La stampante è rotta, devo contattare un tecnico.

The printer is broken; I must contact a technician.

Breakdown of La stampante è rotta, devo contattare un tecnico.

• io: I
• essere: to be
• dovere: to have to
• la stampante: the printer
• rotto: broken
• contattare: to contact
• il tecnico: the technician

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.