veloce / velocemente

Ciao, I have some problem with a sentence in Lessons 3.7 Comparing Things. The sentence is this: "Noi viaggiamo meno veloci in treno che in aereo." The word "veloce" is an adjective, and as such change according to gender and plural, which it also does in this sentence. But as I understand grammar "veloce" is not used as an adjective in this sentence but as an adverb. As I understand it "veloce" discribe the word "viaggiamo" which is a verb and as such "veloce" would be an adverb. It would therefore make more sense to me if the sentence was: "Noi viaggiamo meno velocemente in treno che in aereo." 1. Why is it used as an adjective in the original sentence? and 2. If it is used as an adverb why is it not "velocemente"? Hope someone can clarify this for me.

"Veloce" can be both adjective and adverb. Examples: avanzamento veloce fast-forward ... tasto di avanzamento veloce fast forward button ... reattore autofertilizzante a neuroni veloci fast breeder reactor ... I think the sentence: "Noi viaggiamo meno veloci in treno che in aereo." is grammatically correct. "Velocemente" is an adverb. Noi viaggiamo meno velocemente in treno che in aereo. is also grammatically correct.

Hi John H8, Thank you for your answer. It makes sense that "veloce" can be used as an adverb as well. But why the conjugation? If you agree that "veloce" is used as an adverb in the sentence "Noi viaggiamo meno veloci in treno che in aereo." I would say it should be "Noi viaggiamo meno veloce in treno che in aereo." as adverbs don't change - or do they? I would say that: "Noi viaggiamo meno velocemente in treno che in aereo." "Noi viaggiamo meno veloce in treno che in aereo." makes sense, but is this also correct: "Noi viaggiamo meno veloci in treno che in aereo." ?

Hi Klaus H, Yes. "Noi viaggiamo meno veloci in treno che in aereo." is also correct. Veloci is an adjective. veloci m, f plural form of veloce veloci agrees with noi. Therefore, "Noi viaggiamo meno veloci in treno che in aereo." is grammatically correct.

Hi John H8, Thanks a lot for your answer. As I see it veloci cannot discribe "noi" (we) as "we" could be for example two very old, very slow people, but they travel fast. So I would say veloce discribe "viaggiamo". If I translate the sentence into my own native language danish, we would never put the word veloce in plural as it is used in this sentense. It would make no difference if the sentense started with "Noi viaggiamo ..." or "Io viaggio ... the word "veloce" would be the same - without conjugation. But then again - that might not be true in italian. By the way, your inputs are very much appreciated.

Ciao a tutti, thanks John for your clear explanation. "Veloce" is an adjective and "velocemente" is a adverb. In the sentence ""Noi viaggiamo meno veloci in treno che in aereo", it is used in a comparative way ("we travel slower (less fast literally) by train than by plane"). In this example the adjective has to changed accordingly to the subject. "Noi" stands for "we" which is plural. For this reason "veloce" (singular) will become "veloci". I hope this helps. Ciao

Ciao Maria, Thanks a lot for your answer. I agree that veloce is an adjective (used to discribe nouns/ pronouns ) and velocemente an adverb ( used to discribe verbs, other adverbs, adjective etc). What I dont get is why "veloci" in this sentence is an adjective. As far as I understand the sentence "veleci" doesnt discribe "noi" but discribe the verb "viaggiamo". I read this sentence on an internetpage some days ago: "Le donne mangiano meno velocemente degli uomini." It seams like the build- up is similar - le donne - plural, velocemente - discribing mangiano - and it is also a comparative way. Is that sentence then wrong? It just doesnt make sense to me. Ciao Klaus

Ciao Klaus, both sentences are correct. You can say "meno veloci" or "meno velocemente". The "veloci" is an adjective and the "velocemente" is an adverb. Adjective needs to be amended to plural if neeed, adverb no. I hope this helps. Ciao

Ciao Maria, Thanks a lot. Ciao

Ciao