Il cane combatte il freddo.

The dog fights the cold.

Breakdown of Il cane combatte il freddo.

• il cane: the dog
• il freddo: the cold
• combattere: to fight

Questions & Answers about Il cane combatte il freddo.

What does combatte mean in this sentence, and why is it used?

Combatte is the third person singular present form of the verb combattere, which means "to fight" or "to battle." In this sentence, it suggests that the dog is actively struggling against the cold. The choice of this verb—not a milder term like affronta (faces)—emphasizes a determined, active resistance, whether meant literally or figuratively.

Why are definite articles like il used before both cane and freddo?

In Italian, definite articles are typically required with nouns, even when making general statements. Here, il cane (the dog) and il freddo (the cold) both include the article because they are masculine singular nouns. This rule helps clarify gender and number, and it differs from English, where articles might sometimes be dropped in similar expressions.

Why isn’t a preposition (such as against) used between combatte and il freddo?

Italian often allows verbs to take direct objects without a preposition. While English might require "fights against the cold," in Italian the structure il cane combatte il freddo is natural. The verb combattere directly links the subject with its object, eliminating the need for an extra word like contro (against).

Is the sentence meant to be taken literally, or is it employing figurative language?

The interpretation depends on context. It could be a literal observation of a dog enduring harsh, cold conditions. However, it is often read figuratively—using the image of a dog battling the cold to convey a sense of determination or struggle. This personification adds expressive depth, making the sentence vivid even if the dog isn’t literally fighting.

How does subject–verb agreement work in this sentence?

In Italian, verbs must agree in number and person with their subjects. Here, il cane is a singular subject, so the verb combatte is correctly conjugated in the singular form. This agreement is a fundamental aspect of Italian grammar, ensuring that each element of the sentence aligns properly.