Learn Hardcore Italian: Il mio portatile è leggero, quindi lo porto spesso al caffè per lavorare. - My laptop is light, so I often bring it to the café to work.

In this context, portatile refers to a laptop or portable computer. Although its literal translation is “portable,” Italians use it as a noun to specifically mean a laptop.

Why is the direct object pronoun lo used before the verb porto?

The pronoun lo is used to avoid repeating the noun portatile. It stands in for the laptop and is placed before the verb as required by Italian grammar for direct object pronouns referring to masculine singular nouns.

What is the role of the conjunction quindi in this sentence?

Quindi means “so” or “therefore.” It connects the two parts of the sentence by indicating that the lightweight nature of the laptop explains why the speaker takes it to the café frequently.

Why is the phrase al caffè used instead of just a caffè?

In Italian, the preposition a (meaning “to”) combines with the definite article il (meaning “the”) to form the contraction al. Hence, al caffè translates to “to the café.”

How does the adverb spesso function in the sentence, and why is its placement important?

Spesso means “often” and describes the frequency with which the speaker carries the laptop. Its placement after the verb porto is typical in Italian, although adverbs can be flexible in position; here, it clearly modifies the action of carrying the laptop.

What does the phrase per lavorare express?

Per lavorare translates to “to work.” It indicates the purpose of the speaker’s action—taking the laptop to the café—to engage in work.