SI passivante
Passive SI
“Purtroppo, si contano anche 14 vittime”
(Unfortunately, there are also 14 victims reported)
In the sentence above, “si” is used as a “si passivante”, or “passive si”. This form is used in Italian to create a passive-like structure with intransitive or transitive verbs. The focus is put on the action itself, rather than on who performed the action.
The sentence translates to “Unfortunately, 14 victims are counted too” or more naturally in English, “Unfortunately, there are also 14 victims.”
The active form of this sentence might look something like this:
“[Qualcuno/Le autorità/I soccorritori] contano purtroppo anche 14 vittime.” (Someone/The authorities/The rescuers unfortunately also count 14 victims)
In the active sentence, the subject who is performing the action (counting the victims) is specified. However, the use of the passive si form (si passivante) allows for a more general, impersonal statement. This is often used in news reporting, as it allows the writer to focus on the events, without having to specify who is performing the actions.
Here are some examples of the “si passivante”:
- “Si vendono frutta e verdura.” (Fruit and vegetables are sold)
- “Non si accettano carte di credito in questo negozio.” (Credit cards are not accepted in this store)
- “In quella fabbrica si producono automobili.” (Cars are produced in that factory)
- “In Italia si parla italiano.” (Italian is spoken in Italy)
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