Learn Italian: Rispettiamo le regole universali, dovunque siano i confini. - We respect universal rules, wherever the boundaries are.

Rispettiamo le regole universali, dovunque siano i confini.

We respect universal rules, wherever the boundaries are.

Breakdown of Rispettiamo le regole universali, dovunque siano i confini.

Questions & Answers about Rispettiamo le regole universali, dovunque siano i confini.

Why is siano used here instead of sono?

Words like dovunque (wherever), chiunque (whoever), and qualunque (whatever) introduce a broad, non-specific possibility. In Italian grammar, these indefinite words always trigger the subjunctive mood. Therefore, we must use the subjunctive siano rather than the indicative sono.

Can I use ovunque instead of dovunque in this sentence?

Yes, they are exact synonyms. Both mean "wherever" or "everywhere," and both require the following verb to be in the subjunctive mood.

Why is the subject at the end of the clause (dovunque siano i confini)?

In clauses introduced by words like dovunque or qualunque, Italian strongly prefers placing the subject after the verb. Saying dovunque i confini siano is understood but would sound clunky and unnatural to a native speaker.

Why does the adjective universali end in -i if le regole is feminine?

The singular form of the adjective is universale. Adjectives ending in -e in the singular do not change based on gender, only number. They always change to -i in the plural, whether they describe a masculine or a feminine noun.