Learn Italian: Il modulo è vuoto. Lo compili, per favore. - The form is empty. Fill it out, please.

Il modulo è vuoto. Lo compili, per favore.

The form is empty. Fill it out, please.

Breakdown of Il modulo è vuoto. Lo compili, per favore.

him/it (direct object)

per favore

please (asking for something)

Questions & Answers about Il modulo è vuoto. Lo compili, per favore.

Why is lo placed before the verb instead of attached to the end?

Because this is a formal command. In informal commands (using the tu form), pronouns attach directly to the end of the verb. But for formal commands (using the Lei form), object pronouns like lo must be placed right before the verb.

Why does compili end in -i if the verb is compilare?

Formal commands use a special set of endings. For -are verbs like compilare, the formal command ending is -i. If you used the regular present tense Lei form (compila), it would just be a statement like 'you are filling it out' rather than a polite request.

What exactly does lo mean in this sentence?

The pronoun lo translates to 'it' here as a direct object. It is masculine and singular to match il modulo (the form), which is the thing being filled out.

Does vuoto just mean 'blank' here, or can I use it for other empty things?

Vuoto literally means 'empty,' which translates nicely to 'blank' when talking about forms or pages. You can also use it for any other empty physical object, like a glass (un bicchiere vuoto) or a room.