Learn Hardcore Italian: Il bambino è allegro.

Il bambino translates to the child in English. Il is the masculine singular definite article ("the"), and bambino means "child," typically referring to a boy. For a girl, you would use la bambina.

What is the role of è in this sentence?

È is the third person singular present tense of the verb essere, which means "to be." It functions as the linking verb connecting the subject il bambino with the adjective allegro.

Why does the adjective allegro end with an "o"?

In Italian, adjectives must agree in gender and number with the noun they modify. Since bambino is masculine singular, the adjective takes the masculine singular ending -o. If the noun were feminine (like la bambina), the adjective would change to allegra.

How is allegro translated into English, and are there any nuances in its meaning?

Allegro is most commonly translated as "cheerful" or "happy." It implies not just a state of being happy, but also a sense of liveliness or an upbeat mood. While it can be similar to "happy," allegro often suggests a more energetic, extroverted form of happiness compared to other adjectives like contento, which might denote a quieter satisfaction.

Is the sentence structure similar to English?