Learn Italian: Abbiamo risolto l'enigma insieme. - We solved the enigma together.

Abbiamo risolto l'enigma insieme.

We solved the enigma together.

Breakdown of Abbiamo risolto l'enigma insieme.

insieme

together / together with

Questions & Answers about Abbiamo risolto l'enigma insieme.

Why does enigma end in '-a' if it is a masculine noun?

Enigma is one of several Italian words of Greek origin that end in -ma. Even though it has the typical feminine -a ending, it is actually masculine. This means any adjectives describing it must also be masculine, like in un enigma complicato (a complicated enigma).

How would I make l'enigma plural if I wanted to say 'the enigmas'?

Like other masculine words of Greek origin ending in -ma (such as problema or sistema), the plural ending is -i. The plural of l'enigma is gli enigmi. We use gli because it is a masculine plural noun starting with a vowel.

Is risolto an irregular past participle?

Yes, it is the irregular past participle of the verb risolvere (to solve). Since risolvere is an '-ere' verb, a regular participle would end in '-uto', but this is an exception you simply have to memorize.

Why is the article l' used here instead of lo?

Because enigma is masculine and starts with a vowel, the correct underlying definite article is lo. However, when lo is followed directly by a vowel, it always drops its 'o' and becomes l'.