Question 1

Why does this sentence use the infinitive "da non volere" instead of a conjugated verb like "che non vogliamo"?

Accepted Answer

Because the subject ("we") is exactly the same for both the main action and the consequence. When the subject doesn't change, Italian prefers the implicit structure: talmente + [adjective] + da + [infinitive]. If the subjects were different (e.g., "The hike was so tiring that we don't want to eat"), you would use the explicit structure with che + [conjugated verb].

Question 2

Could I use "così" instead of "talmente" in this structure?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! You can say Siamo così stremati da... without changing the meaning. In these consecutive clauses, così and talmente are perfectly interchangeable to mean "so" or "so much".

Question 3

What is the rule for making the consequence negative in this structure?

Accepted Answer

To make an infinitive negative, the word non must be placed immediately before the infinitive verb. You cannot separate them, which is why it becomes da non volere.

Question 4

Why does "stremati" end in "-i"?

Accepted Answer

Stremato is an adjective meaning "exhausted" or "worn out". Because it describes the subject of Siamo ("we"), it must agree in number and gender. The -i ending is used for a masculine or mixed-gender plural subject. If "we" referred exclusively to women, it would be stremate.

Question 5

Why is "nemmeno" placed exactly where it is?

Accepted Answer

Nemmeno (not even) typically follows the verb it directly modifies. In a chain of verbs like volere cenare (to want to eat dinner), placing it right after volere naturally emphasizes that the lack of desire is what is so extreme: "we don't even want" to do it.

Siamo talmente stremati da non volere nemmeno cenare.

Breakdown of Siamo talmente stremati da non volere nemmeno cenare.

Questions & Answers about Siamo talmente stremati da non volere nemmeno cenare.

Learn Siamo talmente stremati da non volere nemmeno cenare and more in Italian