Log inSign up

Desideravo lasciare il ciuffo abbastanza lungo.

Desideravo lasciare il ciuffo abbastanza lungo.
I was hoping to leave the side bang quite long.
From Lesson 373:Polite imperfect (volevo, cercavo)·Italian

Questions & Answers about Desideravo lasciare il ciuffo abbastanza lungo.

Why use the past tense desideravo if I am making a request right now?
This is the mitigating imperfect (imperfetto attenuativo). Even though your request is happening right now, using the imperfect makes it sound softer, less demanding, and more polite than saying desidero (I want/desire). It works exactly like saying "I was hoping..." instead of "I hope..." in English.
What exactly is a ciuffo?
Ciuffo generally translates to a "tuft" or "lock" of hair. In the context of a modern haircut, it specifically refers to a side bang or side-swept fringe, whereas a straight-across fringe is usually called a frangia.
Why isn't there a preposition like di or a between desideravo and lasciare?
The verb desiderare takes a direct infinitive when the subject of both verbs is the same. Just like with modal verbs (like volere), you attach the next verb directly to it without any joining preposition.
Does abbastanza lungo mean "quite long" or "long enough"?
It usually means "quite long" or "fairly long" in this context. While abbastanza can mean "enough" (as in having a sufficient quantity), when placed before an adjective like lungo, it is most commonly used as an intensifier meaning "quite" or "rather."

Learn Desideravo lasciare il ciuffo abbastanza lungo 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 →