Learn Italian: Si accomodi pure sul divano. - Please make yourself comfortable on the sofa.

Si accomodi pure sul divano.

Please make yourself comfortable on the sofa.

Breakdown of Si accomodi pure sul divano.

il divano

sofa

sul

on the; about the (su + il)

pure

too, as well (= anche)

accomodarsi

to make oneself comfortable

Questions & Answers about Si accomodi pure sul divano.

What does pure add to this sentence?

In this context, pure doesn't mean 'also' or 'even'. Placed directly after an imperative verb, it is used to give polite permission, reassurance, or encouragement. It translates best as 'go ahead and' or 'by all means'. So, Si accomodi pure means 'Go ahead and make yourself comfortable'.

Why is the pronoun Si before the verb in Si accomodi?

Si accomodi is the formal (Lei) imperative of the reflexive verb accomodarsi. With the formal imperative, pronouns must always go before the verb. If you were speaking informally to a friend (tu), the pronoun would attach to the end of the verb instead: Accomodati pure.

Is accomodarsi a false friend?

Yes, mostly! While it shares roots with the English 'to accommodate', in everyday Italian accomodarsi is the standard, polite way to tell someone to make themselves comfortable, take a seat, or come inside. You will hear it constantly when entering someone's home, office, or a restaurant.

Why do we use sul instead of nel for a sofa?

Just like in English, Italians sit 'on' a sofa (su + il = sul divano). However, watch out if you change the furniture: for an armchair (una poltrona), Italians usually say they are sitting 'in' it (nella poltrona).