Log inSign up

Pensate che siamo ipocriti? Non lo siamo per niente!

Pensate che siamo ipocriti? Non lo siamo per niente!
Do you all think we are hypocritical? We are not at all!
From Lesson 449:Replacing adjectives and nouns (lo)·Italian

Questions & Answers about Pensate che siamo ipocriti? Non lo siamo per niente!

Why is it lo in Non lo siamo instead of li to match the plural ipocriti?
This lo is the pro-predicative clitic. It replaces the adjective ipocriti (hypocritical) so we don't have to repeat it. When lo stands in for an adjective after the verb essere, it is invariable—it always stays lo regardless of the gender or number of the word it replaces.
Doesn't pensare che usually require the subjunctive mood?
Yes, and it is being used here! For the noi (we) form, the present subjunctive is exactly the same as the present indicative: siamo. The rule for using the subjunctive after verbs of thinking or believing is still being followed perfectly here.
Could I drop the lo and just say Non siamo per niente?
No. In English, you can say "We are not at all," leaving the verb "to be" without a complement. In Italian, you can't leave essere hanging like that. If you omit the adjective, you must use the pro-predicative lo to fill its spot.
How does per niente work in this sentence?
Per niente means "at all" and adds emphasis to the negation. It requires a negative word like non before the verb. It functions just like affatto, so you could also say Non lo siamo affatto!

Learn Pensate che siamo ipocriti? Non lo siamo per niente 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 →