Learn Hardcore Italian: Quanto tempo impieghi per camminare in giardino? - How much time do you take to walk in the garden?

In Italian tempo (time, duration) is treated as an uncountable noun here, so it always stays singular. You use quanto (singular) to ask “how much” of an uncountable quantity. Quanti would be for countable items (e.g. Quanti libri hai?).

Why is the verb impieghi used instead of something like prendi or metti?

Impieghi comes from impiegare, meaning “to employ/spend (time).” It’s a neutral way to ask “How long do you take?” Alternatively, colloquially Italians often say Quanto ci metti…? from metterci (“to put into it”). Both are correct, but impiegare is slightly more formal.

Why is there no subject pronoun like tu before impieghi?

Italian is a pro-drop language: the verb ending -i already marks second person singular (tu). Adding tu is optional and usually only done for emphasis or clarity.

Why is camminare in the infinitive form?

When you ask Quanto tempo impieghi per…? the structure requires an infinitive: impieghi X per + infinitive. You’re literally asking “How much time do you spend to walk…?”

What is the function of per in this sentence?

Per introduces the purpose or activity you’re measuring time for. Here it means “to” or “in order to,” linking impieghi X with camminare.

Can you use a preposition other than in before giardino?

Yes, but with subtle differences. In giardino means “in/within the garden” (open space). You could say nel giardino (in the garden) using nel = in + il, but it sounds a bit more specific (“inside that particular garden”). Al giardino is less common here.

Is there a difference between in giardino and a giardino?

Yes. In giardino is standard for being inside an open area or room. A giardino is not used; you would use al giardino (to the garden) if you mean movement toward it, not walking “in” it.

How would you answer this question?

You can answer by mirroring the structure:
• Using impiegare: “Ci impiego circa venti minuti.”
• Using metterci: “Ci metto più o meno venti minuti.”
You can also drop ci with impiegare: “Impiego venti minuti.”

Can I replace impieghi with another tense or person?

Yes. Change the person or tense to match context:
• “Quanto tempo impieghi tu per camminare?” (emphatic)
• “Quanto tempo impiega lui per camminare?” (he)
• “Quanto tempo impiegheremo per camminare in giardino?” (we, future)

Is there any nuance between impiegare and metterci?

Both indicate how long something takes. Impiegare is more neutral/formal and directly transitive: you impieghi tempo. Metterci is colloquial and unaccusative: you ci metti tempo, with ci referring back to the time.