Breakdown of Oggi devo usare la lavatrice per i vestiti sporchi.
io
I
oggi
today
per
for
usare
to use
dovere
to need
la lavatrice
the washing machine
il vestito
the garment
sporco
dirty
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Questions & Answers about Oggi devo usare la lavatrice per i vestiti sporchi.
What does the modal verb devo indicate in this sentence?
Devo is the first-person singular of dovere, which expresses obligation or necessity. In this context, it tells us that the speaker “has to” use the washing machine, implying that the action is required.
Why is the preposition per used before i vestiti sporchi?
The preposition per is used to show purpose or the intended target of the action. Here, it links the act of using the washing machine to its goal: dealing with the dirty clothes.
How does the adjective placement in i vestiti sporchi compare to English?
In Italian, adjectives such as sporchi typically follow the noun they modify. Therefore, vestiti sporchi translates literally as “clothes dirty,” which is rearranged in English to “dirty clothes.”
Why are definite articles used with lavatrice and vestiti in this sentence?
Definite articles like la in la lavatrice and i in i vestiti sporchi identify specific items known to the speaker and listener. This usage highlights that a particular washing machine and the specific dirty clothes are being referred to.
Is there an alternative way to express the idea of “using the washing machine” in Italian?
Yes, a common alternative is "Oggi devo fare il bucato," which means “Today I have to do the laundry.” While both expressions communicate the same overall idea, the alternative is more idiomatic and focuses on the process of washing clothes rather than the appliance itself.