Quiz answer - Reflexives

I am confused by the answer to the quiz question below.  I thought that when we tell someone NOT to so something in Italian, we use Non+ the infinitive.  And if it is reflexive, the pronoun goes either before the infinitive or attached to the end, as per the second quiz example below.  

So shouldn't the correct answer to this question be ‘Non vi alzare’ ?

Hi Barbara,

I hope you're doing well! :) 

You're absolutely correct in noting that when we tell someone not to do something in Italian, we typically use "Non" followed by the infinitive form of the verb.

However, in the specific context of addressing a group of people, the imperative form is used, which is slightly different. In this case, the correct form is "Non vi alzate" Let me explain why:

- "Non" is indeed used to negate the action, as you rightly pointed out.
- "Vi" is the pronoun for the second-person plural, equivalent to "you all" or "you guys" in English.
- "Alzate" is the imperative form of the verb "alzarsi" (to get up) in the second person plural, which matches the subject pronoun "vi."

So, let me explain why "Non vi alzare" is not the correct choice:

• 1 - Subject-Verb Agreement: In Italian, the imperative form (commands) of verbs must agree with the subject in both number and person. Since you're addressing a group of people (second person plural), the verb "alzare" needs to be conjugated in the second-person plural imperative form, which is "alzate."
• 2 - Use of Pronouns: The pronoun "vi" is the second-person plural object pronoun, equivalent to "you all" or "you guys" in English. When giving commands to a group of people, the pronoun is placed before the verb. Therefore, "Non vi alzate" combines the negation "non" with the pronoun "vi" and the imperative form of the verb "alzare."

So, "Non vi alzate" translates to "Don't get up" when addressing a group of people in Italian.

I hope this clarifies the confusion. If you have any further questions or need additional clarification, please feel free to ask!

Best regards,
Enxhi