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Questions & Answers about L'amicizia dura per sempre.
What does the sentence l'amicizia dura per sempre mean in English?
It means Friendship lasts forever. The sentence expresses that true friendship is timeless and enduring.
Why is the article written as l'amicizia instead of la amicizia?
In Italian, when the feminine singular article la comes before a noun beginning with a vowel (like amicizia), it contracts to l' to ensure a smoother pronunciation. This process is called elision.
What is the verb "dura" and why is it used here?
The verb dura is the third person singular form of durare, meaning to last. It agrees with the singular subject l'amicizia, forming a simple subject-verb structure that clearly conveys the idea of something lasting indefinitely.
How does the phrase "per sempre" function in this sentence?
Per sempre translates to forever and acts as an adverbial phrase modifying the verb dura. It specifies the duration, underlining that the state of friendship is everlasting.
Are there alternative expressions in Italian that convey a similar meaning?
Yes, a native speaker might also say L'amicizia è eterna (Friendship is eternal) to express that sentiment. However, using dura per sempre emphasizes the continuous action of lasting, which can add a subtle dynamic quality to the statement.
Does the structure of this sentence follow a typical Italian pattern?
Absolutely. The sentence follows the standard Italian structure: it begins with the subject (l'amicizia), is followed by the verb (dura), and concludes with an adverbial phrase (per sempre) that denotes time. This clear and direct pattern is typical and helpful for learners to understand and mimic in their own speech.