La chiave è sopra la borsa.

The key is on top of the bag.

Breakdown of La chiave è sopra la borsa.

• essere: to be
• la chiave: the key
• la borsa: the bag
• sopra: on top

Questions & Answers about La chiave è sopra la borsa.

What does each word in "La chiave è sopra la borsa" mean in English?

• La – the (feminine singular definite article)
• chiave – key
• è – is (third person singular of "essere," meaning "to be")
• sopra – above or on top of
• la borsa – the bag
So, the sentence translates to "The key is above the bag."

Why is the definite article "la" used before both "chiave" and "borsa"?

Italian nouns have gender, and both "chiave" (key) and "borsa" (bag) are feminine. The definite article "la" is used with feminine singular nouns, which is why it appears before both words.

What is the grammatical function of "sopra la borsa" in this sentence?

"Sopra la borsa" is a prepositional phrase indicating location. "Sopra" is the preposition meaning "above" (or "on top of"), and "la borsa" serves as the object of the preposition, specifying where the key is located.

Is there a difference between using "sopra" and "su" when describing location in Italian?

Yes, while both can translate to "on" or "above" in English, there is a nuance:
• "Sopra" generally emphasizes that one object is located higher than another, which is suitable for indicating position (as in the key being above the bag).
• "Su" often implies direct contact or being on the surface of something.
The choice depends on the context and the specific spatial relationship intended.

What tense is the verb "è", and what does it indicate about the sentence?

"È" is the third person singular present tense form of the verb "essere" (to be). It indicates a current state or fact, meaning that as of now, the key is positioned above the bag.