Italian Phrase
Pulisci l'attrezzatura dopo averla usata.
Meaning
The sentence is a direct instruction telling someone to clean the equipment once they have finished using it. It stresses the importance of hygiene and proper maintenance after each use.
When to use
Use this phrase in gyms, workshops, laboratories, kitchens, or any setting where tools and gear need to be kept clean after each session. It works well on signage, safety briefings, or when a supervisor gives a quick reminder.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Puliscil'attrezzaturadopoaverlausata
Imperative (Pulisci)
‘Pulisci’ is the second‑person singular imperative of the verb ‘pulire’, used for giving direct commands.
Definite article + noun (l'attrezzatura)
The article ‘l’’ contracts with the vowel‑initial noun ‘attrezzatura’, meaning ‘the equipment’.
Preposition ‘dopo’ + infinitive clause
‘Dopo’ (after) is followed by an infinitive clause; here the infinitive ‘averla’ (to have it) introduces the past participle.
Pronoun placement (averla)
The direct object pronoun ‘la’ (it) is attached to the infinitive ‘avere’, forming ‘averla’.
Past participle agreement (usata)
‘Usata’ agrees in gender and number with ‘l'attrezzatura’, indicating ‘used’.
🗨In Conversation
Hai finito di usare il trapano?
Did you finish using the drill?
Sì, pulisci l'attrezzatura dopo averla usata.
Yes, clean the equipment after using it.
✕Common Mistakes
Pulire l'attrezzatura dopo averla usata.
‘Pulire’ is the infinitive; the sentence needs the imperative ‘Pulisci’ to give a command.
Pulisci l'attrezzatura dopo usarla.
After ‘dopo’ you must use a full infinitive clause; ‘averla’ + past participle is required.
Pulisci l'attrezzatura dopo averla usato.
The past participle must agree with the feminine noun ‘attrezzatura’, so use ‘usata’.
↔Alternatives
Pulisci l'equipaggiamento dopo averlo usato.
Clean the equipment after having used it.
Assicurati di pulire l'attrezzatura una volta usata.
Make sure to clean the equipment once it’s used.
Dopo averla usata, pulisci l'attrezzatura.
After using it, clean the equipment.
Cultural Tip
In Italian workplaces, clear and concise imperatives are common on safety signs and instruction sheets. Using the correct gender agreement (usata vs. usato) shows attention to detail, which is especially appreciated in professional environments.