Metto la crema delicatamente sul viso.

I apply the cream gently on my face.

Breakdown of Metto la crema delicatamente sul viso.

• io: I
• su: on
• il mio: my
• la crema: the cream
• delicatamente: gently
• il viso: the face

Questions & Answers about Metto la crema delicatamente sul viso.

Why do we use metto in this sentence instead of something like mi metto?

Metto is simply the first-person singular present tense of mettere, meaning "I put." When you say mi metto, you're using the reflexive form mettersi, which typically stresses the action of applying something to yourself. In this context, metto already makes it clear that you're the one performing the action, so adding mi isn't necessary.

Why is there a definite article before crema (i.e., la crema) instead of just saying crema?

In Italian, it's very common to use definite articles (like la) even when referring to something general or not previously introduced, especially for items such as creams or lotions. Saying la crema indicates we're talking about "the cream" in a general sense or a specific cream you have in mind—unlike in English, where you might simply say "I put cream on my face."

Is there a specific reason why the word delicatamente (gently) comes after crema instead of before?

Italian adverbs can usually be placed either before or after the verb for emphasis or style. In this sentence, delicatamente comes after metto la crema to highlight how the action is performed. You could also say delicatamente metto la crema sul viso, although it can sound slightly more formal or literary.

Why is it sul viso instead of nel viso or al viso?

The preposition su can mean "on" or "upon," so sul viso translates to "on the face." Using nel viso would suggest something happening inside the face, which doesn't make sense in this context, and al viso is less common for applying something onto the surface of the skin. Hence, sul viso is the natural choice.

Could I use a different verb like applico instead of metto?

Yes, you could say applico la crema delicatamente sul viso. Using applico is more formal and often found in instructions or product descriptions. Metto is more casual and conversational, commonly used in everyday speech when describing your own actions.