Log inSign up

Quando mi rispondi?

Quando mi rispondi?
When do you answer me?
From Lesson 62:Indirect object pronouns (gli, le, ci...)·Italian

Breakdown of Quando mi rispondi?

quando
when
mi
to me
rispondere
to answer, to reply

Questions & Answers about Quando mi rispondi?

Why does mi come before the verb instead of after it?
In Italian, object pronouns like mi usually go right before the conjugated verb. So instead of saying 'you answer me' like we do in English, Italian says 'to me you answer' (mi rispondi).
Does mi mean 'me' or 'to me' in this sentence?
Here, it means 'to me.' The Italian verb rispondere (to answer or reply) requires an indirect object, meaning you answer to someone. So mi is acting as an indirect object pronoun, which fits perfectly with this lesson's focus.
Where is the word for 'you' in this sentence?
It is built into the verb! The -i ending of rispondi tells us it is the tu (informal you) form. Italian often drops subject pronouns because the verb ending makes it clear who is doing the action.
Could I say Quando rispondi a me instead?
Yes, you can. Using a me after the verb puts special emphasis on the person being answered, like asking 'When are you going to answer ME?'. But for a standard, everyday question, using the short pronoun mi before the verb is much more natural and common.

Learn Quando mi rispondi and more in Italian

All course content and exercises are completely free — no paywalls, no trial periods, no signup needed.

  • ✓ Practice with interactive exercises
  • ✓ Track your progress with spaced repetition
  • ✓Learn at your own pace — completely free
Start learning Italian →