Comunque non è sempre antipatica: a volte sa essere allegra e dolce.

Anyway, she’s not always unfriendly: sometimes she can be cheerful and sweet.

Breakdown of Comunque non è sempre antipatica: a volte sa essere allegra e dolce.

• essere: to be
• e: and
• non: not
• a volte: sometimes

Questions & Answers about Comunque non è sempre antipatica: a volte sa essere allegra e dolce.

What does comunque mean in this sentence?

Comunque typically means "anyway" or "in any case." It’s used here to introduce a contrast with the following observation about her personality.

How should we understand the phrase non è sempre antipatica?

The phrase non è sempre antipatica translates to "she isn’t always unpleasant" or "she’s not always unlikable." Here, antipatica means someone who is disagreeable or unappealing, but the sentence suggests this isn’t her constant state.

What is the meaning of a volte in this context?

A volte means "sometimes." It indicates that there are occasions when she displays a different, more positive aspect of her character.

How does the verb sa function in a volte sa essere allegra e dolce?

Sa is the third person singular form of sapere, which in this context means "knows how to" or "can." When combined with the infinitive essere, it expresses that she has the ability to be cheerful and sweet under certain circumstances.

What role does the colon play in the sentence?

The colon introduces an explanation or a contrasting detail. It connects the idea of her not always being unpleasant with the clarification that sometimes she shows a cheerful and sweet side.