Log inSign up

Questo stipendio non basta per l'affitto.

Questo stipendio non basta per l'affitto.
This salary is not enough for the rent.
From Lesson 196:Irregular imperfect subjunctive (facessi, dicessi)·Italian

Questions & Answers about Questo stipendio non basta per l'affitto.

Why does the sentence use basta instead of literally translating "is not enough"?
In English, we use the verb "to be" plus "enough." Italian has a specific verb for this: bastare (to be enough / to suffice). While you could literally say non è abbastanza, using the verb basta is much more natural and common in everyday Italian.
What is the subject of the verb basta here?
The subject is questo stipendio (this salary). The verb bastare conjugates to match the thing that is (or isn't) sufficient. If the subject were plural, like "these savings," the verb would change to match: Questi risparmi non bastano.
Is there a difference between stipendio and salario?
Yes, though both translate to "salary" or "wage." In Italy, stipendio is typically used for a fixed monthly salary (like an office job), whereas salario usually refers to hourly or daily wages, often for manual labor.
How does the word affitto relate to the verb "to rent"?
Affitto is the noun for "rent." If you are the landlord renting out an apartment, you use the verb affittare. However, if you are the tenant paying to live there, it is much more natural to say prendere in affitto (literally "to take in rent").

Learn Questo stipendio non basta per l'affitto and more in Italian

All course content and exercises are completely free — no paywalls, no trial periods, no signup needed.

  • ✓ Practice with interactive exercises
  • ✓ Track your progress with spaced repetition
  • ✓Learn at your own pace — completely free
Start learning Italian →