8

I've noticed in some Italian TV shows that, especially when the characters announce themselves, they don't say:

io sono [Title] [Name]

but rather

[Title] [Name] sono

I've seen this kind of reversal in other languages, too, but it has very limited contexts, in which it can be said, and is usually meant for emphasis. Is this the case for Italian and is this kind of reversal widely used (for essere and other verbs)?

Improve this question
1
  • As per the posted answers the former form is correct, but you should add 'il' (or 'la') -- e.g., 'io sono il [Title] [Name]' --, though. – Kyriakos Kyritsis Nov 7 '13 at 15:54
10

When talking about “Italian TV shows”, are you perchance referring to Commissario Montalbano?
This kind of reversal is very common in the sicilian dialect (and possibly others), but otherwise considered incorrect.

Improve this answer
1
  • 1
    That's indeed the only show using this reversal, I think. – martina Nov 7 '13 at 10:55
8

It is correct to say

Io sono [Title] [Name]

or

Sono [Title] [Name]

The other form is a Sicilian dialect expression.

Improve this answer

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service, privacy policy and cookie policy

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.