ELONIO
Log inSign up

La stampante è rotta, devo contattare un tecnico.

La stampante è rotta, devo contattare un tecnico.
The printer is broken; I must contact a technician.
FromLesson 10inHardcore Italian

Questions & Answers about La stampante è rotta, devo contattare un tecnico.

What does "la stampante" indicate about gender and definiteness in Italian?
La is the feminine singular definite article, and stampante is a feminine noun meaning "printer." The article and noun agree in gender, which is a key aspect of Italian grammar.
Why is the adjective "rotta" used instead of "roto"?
In Italian, adjectives must agree in gender and number with the noun they modify. Since stampante is feminine, the adjective takes the feminine form rotta, as opposed to the masculine roto.
What is the role of the verb "è" in the sentence?
The verb "è" is the third person singular form of essere (to be). It connects the subject la stampante with the predicate rotta, indicating that the printer is in a broken state.
Why is "devo" used in this context, and what does it express?
Devo is the first person singular form of dovere (to have to/must). It expresses an obligation or necessity. In this sentence, it indicates that, because the printer is broken, the speaker needs to contact a technician.
Why is the verb "contattare" in its infinitive form here?
Modal verbs like dovere are typically followed by an infinitive in Italian. Contattare (to contact) remains in the infinitive to serve as the complement of devo, indicating what action needs to be taken.
What is the function of the comma in "La stampante è rotta, devo contattare un tecnico."?
The comma separates two related independent clauses. Although each clause has its own subject and verb, the comma clarifies that the broken printer is the reason for the need to contact a technician, linking cause and effect.
AI Language TutorTry it ↗
“What's the best way to learn Italian grammar?”
Italian grammar becomes intuitive with practice. Focus on understanding the core patterns first — how sentences are structured, how verbs change form, and how words relate to each other. Our course breaks these concepts into small lessons so you can build understanding step by step.

Sign up free — start using our AI language tutor

Start learning Italian

Master Italian — from La stampante è rotta, devo contattare un tecnico to fluency

All course content and exercises are completely free — no paywalls, no trial periods, no signup needed.

  • ✓Infinitely deep — unlimited vocabulary and grammar
  • ✓Fast-paced — build complex sentences from the start
  • ✓Unforgettable — efficient spaced repetition system
  • ✓ AI tutor to answer your grammar questions
Open the Italiancourse →