La famiglia è fondamentale.

to be

Breakdown of La famiglia è fondamentale.

• la famiglia: the family
• fondamentale: essential

Questions & Answers about La famiglia è fondamentale.

What does La famiglia mean in English?

La famiglia translates to “the family.” The noun famiglia is feminine, and the definite article la is used to indicate that we are talking about a specific, recognized group. In Italian, even when referring to a general concept, a definite article is typically required.

How does the verb è function in this sentence?

È is the third person singular present form of the verb essere, which means “to be.” In this sentence, it acts as a linking verb, connecting the subject (La famiglia) to the predicate adjective (fondamentale).

What does fondamentale mean, and how is it used here?

Fondamentale means “fundamental” or “essential.” In this sentence, it serves as a predicate adjective describing the importance of family. Although famiglia is a feminine noun, adjectives ending in -e (like fondamentale) remain the same in both masculine and feminine singular forms.

Why is the article la used before famiglia when English might omit it as in “Family is fundamental”?

In Italian, general statements about a whole group or concept commonly include the definite article. Therefore, La famiglia è fondamentale literally means “The family is fundamental,” emphasizing the entire concept of family rather than an unspecified instance.

Does the adjective fondamentale change form when describing feminine nouns in Italian?

No, adjectives like fondamentale that end in -e are the same for both masculine and feminine singular nouns. When used in the plural, the proper form would be fondamentali. In this sentence, since famiglia is singular, fondamentale is used appropriately.