Question 1

Since they are arguing with each other, why don't we use the reciprocal pronoun si and say si litigavano?

Accepted Answer

While many verbs need a reciprocal pronoun to mean "each other" (like si parlano for "they talk to each other"), the verb litigare (to argue) does not. The act of arguing already implies interacting with someone else, so in Italian, you just use the verb on its own without adding si.

Question 2

Why are the verbs in the imperfect tense (era, litigavano) instead of the passato prossimo?

Accepted Answer

The imperfect tense is perfect for setting the scene and describing habits. Era gelosa describes an ongoing state or characteristic in the past (she was a jealous person). Meanwhile, litigavano spesso (they argued often) describes a repeated, habitual action in the past.

Question 3

Why is there a La before sua fidanzata? Doesn't sua already mean "his"?

Accepted Answer

In Italian, possessive words usually need a definite article before them, so you are literally saying "the his girlfriend". The only time you drop the article is for singular, close family members (like mia madre). Since a girlfriend (fidanzata) doesn't count as an official family member for this grammar rule, the La is required.

Question 4

How do we know La sua means "His" and not "Her" girlfriend?

Accepted Answer

From this sentence alone, you actually don't! The word sua is feminine because it must agree with the feminine noun fidanzata, regardless of the gender of the person she is dating. Without a wider context, La sua fidanzata could mean "his girlfriend", "her girlfriend", or even "your (formal) girlfriend".

La sua fidanzata era gelosa, quindi litigavano spesso.

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