Learn Hardcore Italian: È importante asciugare bene le stoviglie prima di riporle nell’armadio della cucina. - It’s important to dry the dishes well before putting them away in the kitchen cupboard.

It means "it is important." This impersonal construction is used to stress that the action which follows (drying the dishes well) is necessary or advisable.

Why is "asciugare" used in its infinitive form after "È importante"?

In Italian, after impersonal expressions like "È importante," the verb is placed in the infinitive form to indicate the specific action being referred to. Here, "asciugare" (to dry) follows naturally to specify what is important.

How does "bene" function in the sentence?

"Bene" is an adverb meaning "well" or "properly." It modifies the verb "asciugare," indicating that the dishes should be dried thoroughly.

What does "le stoviglie" mean?

"Le stoviglie" translates to "the dishes" or "tableware." It refers to the items used for serving or eating food, which in this context need to be dried before being stored.

Why is the pronoun "le" attached to "riporle"?

The pronoun "le" is a clitic that replaces "stoviglie," matching its feminine plural form. In Italian, such pronouns are commonly attached directly to the infinitive verb ("riporre" in this case) to indicate the object on which the action is performed.

How does "prima di" function in this sentence?

"Prima di" means "before" and introduces the subordinate infinitive phrase "riporle." It indicates that the action of drying the dishes should be completed prior to storing them in the kitchen cupboard.

What is meant by "armadio della cucina"?

"Armadio della cucina" refers to the cupboard or cabinet in the kitchen where the dishes are stored after they have been dried.