Italian Phrase
Sono qui per ascoltarti.
Meaning
Literally ‘I am here to listen to you.’ The speaker is offering their presence and attention, usually in a supportive or empathetic context.
When to use
Use this sentence when someone confides in you, when you want to show you’re ready to give emotional support, or when you’re offering a listening ear in a personal conversation.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Sonoquiperascoltarti
Essere (sono)
‘Sono’ is the first‑person singular present of the verb ‘essere’ (to be). It is used for identity, location, and state.
Qui (adverb)
‘Qui’ means ‘here’ and works as an adverb of place, placed after the verb.
Per + infinitive
The preposition ‘per’ introduces purpose; it is followed by an infinitive verb.
Infinitive + clitic pronoun
‘Ascoltarti’ = ‘ascoltare’ (to listen) + the clitic pronoun ‘ti’ (you). The pronoun is attached directly to the infinitive.
🗨In Conversation
Mi sento sopraffatto dal lavoro, non so più a chi rivolgermi.
I feel overwhelmed by work, I don’t know who to turn to.
Sono qui per ascoltarti.
I’m here to listen to you.
✕Common Mistakes
Sono qui per ascolto te.
The verb ‘ascoltare’ must be in infinitive after ‘per’, and the pronoun attaches to the infinitive.
Sono qui per ascoltare te.
When the pronoun follows an infinitive, it must be attached (ascoltarti), not separated.
Sono qui per ascoltarti a.
‘Per’ already expresses purpose; adding ‘a’ is redundant and ungrammatical.
↔Alternatives
Sono qui per sentirti.
I’m here to hear you.
Ti ascolto.
I’m listening to you.
Sono disponibile ad ascoltarti.
I’m available to listen to you.
Cultural Tip
In Italian culture, offering to listen is a sign of genuine empathy and is common among friends, family, and even colleagues. Keep a calm tone and maintain eye contact; over‑formal settings (e.g., business meetings) usually call for a more neutral phrase like ‘Sono a sua disposizione’ rather than the intimate ‘ascoltarti’.