When you want to talk about what "one" does, what "people" do in general, or use a generic "you," Italian uses the impersonal si. This is especially useful for discussing cultural customs, traditions, and general rules.
Without an object or with a singular object
To form the impersonal, simply place si before the third-person singular form of the verb. Use this form when the verb has no direct object, or when it is followed by a singular noun.
| One does not smoke here. | Qui non si fuma. |
| In Italy, one usually drinks coffee in the morning. | In Italia di solito si beve il caffè la mattina. |
With a plural object
If the verb is followed by a plural noun, you must use the third-person plural form of the verb instead.
| One waits for the guests in front of the church. | Si aspettano gli ospiti davanti alla chiesa. |
Traditions and customs
The impersonal si is the most natural way to talk about how things are typically done, such as dining etiquette or celebrating life events.
| At the restaurant, one usually leaves a tip for the waiter. | Al ristorante di solito si lascia la mancia al cameriere. |
| By tradition, how does one celebrate a wedding here? | Per tradizione, come si festeggia il matrimonio qui? |
| At a typical Italian wedding, one eats a lot. | A un matrimonio tipico italiano si mangia molto. |
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