Italian Phrase
Ascolta bene le loro istruzioni.
Meaning
‘Listen carefully to their instructions.’ The sentence tells someone to pay close attention to what another person or group is telling them to do.
When to use
Use this phrase when you want to emphasize the importance of following directions—e.g., in a classroom, at work, or when receiving safety briefings.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Ascoltabeneleloroistruzioni.
Imperative (tu)
‘Ascolta’ is the second‑person singular informal imperative of the verb *ascoltare* (to listen).
Adverb placement
The adverb *bene* (well, carefully) normally precedes the direct object in Italian.
Definite article + possessive
When a possessive adjective (loro) follows a definite article, the article is kept: *le loro istruzioni*.
Noun gender & number
*Istruzioni* is a feminine plural noun, so it takes the article *le*.
🗨In Conversation
Il capo ha dato delle indicazioni molto precise.
The boss gave very precise instructions.
Ascolta bene le loro istruzioni, così non commetti errori.
Listen carefully to their instructions, so you don’t make mistakes.
✕Common Mistakes
Ascolti bene le loro istruzioni.
‘Ascolti’ is the formal imperative; using it with a friend sounds overly stiff.
Ascolta le loro istruzioni bene.
The adverb *bene* should come before the object, not after it.
Ascolta bene le loro loro istruzioni.
Do not repeat the possessive; the article already signals possession.
↔Alternatives
Fai attenzione alle loro istruzioni.
Pay attention to their instructions.
Presta attenzione alle loro istruzioni.
Give attention to their instructions.
Ascolta attentamente le loro istruzioni.
Listen attentively to their instructions.
Cultural Tip
In Italian the informal imperative *ascolta* is used with friends, peers, or younger people. In a formal setting (e.g., speaking to a manager) you would say *Ascolti bene le loro istruzioni* or use the polite *Lei* form. Also, Italians often stress the adverb *bene* to underline that the instructions must be followed exactly.