Breakdown of L'ha fatto solo per ripicca, cioè per vendicarsi.
per
for / in order to / because of
fare
to do / to make
lo
him/it (direct object)
solo
only
cioè
that is / namely
vendicarsi
to take revenge
la ripicca
the spite, retaliation
Questions & Answers about L'ha fatto solo per ripicca, cioè per vendicarsi.
This lesson is about the pronominal verb avercela. Why is it missing from this sentence?
While avercela (to be angry at or have it in for someone) isn't explicitly used here, the sentence provides the perfect vocabulary for when you do use it. Someone who acts per ripicca (out of spite) and wants to vendicarsi (take revenge) almost certainly ce l'ha con (is angry with) the person they are targeting.
Why is per translated as 'out of' in the first half of the sentence, but 'to' in the second half?
The preposition per has multiple functions. In per ripicca, it expresses an underlying motive or cause (acting 'out of' spite). In per vendicarsi, where it is followed by an infinitive verb, it expresses purpose or intention ('in order to' take revenge).
What exactly is the word cioè, and how is it used here?
Cioè is literally formed by combining ciò (that) and è (is). It translates neatly to 'that is', 'namely', or 'meaning', and is used to clarify or rephrase a previous statement. At a B2 level, you will also constantly hear native speakers use it as a conversational filler, much like 'I mean' in English.
Why is the pronoun si attached to the very end of vendicarsi?
When a reflexive or pronominal verb is used in its infinitive form, the final -e is dropped and the pronoun attaches directly to the end. Here, the verb vendicare (to avenge) becomes vendicarsi (to take revenge / avenge oneself). Because the sentence is about 'him', the third-person reflexive pronoun si is used.
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