Question 1

Why is ci vuole (singular) used when the sentence mentions needing two things: effort and technique?

Accepted Answer

The verb volerci must agree with the thing that is needed. Here, the immediate subject is meno sforzo (less effort), which is singular, so we use ci vuole. The second half of the sentence implies a repetition of the verb: ma [ci vuole] sempre più tecnica. Since tecnica is also singular, the singular verb covers both halves perfectly without needing to be repeated.

Question 2

How does sempre meno translate to "less and less"?

Accepted Answer

In Italian, the pattern for a continuous increase or decrease ("more and more" or "less and less") is built using sempre (always) followed by più (more) or meno (less). You do not repeat the comparative words like you do in English.

Question 3

The English translation says "As you practice," so why does the Italian use si pratica instead of pratichi?

Accepted Answer

Si pratica uses the impersonal si, which literally translates to "one practices." While English relies heavily on the generic "you" to state general truths or rules, Italian strongly prefers the impersonal si to show that a statement applies universally to anyone.

Question 4

Why don't meno and più change their endings to agree with the nouns sforzo (masculine) and tecnica (feminine)?

Accepted Answer

Unlike other quantity adjectives such as molto or tanto, the words più and meno are invariable. They never change their endings to match the gender or number of the nouns they modify.

Mentre si pratica, ci vuole sempre meno sforzo fisico, ma sempre più tecnica.

Breakdown of Mentre si pratica, ci vuole sempre meno sforzo fisico, ma sempre più tecnica.

Questions & Answers about Mentre si pratica, ci vuole sempre meno sforzo fisico, ma sempre più tecnica.

Learn Mentre si pratica, ci vuole sempre meno sforzo fisico, ma sempre più tecnica and more in Italian