Learn Hardcore Italian: Devi buttare la spazzatura prima che diventi troppo pesante. - You have to throw out the trash before it becomes too heavy.

"Devi" is the second person singular present tense of the modal verb "dovere," which means "must" or "have to." In this context, it expresses an obligation: "You have to ..."

What does the phrase "buttare la spazzatura" literally translate to in English?

The verb "buttare" means "to throw" or "to toss," and "la spazzatura" means "the garbage" or "the trash." So, "buttare la spazzatura" literally translates as "to throw out the garbage." In everyday English, you might often say "take out the trash."

Why is the present subjunctive form "diventi" used after "prima che"?

In Italian, when a subordinate clause is introduced by expressions like "prima che" (meaning "before"), the verb in that clause is required to be in the subjunctive mood. This is because the action in the subordinate clause is viewed as uncertain or not yet realized. Therefore, "diventi" (the present subjunctive of "diventare") is used instead of the indicative form.

What does "troppo pesante" mean, and how does it function in the sentence?

"Troppo" translates to "too" or "excessively," and "pesante" means "heavy." Together, "troppo pesante" means "too heavy." The subordinate clause "prima che diventi troppo pesante" implies that the action (throwing out the garbage) should happen before the trash becomes excessively heavy.

Is there anything notable about the sentence structure in this example?

Yes, the sentence is split into a main clause and a subordinate clause. The main clause, "Devi buttare la spazzatura," states the obligation, while the subordinate clause, "prima che diventi troppo pesante," sets a condition with a time frame. This structure—especially using "prima che" followed by the subjunctive mood—is a common pattern in Italian to express that one action must occur before another uncertain action happens.