Italian Phrase
Sto studiando per gli esami.
Meaning
The sentence means “I am studying for the exams.” It uses the present progressive (sto + gerund) to describe an ongoing action that is happening right now, specifically preparing for upcoming tests.
When to use
Use this phrase when you want to tell someone what you’re currently doing in relation to school or university exams, whether you’re speaking to a friend, a teacher, or a family member.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Stostudiandopergliesami
Present Progressive (sto + gerund)
Combine the present tense of ‘stare’ (sto, stai, sta, stiamo, state, stanno) with the gerund of the main verb to express an action happening right now.
Gerund Formation
For -are verbs, replace -are with -ando (studiare → studiando).
Preposition ‘per’ + plural article ‘gli’
‘Per’ indicates purpose; when the noun is masculine plural and starts with a vowel or ‘z’, use the article ‘gli’ (gli esami).
🗨In Conversation
Cosa fai adesso?
What are you doing right now?
Sto studiando per gli esami.
I’m studying for the exams.
✕Common Mistakes
Studiare per gli esami.
Missing the auxiliary ‘sto’ makes it a simple present, which sounds like a habit rather than an ongoing action.
Sto studiare per gli esami.
The gerund form ‘studiando’ is required after ‘sto’; ‘studiare’ is the infinitive.
Sto studiando per l'esami.
The article should agree in number: ‘gli esami’ (plural), not ‘l’esami’.
↔Alternatives
Studio per gli esami.
I study for the exams.
Mi sto preparando per gli esami.
I’m getting ready for the exams.
Sto facendo ripasso per gli esami.
I’m reviewing for the exams.
Cultural Tip
In Italy, the exam period (esami) is often a stressful time for students, especially at university. It’s common to hear classmates say “Sto studiando per gli esami” in libraries, cafés, or study groups. Keep the tone informal with friends, but switch to a more formal register (e.g., “Sto studiando per gli esami, professore”) when speaking to a teacher.