Learn Italian: Vogliamo allestire le sale prima che il rinfresco inizi. - We want to set up the halls before the reception begins.

Vogliamo allestire le sale prima che il rinfresco inizi.

We want to set up the halls before the reception begins.

Breakdown of Vogliamo allestire le sale prima che il rinfresco inizi.

to set up / to prepare (an exhibition, event)

la sala

the hall / the room

Questions & Answers about Vogliamo allestire le sale prima che il rinfresco inizi.

Why is the verb inizi instead of inizia?

Inizi is the present subjunctive form of iniziare (to begin). In Italian, the conjunction prima che (before) always requires the subjunctive mood because it introduces an anticipated event that hasn't happened yet.

Could we use prima di instead of prima che in this sentence?

No, because there are two different subjects. We are setting up the halls (vogliamo allestire), but the reception is starting (il rinfresco inizi). You only use prima di + an infinitive verb when the subject is exactly the same for both actions (for example: "We want to set up the halls before we leave").

What exactly is a rinfresco?

While it sounds like it just means "refreshment," un rinfresco is widely used in Italian to mean a light reception, buffet, or catered gathering where drinks and snacks are served (such as after a wedding ceremony or a conference).

I don't recognize the verb allestire. When do we use it instead of preparare?

Allestire specifically means to "set up," "mount," or "fit out." While preparare (to prepare) is a great general alternative, allestire is the precise verb to use when talking about physically setting up a room, an exhibition, or a stage for an event.