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Guardi, è un vero affare, non un quadro vero!

Guardi, è un vero affare, non un quadro vero!
Look, it is a real bargain, not an authentic painting!
From Lesson 165:Meaning-shifting adjectives·Italian

Questions & Answers about Guardi, è un vero affare, non un quadro vero!

Why is vero placed before the noun in vero affare but after the noun in quadro vero?
This highlights the current lesson perfectly! When the adjective vero is placed before the noun, it changes to a figurative or emphasizing meaning, like a real bargain or quite a deal. When vero comes after the noun, it keeps its literal, descriptive meaning of an authentic or genuine painting.
Why does the sentence use Guardi instead of Guarda for Look?
Guardi is the formal imperative (command) for Look. The speaker is addressing someone politely using the formal Lei, which is common between strangers, shopkeepers, and customers. If speaking to a friend, you would use the informal Guarda.
What does the word affare mean?
Affare literally translates to deal, matter, or piece of business. In a shopping context, finding un affare means you found a great deal or a bargain. You might also see it in the plural as affari, which means business.
Why isn't there a word for it before è un vero affare?
In English we need the dummy subject it, but Italian simply drops the subject pronoun. You almost never use a word like esso here; you just jump straight to the verb è to mean it is.

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