Vieni alla festa? Non lo so: dipende.

Questions & Answers about Vieni alla festa? Non lo so: dipende.

Why does Italian use the simple present (Vieni) when the English translation uses "Are you coming"?
Italian very commonly uses the simple present tense to talk about the near future or upcoming plans. While Italian does have a present continuous tense (stare + gerund), it is strictly used for actions happening right at this exact moment, not for future events like attending a party.
Why is there a lo in Non lo so? Doesn't Non so mean "I don't know"?
In English we usually just say "I don't know," but in Italian, sapere (to know a fact) usually needs a direct object to sound natural and complete. The pronoun lo acts as "it" and stands in for the entire previous concept (whether or not you are going to the party).
Could I use conoscere instead of sapere and say Non lo conosco?
No, because these two verbs for "to know" have different uses. Conoscere means to be familiar or acquainted with a person, place, or thing. Sapere is used when you know (or don't know) a fact, a piece of information, or an entire situation.
The English translation says "it depends", but there is no word for "it" before dipende. Why?
Italian doesn't use "dummy" pronouns like "it" for abstract situations or weather. Since Italian often drops subject pronouns anyway, verbs that stand alone for a general situation—like dipende (it depends) or piove (it's raining)—simply omit the subject completely.

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