Question 1

Why is it rinfacciarmi instead of a conjugated verb like non mi rinfacci?

Accepted Answer

In Italian, the negative imperative for tu is formed using non + the infinitive of the verb. When you add a pronoun like mi, it attaches to the end of the infinitive, dropping the final -e (rinfacciare + mi = rinfacciarmi). You can also put the pronoun before the verb: Non mi rinfacciare! Both are perfectly natural.

Question 2

What is the literal breakdown of the verb rinfacciare?

Accepted Answer

It literally translates to "to throw back in someone's face." It is built from ri- (again/back) + in + faccia (face) + -are (verb ending). It is the perfect verb for when someone reproaches you or brings up your past mistakes during an argument.

Question 3

Why does the adjective vecchi come before the noun sbagli?

Accepted Answer

Placing vecchi before the noun makes it more subjective and emotional. Instead of describing mistakes that are physically old, it emphasizes the concept of "past" or "former" mistakes, adding a nuance of frustration about bringing up those same old errors.

Question 4

This lesson is about avercela (to be mad at someone). How would I use it here to say "Don't be mad at me for my old mistakes"?

Accepted Answer

You would say: Non avercela con me per i miei vecchi sbagli! Notice that avercela requires the preposition con to indicate who you are angry at, whereas rinfacciare takes an indirect object (the mi in rinfacciarmi).

Question 5

Why is the plural of sbaglio spelled sbagli and not sbaglii?

Accepted Answer

Nouns ending in an unstressed -io (like sbaglio) form their plural by simply dropping the final -o, leaving just one -i. You only use a double -i if the stress falls on the -i in the singular form, as in zio (uncle) becoming zii.

Non rinfacciarmi i miei vecchi sbagli!

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