La luce arriva dalla finestra.

The light arrives through the window.

Breakdown of La luce arriva dalla finestra.

• la luce: the light
• arrivare: to arrive
• finestra: the window

Questions & Answers about La luce arriva dalla finestra.

Why do we say "dalla" instead of "da la"?

In Italian, "da" (meaning "from") and the feminine definite article "la" often combine into the single form "dalla". So "dalla finestra" literally means "from the window". This is a common contraction to avoid saying "da la finestra" which would sound awkward in Italian.

How do I know "luce" is feminine and not masculine?

In Italian, "luce" is a feminine noun. Many nouns ending in "-ce" (like "luce", "voce") are feminine by convention. You’ll usually see the feminine article "la" placed before "luce" in phrases like "la luce" (the light).

Why is "arriva" used instead of another verb form?

"Arriva" is the third-person singular form of the verb "arrivare" in the present tense. We use it here because "la luce" is a singular subject ("the light"), so the verb must agree with that singular subject.

Can the sentence be rearranged in word order, such as "Dalla finestra arriva la luce"?

Yes, Italian word order is quite flexible. "Dalla finestra arriva la luce" is also grammatically correct and emphasizes that the light comes specifically from the window. However, "La luce arriva dalla finestra" is a more straightforward, neutral phrasing.

Is there a difference between saying "La luce arriva dalla finestra" and "La luce entra dalla finestra"?

In Italian, "arriva" (arrives) and "entra" (enters) are close in meaning for this context, but "arriva" can sound more like it’s approaching or coming into the room from the window, while "entra" focuses on the fact it is physically entering. Both forms are common and understandable in everyday speech.