Breakdown of Leggere l'avvertenza prima di usare il prodotto.
leggere
to read
usare
to use
la
her/it (direct object)
il prodotto
the product
prima di
before (doing something) / before (a noun / point in time)
l'avvertenza
warning
Questions & Answers about Leggere l'avvertenza prima di usare il prodotto.
Why does this sentence start with the infinitive leggere instead of an imperative like leggi or legga?
This is the Jussive Infinitive. In Italian, the infinitive is frequently used instead of the imperative to give general, impersonal instructions. You will see this everywhere on product labels, user manuals, recipes, and public signs because it tells anyone reading what to do, without addressing a specific person.
Could I use the regular imperative here instead?
You could, but it would change the tone. Writing Leggi l'avvertenza (informal) or Legga l'avvertenza (formal) directs the command at a specific reader. On a product package, the infinitive leggere is the standard, objective way to print instructions.
Why is it prima di usare rather than using prima che?
Because the person doing the reading and the person doing the using are the same. When the subject of both actions is identical, Italian uses prima di followed by the infinitive (usare). You only use prima che (which triggers the subjunctive) when the subjects are different, as in 'Read the warning before he uses the product' (prima che lui usi il prodotto).
Does avvertenza mean the same thing as avviso?
They are similar but used in different contexts. Un'avvertenza specifically refers to a precaution, warning, or instruction for safe use, which is exactly what you find on product labels or medication. Un avviso is a broader term for a notice, announcement, or alert (like a sign on a door saying a store is closed).
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