Learn english with The Sopranos

The story of New Jersey-based Italian-American mobster Tony Soprano and the difficulties he faces as he tries to balance the conflicting requirements of his home life and the criminal organization he heads. Those difficulties are often highlighted through his ongoing professional relationship with psychiatrist Jennifer Melfi. The show features Tony's family members and Mafia associates in prominent roles and story arcs, most notably his wife Carmela and his cousin and protégé Christopher Moltisanti.

Why learn english with The Sopranos?

"The Sopranos" tells the story of Tony Soprano, a mob boss in New Jersey, as he deals with the stresses of his work and family life. This show can help you learn English by exposing you to a variety of vocabulary, including slang and idioms used in American English. For example, you'll hear words like "whack" (meaning to kill), "goomar" (mistress), and "agita" (stress). You'll also learn about the culture of Italian-American communities in the US, although be aware that the portrayal is specific to the criminal underworld and not representative of all Italian-Americans. The show also features many dialogues, which are helpful for improving listening comprehension. The show explores themes of family, loyalty, betrayal, and the American Dream. You'll see a range of emotions expressed, from anger and fear to love and sadness. This can help you understand how English speakers express their feelings. The language used in "The Sopranos" is a mix of formal and informal English, with characters often switching between the two depending on the situation. This can help you learn how to use English appropriately in different contexts. Pay attention to the characters' tone of voice and body language, as these non-verbal cues are important for understanding the meaning behind their words. Learning English with "The Sopranos" can be useful for several reasons. The show's engaging storyline and complex characters can make learning more enjoyable and motivating. You'll be exposed to realistic conversations and situations, which can help you improve your fluency and comprehension. While the slang and strong language might not be appropriate for all situations, understanding it can broaden your knowledge of English. The show's popularity also means there are many online resources and communities dedicated to discussing it, providing opportunities to practice your English with other learners.

Words from The Sopranos

Here are the first 15 of the more difficult words in The Sopranos:

mama: a casual word for mother
papa: a casual word for father
upside: the good side of a mostly bad situation
lordy: used to show surprise, shock, or concern, or to emphasize a statement
shotgun: a long gun that shoots many small metal balls, often used to hunt birds or animals
physician: a doctor who treats general medical conditions and does not perform surgeries
panic: a sudden strong feeling of fear that makes it hard to think and act in a reasonable way
neurological: related to nerves or the study of the nervous system
consultant: a person with expert knowledge who gives advice to others, often in a professional setting
psychiatrist: a doctor who specialises in treating and studying mental health conditions
lately: in the recent past or recently
acutely: very strongly
someplace: a place that you do not know
duckling: a baby duck; the meat of a baby duck
yum: used to say that you find the taste or smell of something very pleasant