Learn Hardcore Italian: Se vuoi domandare qualcosa di importante al tuo istruttore in palestra, fallo con calma. - If you want to ask your instructor something important at the gym, do it calmly.

Se is the conditional conjunction meaning if. It introduces the condition of the sentence, setting up the idea that the action follows only if you want to ask something important.

Why is domandare chosen instead of chiedere?

Both domandare and chiedere can translate as “to ask,” but domandare often emphasizes posing a question or inquiry, sometimes with a slightly more formal or deliberate tone. In this context, it suggests you should thoughtfully raise an important query.

What does fallo con calma mean, and what is noteworthy about its structure?

Fallo con calma means “do it calmly.” The word fallo is the imperative form of fare (to do) combined with the attached pronoun lo, which refers back to the action of asking. The phrase con calma functions as an adverbial modifier, instructing you to approach the situation in a calm and measured manner.

How does the phrase al tuo istruttore in palestra function in the sentence?

Al tuo istruttore in palestra specifies the recipient of your question. It translates to “to your gym instructor” and includes the location in palestra (at the gym), providing context about where the interaction is taking place.

How is the expression qualcosa di importante constructed to convey “something important”?

In Italian, when modifying an indefinite pronoun like qualcosa (something) with an adjective, you typically use the construction di + adjective. Thus, qualcosa di importante literally means “something of important,” effectively conveying that the subject you might ask about is significant.