Breakdown of Il condomino si astiene: la decisione non è unanime.
essere
to be
non
not
la decisione
the decision
il condomino
the condominium owner
Questions & Answers about Il condomino si astiene: la decisione non è unanime.
What exactly does condomino mean here?
Condomino is a person who owns or co-owns an apartment/unit in a condominio and takes part in condominium matters, such as meetings and votes.
So in this kind of context, il condomino usually means the unit owner / co-owner / member of the condominium association, not just any person living in the building.
A useful distinction is:
- condominio = condominium / apartment building under shared ownership
- condomino = condominium owner / co-owner / member of that condominium
Why does it say si astiene and not just astiene?
Because the verb is astenersi, a pronominal verb, meaning to abstain or to refrain.
Its infinitive is:
- astenersi = to abstain
So in the present tense:
The si is not optional here; it is part of the verb.
What tense is si astiene?
It is the present indicative, third person singular:
- si astiene = he/she abstains or is abstaining
In this sentence, it most likely describes what happens during a vote or decision-making process.