a conversation.10 min – Read real Italian
A newspaper article, short story, or blog. Note 2 expressions or turns of phrase that feel “more Italian” than your usual way of saying things.5 min – Write or speak freely
Respond to a prompt. Reflect on your day. Talk to yourself in Italian. No pressure — just use the language.
Tip: Try “shadowing” — repeat aloud while you listen to native audio. It’s powerful for rhythm and pronunciation.
Want Help Creating Your Own Plan?
Everyone’s brain works a little differently. That’s why we offer a free Meet & Greet — a 20-minute call to chat about:
your level
your time
your learning style
and how we can build a routine su misura (tailored!) for you
👇 Book yours here:
Let’s build your Italian routine together, book a meet and greet
And you? Do you already have a daily Italian habit?
Reply to this email and tell me how you structure your study time — or where you’re getting stuck. I always love hearing from you 💛
Alla prossima,
Monica
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