Learn Hardcore Italian: Non calpestare il cespuglio di rose mentre attraversi il giardino. - Don’t step on the rose bush while you walk through the garden.

It means "Do not step on the rose bush." The sentence is a command that instructs the reader not to tread on the bush of roses while crossing the garden.

Why is the negative command expressed using the infinitive calpestare instead of a typical imperative form?

In Italian, especially on signs or instructions, it’s common to use the infinitive form for negative commands. Using Non calpestare is a clear and formal way to say "Do not step on"—similar to how English signs might use "No smoking" or "Do not disturb."

How is the subject of the command understood even though the word for “you” isn’t explicitly stated?

Italian often omits subject pronouns because the verb conjugation makes it clear. In this sentence, both Non calpestare and attraversi are directed at "you" (second-person singular). The command and the subordinate clause assume an implicit subject without the need to state "tu."

What role does the word mentre play, and how does it affect the structure of the sentence?

Mentree translates as "while" in English. It introduces a subordinate clause that specifies when the main instruction applies—"while you cross the garden." This clause provides a temporal context for the command, indicating that the prohibition is in effect as the action of crossing the garden takes place.

Why is the article il used with cespuglio, and what does the phrase di rose indicate?

Il is the definite article for masculine singular nouns, and cespuglio means "bush" or "shrub." The phrase di rose means "of roses," describing the type of bush. Together, il cespuglio di rose specifies "the rose bush."