Learn Italian: Qui non si fuma. - One does not smoke here.

Qui non si fuma.

One does not smoke here.

Breakdown of Qui non si fuma.

Questions & Answers about Qui non si fuma.

What does the si do in this sentence?

It acts as an impersonal pronoun. Instead of saying a specific person smokes, si fuma means "one smokes" or "people smoke" in a general sense. This is the standard way to express rules and habits in Italian.

Why is the verb fuma in the singular form?

When using the impersonal si without a specific object following it, you always use the third-person singular (he/she/it) form of the verb. Since the sentence doesn't mention a plural object being smoked (like cigarettes), fuma stays singular.

Why does non come before si rather than right before the verb?

In Italian, the negative word non must go before the entire verb group. Because the pronoun si is tied directly to the verb fuma, non has to step in front of the whole package.

Is this how you would write "No smoking" on a sign in Italy?

Yes, absolutely! While it literally translates to "One does not smoke here," Italians use this exact phrasing on signs to mean "No smoking." The impersonal si is perfect for stating general rules.