Question 1

Why is mi placed before the verb instead of after it?

Accepted Answer

In Italian, indirect object pronouns like mi (meaning to me) almost always go right before the conjugated verb. While in English you say gives me, the Italian structure is literally to me gives (mi dà).

Question 2

Why does the word dà have an accent mark?

Accepted Answer

The accent mark is there to tell it apart from the word da (without an accent), which is a very common preposition meaning from or by. Because they sound exactly the same, the written accent shows that dà is the verb meaning he gives.

Question 3

Doesn't il resto usually mean the rest?

Accepted Answer

Yes, it often means the rest in other situations, but when you are talking about money, shopping, or restaurants, il resto specifically means the change you receive back after paying.

Question 4

Could I say dà il resto a me instead of mi dà il resto?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can! Using a me after the verb instead of mi before it puts special emphasis on who is receiving the change. You would use dà il resto a me to stress that the waiter gave the money specifically to you, and not to someone else at the table.

Il cameriere mi dà il resto.

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