Italian Phrase
Apri la borsa, per favore, dobbiamo controllarla.
Meaning
This phrase is a direct request to open a bag, followed by an explanation of why it's necessary. It combines a polite request ('per favore') with a statement of obligation ('dobbiamo controllarla'). The 'la' at the end of 'controllarla' refers back to 'la borsa'.
When to use
You would typically use this phrase in situations requiring a bag inspection, such as at airport security, a concert venue, or when asking someone to show you the contents of their bag for a specific reason. The 'per favore' makes it a polite, though firm, request.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Aprila borsaper favoredobbiamocontrollarla
Apri (Imperative)
'Apri' is the informal singular imperative form of the verb 'aprire' (to open). It's used to give a direct command to 'you' (tu).
la borsa (Definite Article + Noun)
'La' is the feminine singular definite article ('the'), preceding 'borsa' (bag), which is a feminine noun. Together they mean 'the bag'.
per favore (Politeness)
'Per favore' means 'please' and is essential for making requests polite in Italian, even when giving a command.
dobbiamo (Dovere + Infinitive)
'Dobbiamo' is the 'noi' (we) conjugation of the verb 'dovere' (to have to/must). It's followed by an infinitive verb to express obligation, meaning 'we have to' or 'we must'.
controllarla (Infinitive + Pronoun)
'Controllarla' is formed by the infinitive verb 'controllare' (to check) and the direct object pronoun 'la' (it/her). When a direct object pronoun follows an infinitive, it attaches to the end of the verb, forming a single word. 'La' refers to 'la borsa'.
🗨In Conversation
Scusi, signore, apri la borsa, per favore, dobbiamo controllarla.
Excuse me, sir, open the bag, please, we need to check it.
Certo, nessun problema.
Of course, no problem.
✕Common Mistakes
Apre la borsa, per favore, dobbiamo controllarla.
The verb 'aprire' in the imperative for 'tu' (you, singular informal) is 'apri', not 'apre' (which is for 'lui/lei' or 'Lei' formal).
Apri la borsa, per favore, dobbiamo controllare la.
When a direct object pronoun like 'la' (it/her) follows an infinitive verb, it attaches to the end of the infinitive, forming one word: 'controllarla'.
Apri la borsa, per favore, dobbiamo controllarlo.
The pronoun must agree in gender with the noun it replaces. 'Borsa' (bag) is feminine, so the pronoun should be 'la', not 'lo' (masculine).
↔Alternatives
Per favore, apri la borsa.
Please, open the bag.
Potrebbe aprire la borsa, per favore?
Could you open the bag, please? (more formal)
Dobbiamo dare un'occhiata alla sua borsa.
We need to take a look at your bag. (more indirect)
Cultural Tip
Italians value politeness, so even in situations requiring a direct request like this, adding 'per favore' (please) is crucial. While the phrase is direct, the 'per favore' softens it. In formal settings or with strangers, using the 'Lei' form (e.g., 'Apra la borsa, per favore') or a more indirect construction like 'Potrebbe aprire...' would be more appropriate.