Spelling the Italian Way: A Trip Through Geography at Podere Cerbaia

‘F’ come Firenze
How do you spell in Italian? A map of Italy will help you speak better Italian
Are you planning a language experience in Italy but feel nervous about the basics? Picture this: you are at a check-in desk or on the phone, trying to spell your name. You start with “S as in Sugar” or “P as in Paris”, and you’re met with a confused silence… How do you spell in Italian? Same letters, no?
Alfabeto italiano – Mi scusi, come si scrive?
Don’t worry! In Italy, it is a question of Geography. We use cities to spell letters. To learn Italian like a local, you need to master the “Geographic Spelling” and an Italian language immersion retreat will help you with that!
Why the “City Method” Matters to spell in Italian
At Podere Cerbaia, you will experice an Italian language immersion, something that goes beyond textbooks. We believe that true cultural immersion happens in these small, daily interactions. Knowing that ‘B’ is for Bari and not Boston is your first step toward feeling at home … and being understood! Come fare lo spelling in italiano – Fonetica italiana – Lezione 08
During our Italian language retreats in Tuscany, we often start with this fun exercise. It’s a great way to review your geography while practicing your pronunciation.
Imagine a map of Italy where every letter is a destination! Can you design an itinerary using the letters of your name ?

Our personalized language learning approach ensures you don’t just memorize words; you live them. Whether you are sipping wine under the olive trees or taking a cooking class, every moment is a language experience.
So … how do you spell yuor name? Mine is ‘I’ come Imola, ‘L’ come Livorno, ‘A’ come Ancona, ‘R’ come Roma, Imola, Ancona … facile, no?
What about non-Italian letters?
What about J, K, W, X, and Y? Even though these aren’t in the standard Italian alphabet, we use them for foreign names. Here is how we call them:
- J: I-lunga (Long I)
- K: Cappa
- W: Doppia Vu (Double V)
- X: Ics
- Y: Ipsilon
Ready to start your journey? Whether you are a beginner looking to learn Italian or an advanced learner seeking authentic Italian cultural experiences, our doors at Podere Cerbaia are open. Learn Italian in Chianti, Tuscany, Italy | Podere Cerbaia

Your desk will be here … picture your next Italian lesson – Italian language immersion retreat
