What did you study, if I may ask?
CO-sa ha stu-DIA-to — se POS-so CHIE-de-re — stress on 'co-', 'dia-', 'pos-', 'chie-'. Polite curiosity, never intrusive.
Getting to know a parent by asking about their educational background — showing interest in who they were before they became a parent.
'Cosa ha studiato' = what did you study (formal). 'Se posso chiedere' = if I may ask — a softener that makes the question feel respectful rather than intrusive. Using 'lei' form throughout maintains the formal register appropriate for first meetings with elders.
Ha avuto una passione particolare nella vita?
Have you had a particular passion in your life?
Broader than study — opens a richer conversation about personal history
Si è formato/a qui in città o in un'altra regione?
Did you study here in the city or in another region?
Adds geographic dimension — many Italians studied in a different city
La sua formazione ha influenzato chi è diventato/a?
Has your education influenced who you became?
Philosophical and deep — for families who enjoy reflective conversation
Asking about education and profession is a staple of Italian family conversations and not considered intrusive. Education is taken seriously in Italian culture — and discussing someone's studies is a way of understanding their life path and values. Connecting their profession to something observable (like the house decor) shows attentiveness.