Correct verb conjugation

Working on lesson 3.4.  Maria tells Alex “riposa e cerca di dormire”.  Riposare and cercare are “are” verbs.  Why is the verb conjugation is for the third person singular (ending in a) and not the second person singular, ending in i?   “(Tu) riposi e cerchi di dormire”

Thanks for your help.

Hi Susan,

Great question! In Italian, the imperative mood (commands) often uses the third-person singular form for both -are and -ere verbs. This is a characteristic feature of the imperative mood.

So, when informally giving commands or suggestions, even if you're addressing someone directly (like Alex), you would use the third-person singular form of the verb. This is true for both -are and -ere verbs.

For example:

• - Riposa e cerca di dormire. (Rest and try to sleep.)
• - Mangia la tua cena. (Eat your dinner.)

This usage simplifies the imperative conjugation, making it the same for both tu and Lei (the formal you), which can be handy.

If you were to use the second-person singular, it would indeed be "riposati e cerca di dormire" and "mangia la tua cena." However, in everyday spoken Italian, the third person singular is more commonly used.

Have a great day! :)

Another question related to the command form - in lesson 4.5, we learn that “leave me alone” is “lasciami solo”.  Based on my original question, I would have translated “leave me alone” as “lascia solo.”  Leave alone - lasciare - is an “are” verb.  Do we have another grammatical construction for the imperative conjugation of an are verb?

Grazie mille.

Susan

Ciao Susan,

Great question! In Italian, the imperative form of "lasciare" (to leave) in the second person singular (informal) is indeed "lascia." So, "leave me alone" would be "lascia (or, more precisely, "lasciami") solo."

The form "lascia solo" is also correct but sounds a bit less personal, like you're telling someone in a general sense to leave something or someone alone.

So, both "lascia solo" and "lasciami solo" can work depending on the context and your intended level of personalization.

Grazie mille! If you have more questions or need further clarification, feel free to ask.