Log inSign up

L'arbitro sta guardando, difendete bene!

L'arbitro sta guardando, difendete bene!
The referee is looking, defend well!
From Lesson 120:Informal affirmative commands·Italian

Questions & Answers about L'arbitro sta guardando, difendete bene!

Why is the verb form difendete used here?
This is the informal imperative (command) form for voi (you all). For regular -ere verbs like difendere (to defend), the voi command is exactly the same as the present tense: difendete. The speaker is telling a group of players on the field to defend.
Are the voi and noi command forms always the same as their regular present tense forms?
Yes! Unlike the tu form, which has a special ending for -are verbs, the commands for noi (let's...) and voi (you all, do...) are identical to the regular present tense forms. So difendete can mean both 'you all defend' as a simple fact, and the command 'defend!' depending on the context.
What grammar structure is used in sta guardando?
This is the present continuous tense, which you use for actions happening right at this exact moment. It is made by using the present tense of stare (here, sta for he/she/it) plus the gerund form of the main verb, which ends in -ando for -are verbs like guardare.
Why use guardando (looking/watching) instead of vedendo (seeing)?
Just like in English, there is a difference between actively paying attention to something (guardare) and simply perceiving it with your eyes (vedere). The referee is actively watching the play, so guardare is the right choice.

Learn L'arbitro sta guardando, difendete bene 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 →