What are Pronouns?
In linguistics, a pronoun is a word that substitutes a noun or noun phrase. There are several types of pronouns in Italian, and their placement may vary depending on the type of verb they depend on.
Here are the most important pronouns you should know before diving into a detailed explanation about how to use them:
- Direct object pronouns: These are the object of transitive verbs. They are directly linked to the verb without the use of any preposition.
Ho comprato i biscotti al cioccolato -> Li ho comprati
I bought chocolate cookies -> I bought them
- Indirect object pronouns: These are the object of intransitive verbs. They are linked to the verb with the use of a preposition.
Ha prestato un libro a me -> Mi ha prestato un libro
S/he lent a book to me -> S/he lent me a book
- Personal pronouns: You might know these as subjects. These are the Italian io, tu, lui/lei/Lei, noi, voi, loro. These pronouns are not relevant for the current topic.
- pronoun ci: Normally translated into “there”, is used for places.
Andiamo a Roma ogni anno -> Ci andiamo ogni anno
We go to Rome -> We go there every year
- pronoun ne: Used to refer to topics and parts of amounts. It substitutes objects that are introduced by the preposition di.
Dovete tagliare due fette di torta -> Dovete tagliarne due
You have to cut two slices of cake -> You have to cut two (of them)
Pronoun Placement
Pronouns Preceding the Verb
Unlike English, most Italian pronouns precede the verb. This is statistically the most common occurrence, because pronouns precede the verbs when the verb is:
- A finite verb, that is, a verb that displays tense, person, and number (present, past, future etc…)
- Formal imperative, that is, the imperative form with the formal lei.
Therefore, the standard word order for Italian pronouns is:
Subject (if expressed) + pronoun + verb
Che regalo hai comprato a Marta per il suo compleanno?
What present did you buy to Marta for her birthday?
Le ho regalato un libro.
I gave her a book.
Ho comprato una nuova borsa. L’ho presa al mio negozio preferito.
I bought a new bag. I took it at my favorite shop.
Signora, mi ascolti per favore.
Miss, listen to me please.
As you can see, before a singular noun that starts with “h” or a vowel, direct pronouns la (her) and lo (him) drop their vowels and become l‘. This does not apply to plural nouns, therefore li (them) and le (them) never drop the vowel.
Hai preso le mie chiavi? – No, non le ho prese.
Have you taken my keys? – No, I haven’t taken them.
In some cases, depending on the dialect, both direct and indirect pronouns mi (me) and ti (you) can drop their vowel when they precede a singular noun, but this is less common.
Pronouns Following the Verb
Italian pronouns can also follow the verb. This is less common, as it happens when the verb is:
- A non-finite verb, that is, a verb that displays no tense, no person, no number. These verbs are gerund, participle, and infinitive. However, infinite is pretty flexible, so you can find both!
- Informal imperative, that is, the imperative form with the informal tu
Therefore, the order for pronouns that follow the verb in Italian is:
Subject (if expressed) + verb + pronoun
Capirai solo studiandolo.
You will understand only by studying it.
Portami l’acqua che sta in cucina per favore.
Bring me the water in the kitchen please.
Infinitive: Special Case
As I mentioned before, the infinitive tense is flexible, which means that pronouns can both precede and follow it. However, the use of the infinitive is very wide, so it is important that you understand properly how to use pronouns with it.
Challenge your knowledge
How do you form the negative form of the informal imperative? With the infinitive! This means that pronouns can both precede and follow this form, therefore the pronouns placement of the negative imperative is something you might want to deepen.
Non lo mangiare, è scaduto! / Non mangiarlo, è scaduto!
Do not eat it, it has expired.
Also, remember that modal verbs are always followed by the infinitive. If you want to place pronouns before the main verb, this must precede the modal verb as well.
This rule applies to all auxiliary verbs! This means that it works the same for essere, avere, volere, dovere, potere, and sapere.
Ho fame, lo posso mangiare? / Ho fame, posso mangiarlo?
I am hungry, can I eat it?
So che non dovevo, ma l‘ho voluto comprare / So che non dovevo, ma ho voluto comprarlo.
I know I didn’t have to, but I wanted to buy it.
