Learn Italian: Vogliamo ottimizzare lo spazio in ufficio. - We want to optimize the space in the office.

Vogliamo ottimizzare lo spazio in ufficio.

We want to optimize the space in the office.

Breakdown of Vogliamo ottimizzare lo spazio in ufficio.

l'ufficio

the office (m)

in / made of (material)

Questions & Answers about Vogliamo ottimizzare lo spazio in ufficio.

Since the current lesson is about the iterative prefix ri-, how would we change this sentence to say we want to re-optimize the space?

You would add the prefix ri- directly to the verb ottimizzare, making it riottimizzare. The sentence becomes Vogliamo riottimizzare lo spazio in ufficio. In Italian, this prefix attaches seamlessly to the beginning of the verb to indicate the repetition of an action.

Could we attach the ri- prefix to the modal verb vogliamo instead?

You could, but it fundamentally changes the meaning. The verb rivolere means to want something back (e.g., Rivogliamo il nostro spazio means "We want our space back"). To say you want to repeat the action of optimizing, the prefix must go on the infinitive verb (riottimizzare).

Why does the sentence use in ufficio rather than nell'ufficio?

Common locations like ufficio, banca, chiesa, and palestra typically take the simple preposition in without a definite article when referring to the general function of the place. You only use the articulated preposition nell'ufficio if you are specifying exactly which office, such as nell'ufficio del direttore (in the manager's office).

Aside from prefixes, how does the suffix in ottimizzare demonstrate morphological derivation?