Oggi è il compleanno di mio fratello, quindi devo comprare un regalo.

I

Breakdown of Oggi è il compleanno di mio fratello, quindi devo comprare un regalo.

• essere: to be
• di: of
• mio: my
• oggi: today
• comprare: to buy
• quindi: so
• il fratello: the brother
• il compleanno: the birthday
• dovere: to need
• il regalo: the present

Questions & Answers about Oggi è il compleanno di mio fratello, quindi devo comprare un regalo.

What does Oggi mean and what role does it play in the sentence?

Oggi translates to “today” in English. It sets the time frame for the sentence, indicating that the events (the birthday and the need to buy a gift) are happening on the current day.

Why is the definite article il used before compleanno?

In Italian, nouns like compleanno (which means “birthday”) are usually accompanied by a definite article. Il is used because compleanno is a masculine singular noun, specifying a particular birthday—in this case, that of my brother.

How does the phrase di mio fratello function in the sentence?

The prepositional phrase di mio fratello indicates possession, meaning “of my brother.” It clarifies whose birthday is being referred to by linking the noun compleanno with mio fratello using the preposition di.

What is the role and meaning of quindi in the sentence?

Quindi means “so” or “therefore.” It acts as a connector between the two parts of the sentence. Because it is my brother’s birthday, quindi introduces the consequence that I must buy a gift.

Why does comprare remain in the infinitive form after devo?

In Italian, modal verbs such as dovere (meaning “to have to” or “must”) are followed directly by an infinitive verb. In this sentence, devo comprare means “I have to buy,” with comprare staying in its base (infinitive) form to complete the modal construction.