Breakdown of Bisogna tutelare la propria sfera intima.
bisognare
to be necessary
tutelare
to protect (rights, interests)
proprio
one's own
la sfera
the sphere
Questions & Answers about Bisogna tutelare la propria sfera intima.
Why do we use propria here instead of sua?
Because the sentence uses the impersonal verb bisogna (one must). When a sentence has an impersonal subject (like "one" or "people in general"), you must use a form of proprio to say "one's own". If you used sua, it would specifically mean protecting "his" or "her" intimate sphere, rather than stating a general rule for everyone.
Why is it propria ending in -a?
Who is the subject of the verb bisogna?
Bisogna doesn't have a specific person as its subject. It is an impersonal verb meaning "it is necessary" or "one must". It is only ever used in the third-person singular and is followed directly by an infinitive verb, like tutelare (to protect) in this sentence.
Why is there a "la" before propria? Doesn't propria already mean "one's own"?
Yes, but in Italian, possessive adjectives almost always require a definite article before them (il, la, i, le). Just as you would say la mia sfera (my sphere), you must say la propria sfera (one's own sphere).