Italian Phrase
Sto facendo matematica, scienze e inglese.
Meaning
This phrase literally translates to "I am doing math, science, and English." It's commonly used to express that you are currently studying, working on, or attending classes for these subjects. The verb "fare" (to do/make) is very versatile in Italian and is often used in contexts where English would use "to study" or "to work on."
When to use
Use this phrase when you want to tell someone what subjects you are currently studying, working on for homework, or attending classes for. It's suitable for informal and semi-formal contexts, such as talking to friends, family, or classmates about your academic activities.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Sto facendomatematica,scienzeeinglese.
Sto facendo (Present Continuous)
The Italian present continuous is formed with the present tense of 'stare' (to be/to stay) followed by the gerund of the main verb. 'Sto facendo' means 'I am doing/making'.
Fare (to do/make)
The verb 'fare' is highly versatile. In this context, when paired with academic subjects, it means 'to study' or 'to work on' them, indicating an ongoing activity related to those subjects.
Subjects without articles
When using 'fare' + gerund with school subjects, it's common to omit the definite article before the subject names (e.g., 'matematica' instead of 'la matematica'). This makes the statement more general about the activity.
🗨In Conversation
Cosa stai facendo?
What are you doing?
Sto facendo matematica, scienze e inglese.
I am doing math, science, and English.
✕Common Mistakes
Sono facendo matematica, scienze e inglese.
The present continuous in Italian is formed with 'stare' + gerund, not 'essere' + gerund. 'Sono' is from 'essere'.
Sto facendo matematica, scienza e inglese.
The plural 'scienze' (sciences) is typically used when referring to the general subject of science in an academic context, rather than the singular 'scienza' (a science).
Sto facendo la matematica, le scienze e l'inglese.
While articles are often used with subjects, in this specific construction with 'fare' + gerund, they are usually omitted before the subjects unless you want to emphasize a specific instance or type.
↔Alternatives
Studio matematica, scienze e inglese.
I study math, science, and English.
Ho lezione di matematica, scienze e inglese.
I have a math, science, and English class.
Cultural Tip
In Italian schools, subjects like 'matematica' (math), 'scienze' (sciences, often encompassing biology, chemistry, physics), and 'inglese' (English) are core parts of the curriculum. The use of 'fare' for studying or doing homework for a subject is very common and natural. It's a practical way to describe your current academic engagement without being overly formal.