Usage of preposition "di"

Hi,

I am confused by this sentence: "Tu spera di andare in Italia."

I sort of understand from google translate that this means "You hope to go to Italy". However, why is "di" (which refers to "of") used here after "Tu spera" (which is you hope)?

Would it be wrong to say "Tu spera andare Italia" (You hope to go to Italy)?


Grazie
 

Hi Rachelyeo,

Many Italian verbs are followed by a preposition that is not present in their English counterparts, and the other way around.

When sperare is used in front of an infinite verb, it is always followed by the preposition di. Tu spera andare Italia would be wrong (also note that the correct conjugation is tu speri, the -a ending is used in the third singular person, lui/lei spera).

The English to, when in combination with an infinite, is translated differently depending on the main verb. So you can have:
Andare a comprare (to go [to] buy something)
Cercare di prendere (to try to get/grab)
Temere di fare (to be afraid to do)
Etc.

Practice will make everything easier! :)

Lucia

Thank you Lucia,

I still do not quite understand. How do i know when "a" and "di" is appropriate based on the main verb? 

 

And.. by infinite verb you mean infinitive verb?

Hi Rachelyeo,

Yes, I meant infinitive verb! In Italian, these end in -are, -ere and -ire so you can quickly tell them apart.

It's the verb itself that regulates which translation of "to" you'll have to use. There is a more in-depth explanation here: https://members.rocketlanguages.com/members/forum/italian-grammar/i-need-clarity-with-di-a

If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask!

Lucia