Questions & Answers about Sai se Maria viene alla festa?
Why is the verb sapere (in the form sai) used here instead of conoscere?
In Italian, there are two verbs for to know. We use sapere when talking about knowing a fact, a piece of information, or finding out whether something is true. We use conoscere when we are familiar with a person, place, or thing. Since you are asking about a fact (whether Maria is coming), sai is the correct choice.
Who is the subject of sai?
The English translation says is coming, but does viene just mean comes?
Yes! Italian often uses the simple present tense (viene) to express actions happening right now or in the near future. While English uses the continuous form (is coming), Italian usually just says viene (comes). Maria viene covers both meanings.
Why is it alla festa instead of just a la festa?
In Italian, when the preposition a (to) is followed by the definite article la (the), they must combine into a single word. The combination of a plus la creates the combined word alla.