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Speravo di fare una spuntatina veloce.

Speravo di fare una spuntatina veloce.
I was hoping to get a quick trim.
From Lesson 373:Polite imperfect (volevo, cercavo)·Italian

Questions & Answers about Speravo di fare una spuntatina veloce.

Why use the imperfect tense speravo if the speaker is at the salon asking for a haircut right now?
This is the mitigating imperfect (imperfetto attenuativo). Using the imperfect tense softens a present request so it doesn't sound too direct or demanding. It works exactly like the English polite past tense, where you say I was hoping instead of I hope or I want.
Why is there a di between speravo and fare?
The verb sperare (to hope) requires the preposition di when it is followed directly by an infinitive verb. As long as the subject of both verbs is the same, you must always use sperare di + [infinitive].
What is the base word of spuntatina and what does the ending do?
The base noun is spuntata, meaning a trim (from the verb spuntare, to trim the ends). The diminutive suffix -ina turns it into a little trim. Paired with the polite imperfect verb, this suffix helps make the request sound as low-maintenance and polite as possible.
Why does Italian use fare (to do/make) instead of a verb meaning to get?
In Italian, personal grooming and bodily care actions almost always use fare rather than verbs like ottenere or avere. Just as you say fare una doccia (to take a shower), you say fare una spuntatina (to get a trim).

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