Question 1

Why does the sentence use abbi instead of hai for "have"?

Accepted Answer

Abbi is the informal imperative (command) form of avere (to have) when speaking to a single person (tu). Avere is highly irregular in the imperative. You can't just use the regular present tense hai; you have to memorize the special command form abbi.

Question 2

What verb is sii, and why does it have a double 'i'?

Accepted Answer

Sii is the irregular tu command form of essere (to be). Just like abbi, it doesn't follow the normal rules and must be memorized. The double 'i' is the correct spelling; you pronounce both vowels, placing the stress on the first one.

Question 3

Why do we say abbi pazienza (have patience) when in English we usually say "be patient"?

Accepted Answer

In Italian, many feelings and states of being use avere (to have) followed by a noun, rather than "to be" followed by an adjective. Just like you "have hunger" (avere fame) instead of being hungry, you "have patience" (avere pazienza) instead of being patient.

Question 4

Would coraggioso change if I were giving this command to a woman?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Even though the command verb sii stays exactly the same, the adjective must still agree with the gender of the person you are talking to. If you are telling a woman to be brave, you would say sii coraggiosa.

Question 5

Why does it say nel pericolo instead of just in pericolo?

Accepted Answer

Nel is a combined preposition made of in + il (in the). While in pericolo is the direct translation of the general state of being "in danger", using nel pericolo translates closer to "in the face of danger" or refers to a specific dangerous situation.

Abbi pazienza e sii coraggioso nel pericolo!

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