Question 1

Why do we use the subjunctive fosse instead of the indicative era here?

Accepted Answer

This is the core of this lesson! While knowing something states a fact (which takes the indicative), not knowing something (non sapevi che...) introduces doubt, ignorance, or a subjective viewpoint. Therefore, negative declarations of knowledge trigger the subjunctive in Italian.

Question 2

Why is it the imperfect subjunctive (fosse) and not the present subjunctive (sia)?

Accepted Answer

This is due to tense agreement. The triggering verb is in the past (non sapevi, imperfect indicative). Because the amnesia being severe happened at the same time as you not knowing it, we must use the imperfect subjunctive (fosse) to match the past timeframe.

Question 3

I thought anche se triggered the subjunctive. Why is sapevi in the indicative?

Accepted Answer

Anche se (even if / even though) only takes the subjunctive when it describes a hypothetical or unreal situation. In this sentence, your lack of knowledge is a real, established fact in the past, so non sapevi stays in the indicative.

Question 4

Could I say dovresti riposarti instead of dovresti riposare?

Accepted Answer

Yes, absolutely! In Italian, both the standard verb riposare and the reflexive riposarsi mean "to rest" and are often used interchangeably. The reflexive version just adds a slight emphasis on taking time for yourself.

Dovresti riposare, anche se non sapevi che questa amnesia fosse così grave.

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