Log inSign up

Non sappiamo ripararlo.

Non sappiamo ripararlo.
We do not know how to repair it.
From Lesson 97:Pronoun placement with modal verbs·Italian

Questions & Answers about Non sappiamo ripararlo.

Could I move the lo to the front and say Non lo sappiamo riparare?
Yes! Because sapere acts like a modal verb here (just like potere, volere, or dovere), you have two choices for pronoun placement. You can attach it to the end of the infinitive verb (Non sappiamo ripararlo) or put it before the conjugated verb (Non lo sappiamo riparare). Both are completely correct and mean the exact same thing.
Why is it ripararlo instead of ripararelo?
Whenever you attach a pronoun (like lo) to the end of an infinitive verb (like riparare), you have to drop the final -e of the infinitive. So, riparare + lo becomes ripararlo.
Where is the translation for "how to" in the Italian sentence?
In English, we say we know how to do something. In Italian, you don't need extra words. When sapere (to know) is followed directly by an infinitive verb, it automatically means "knowing how to" do that action.

Learn Non sappiamo ripararlo 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 →