Mio nipote ama giocare all’aperto e corre spesso nel giardino.

My nephew loves playing outside and often runs in the garden.

Breakdown of Mio nipote ama giocare all’aperto e corre spesso nel giardino.

• correre: to run
• il giardino: the garden
• giocare: to play
• e: and
• lui: he
• nel: in
• il nipote: the nephew
• amare: to love
• all'aperto: outside
• spesso: often

Questions & Answers about Mio nipote ama giocare all’aperto e corre spesso nel giardino.

Why does the sentence use Mio nipote to mean nephew when nipote can also mean niece or grandchild in Italian?

In Italian, the word nipote is gender-neutral and can mean nephew, niece, grandson, or granddaughter. The context usually clarifies which meaning is intended. In this sentence, we assume it means nephew. If the speaker had a niece or a granddaughter, the same word nipote would be used, but the surrounding context (or direct clarification) would let us know which interpretation is correct.

Why do Italians say all’aperto rather than just aperto to indicate being outside?

The expression all’aperto literally translates to in the open. In everyday usage, all’aperto is a set phrase meaning outside, highlighting the idea of being out in the fresh air. Saying just aperto (meaning open) wouldn’t convey the full idea of going outdoors.

Why is ama giocare used here instead of ama di giocare or ama a giocare?

In Italian, certain verbs—like amare, odiare, and preferire—are directly followed by the infinitive form of another verb without any preposition. So, you say ama giocare (he or she loves to play), not ama di giocare or ama a giocare.

Why does the sentence use nel giardino rather than in giardino or al giardino?

While in giardino and nel giardino can often be used interchangeably in everyday conversation, nel giardino suggests being within the enclosed space of the garden. In giardino can carry the same meaning, and many speakers would say either form quite naturally—there is no major difference in everyday contexts. However, al giardino would sound a bit off in this situation because it suggests location at the garden rather than in it.

Is there any difference between spesso and frequentemente in this sentence?

Both words mean often, but spesso is more commonly used and slightly more casual. Frequentemente is perfectly correct but is a bit more formal or literary-sounding. In ordinary spoken Italian, spesso is by far the more frequent term.