La calma è preziosa in momenti difficili.

to be

Breakdown of La calma è preziosa in momenti difficili.

• in: in
• prezioso: precious
• la calma: the calm
• difficile: difficult
• il momento: the moment

Questions & Answers about La calma è preziosa in momenti difficili.

Why do we use the definite article la before calma?

In Italian, abstract nouns like calma (calm), felicità (happiness), or pace (peace) typically take the definite article. Unlike in English, where saying "Calm is precious..." can sound natural, Italian tends to specify these nouns with la to give them a more concrete presence in the sentence.

Why is the adjective preziosa in the feminine form?

Because calma is a feminine noun in Italian. Adjectives must agree in gender and number with the noun they describe, so since calma is feminine, the adjective must also be feminine, hence preziosa (not prezioso).

What does in momenti difficili literally mean and why is it used like this?

Literally, it translates to "in difficult moments." In Italian, using in with a plural noun indicates a general context or situation. Here it conveys the idea that calm is precious whenever one experiences times of hardship, without referring to a single specific moment.

Could we say nei momenti difficili instead of in momenti difficili?

Yes, nei momenti difficili ("in the difficult moments") is also possible and conveys a similar meaning. Using nei adds a slightly more specific tone, suggesting those moments are already known or established. In momenti difficili can feel a bit more general.

How would the sentence change if we only said Calma è preziosa in momenti difficili (without la)?

It would sound incomplete or less natural in Italian. While in English we often omit articles before abstract nouns, Italian typically includes them. Saying Calma è preziosa sounds somewhat abrupt and would be unusual in standard Italian usage, making La calma è preziosa the preferable construction.