Mi piace aggiungere formaggio sopra la pasta calda.

I like to add cheese on top of hot pasta.

Breakdown of Mi piace aggiungere formaggio sopra la pasta calda.

• io: I
• piacere: to like
• caldo: hot
• aggiungere: to add
• il formaggio: the cheese
• sopra: on top of
• la pasta: the pasta

Questions & Answers about Mi piace aggiungere formaggio sopra la pasta calda.

What is the literal translation of "Mi piace aggiungere formaggio sopra la pasta calda"?

It literally translates to "I like to add cheese on top of the hot pasta."

What role does the phrase "Mi piace" play in this sentence, and how does it work?

"Mi piace" is used to express a liking or preference. Although it literally translates to "it pleases me," in Italian it functions like "I like" in English. When it is followed by an infinitive (in this case, "aggiungere" meaning "to add"), it indicates that you enjoy doing that particular action.

Why is the verb "aggiungere" in the infinitive form after "Mi piace"?

In Italian, when you express enjoyment or liking for an action using "piacere," the verb that follows is kept in its infinitive form. This mirrors English where we say "I like to add cheese." The structure underscores that the liking applies to the action of adding, rather than to a specific instance of it.

Why is the noun "formaggio" used without a definite article in this sentence?

In Italian, when referring to something in a general or uncountable sense—like cheese—it is common to omit the definite article. Here, "formaggio" is used broadly (as in "cheese" in general) rather than referring to a specific or quantified portion of cheese, which is why no article is needed.

What does the phrase "sopra la pasta calda" mean, and why is the adjective "calda" placed after "pasta"?

The phrase "sopra la pasta calda" means "on top of the hot pasta." The preposition "sopra" translates as "above" or "on," specifying where the cheese is added. In Italian, descriptive adjectives like "calda" (hot) typically follow the noun they modify—in this case, "pasta"—and must agree in gender and number with it.

Could I use a different preposition, such as "su" (contracted to "sulla"), instead of "sopra," and is there any difference in meaning?

Yes, you could say "Mi piace aggiungere formaggio sulla pasta calda." Here, "su" combined with "la" becomes "sulla," which also means "on" or "on top of." While both "sopra" and "su" convey a similar spatial relationship, "sopra" can sometimes emphasize the idea of being directly atop something. The choice between them may hinge on subtle nuances, but both are grammatically correct and understood in context.