Question 1

Why does this sentence use entro instead of fino a? Don't they both set time limits?

Accepted Answer

Entro translates to "by" or "no later than." It is used for deadlines when an action must be completed before a certain time. Fino a means "until" and is used when an action continuously happens up to a certain point (e.g., "I will wait until tomorrow"). Since sending a document is a single action, entro is correct here.

Question 2

Could I say prima di domani instead of entro domani?

Accepted Answer

You could, but the meaning shifts slightly. Prima di domani strictly means "before tomorrow" (meaning it must be done today). Entro domani means "by tomorrow," which usually includes tomorrow itself as the final acceptable day to send it.

Question 3

What kind of "declaration" (la dichiarazione) is this sentence likely talking about?

Accepted Answer

In Italian adult life, when you hear about a strict deadline for la dichiarazione, it almost always refers to la dichiarazione dei redditi (the tax return). It can also refer to other formal statements or customs declarations.

Question 4

Why is it devi inviare rather than hai bisogno di inviare for "you must send"?

Accepted Answer

The modal verb dovere (here conjugated as devi) expresses an external obligation, rule, or duty. Submitting official documents by a deadline is a requirement, not a personal biological or emotional need, which is when you would use avere bisogno di (to have need of).

Devi inviare la dichiarazione entro domani.

Breakdown of Devi inviare la dichiarazione entro domani.

Questions & Answers about Devi inviare la dichiarazione entro domani.

Learn Devi inviare la dichiarazione entro domani and more in Italian