B1 Italian GrammarFuture Tense
Learn to express future actions in Italian using the futuro semplice (simple future). Master the regular conjugation patterns for -are, -ere, and -ire verbs, common irregular verbs, and when to use the future tense versus present tense for future events.
1Regular Future Conjugation
The Italian future tense (futuro semplice) is formed by adding specific endings to the verb stem. For -are verbs, the 'a' changes to 'e' before adding endings. All three conjugations share the same future endings: -ò, -ai, -à , -emo, -ete, -anno.
Future Tense Endings
| Person | parlare | credere | partire |
|---|---|---|---|
| io | parlerò | crederò | partirò |
| tu | parlerai | crederai | partirai |
| lui/lei | parlerà | crederà | partirà |
| noi | parleremo | crederemo | partiremo |
| voi | parlerete | crederete | partirete |
| loro | parleranno | crederanno | partiranno |
Examples
Domani parlerò con il capo.
Tomorrow I will speak with the boss.
parlerò = I will speak
Quando arriverai?
When will you arrive?
arriverai = you will arrive
L'anno prossimo studieremo in Italia.
Next year we will study in Italy.
studieremo = we will study
I ragazzi finiranno presto.
The boys will finish soon.
finiranno = they will finish
2Common Irregular Verbs
Many common verbs have irregular future stems but use regular endings. Essere becomes 'sar-', avere becomes 'avr-', fare becomes 'far-', and andare becomes 'andr-'. Some verbs drop a vowel: potere → potr-, dovere → dovr-, vedere → vedr-.
Irregular Future Stems
| Infinitive | Future Stem | Example (io) |
|---|---|---|
| essere | sar- | sarò |
| avere | avr- | avrò |
| fare | far- | farò |
| andare | andr- | andrò |
| venire | verr- | verrò |
| potere | potr- | potrò |
| dovere | dovr- | dovrò |
| vedere | vedr- | vedrò |
| sapere | sapr- | saprò |
| volere | vorr- | vorrò |
Examples
Sarò a casa alle otto.
I will be home at eight.
sarò = I will be (essere)
Avremo bisogno di aiuto.
We will need help.
avremo = we will have
Cosa farai questo weekend?
What will you do this weekend?
farai = you will do
Non potrò venire alla festa.
I won't be able to come to the party.
potrò = I will be able
3Future for Probability
Italian uses the future tense to express probability or conjecture about present situations. This is called 'futuro epistemico' and translates to 'must be', 'probably is', or 'I wonder'. It expresses uncertainty about something happening now.
Future of Probability
| Italian | Literal | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Sarà stanco. | He will be tired. | He must be tired. |
| Che ore saranno? | What time will it be? | I wonder what time it is. |
| Avrà trent'anni. | She will have 30 years. | She's probably 30. |
| Costerà molto. | It will cost a lot. | It probably costs a lot. |
Examples
Chi sarà alla porta?
Who could that be at the door?
Future expressing curiosity/uncertainty
Marco non risponde. Sarà al lavoro.
Marco isn't answering. He must be at work.
Future for probability about now
Questa borsa costerà almeno 200 euro.
This bag probably costs at least 200 euros.
Speculation about present price
Avranno fame dopo il viaggio.
They must be hungry after the trip.
Probability about current state
4Present vs Future for Future Events
In spoken Italian, the present tense often replaces the future for scheduled or certain events. Use present for definite plans and schedules. Use future for predictions, promises, uncertain events, or to emphasize the future aspect.
When to Use Which
| Tense | Use For | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Present | schedules | Il treno parte alle 3. |
| Present | definite plans | Domani vado a Roma. |
| Future | predictions | Domani pioverà . |
| Future | promises | Ti chiamerò stasera. |
| Future | uncertainty | Forse verrà . |
Examples
Stasera andiamo al cinema.
Tonight we're going to the cinema.
Present for certain plan
Un giorno diventerò famoso.
One day I will become famous.
Future for prediction/dream
Ti prometto che sarò puntuale.
I promise I will be on time.
Future for promise
Penso che pioverà domani.
I think it will rain tomorrow.
Future for weather prediction