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Mastering Indirect Object Pronouns: Gli, Le, Le
When you are shopping for gifts, you often want to say you are buying something to him, to her, or politely to you. In Italian, we use indirect object pronouns for this purpose!
The Key Pronouns
- Gli = to him (or to them, historically, though modern usage favors loro after the verb).
- Le = to her.
- Le (capitalized) = to you (formal, polite, addressing a customer or stranger).
These pronouns are placed before the conjugated verb.
Examples in Action
- Compro un regalo per Maria. Le compro una borsa. (I'm buying a gift for Maria. I am buying her a bag.)
- Marco ha bisogno di una camicia nuova. Gli compro questa. (Marco needs a new shirt. I am buying him this one.)
- Signora, Le consiglio questo vestito. (Ma'am, I recommend this dress to you.)
Common Mistakes
Don't confuse direct objects (lo/la/li/le meaning 'him/her/them') with indirect objects (gli/le meaning 'to him/to her'). Remember: you buy something to someone, which requires gli or le!
Words
Lessons are prepared with the help of AI.
Patterns
Le compro ___
English: I am buying her / you (formal) ___ (used when shopping for a female recipient or formal customer)
Gli regalo ___
English: I am giving him ___ as a gift (used when choosing a present for a male recipient)
Cosa Le posso consigliare per ___?
English: What can I recommend to you (formal) for ___? (shop assistant to a customer)