Learn a special use of the preposition "da"

In this video I'll talk about the Italian preposition "DA" used to express purpose. You surely know the preposition DA, you know that it has multiple meanings and can be used in different ways, including to indicate a purpose.

I'm Luca and this video is aimed at those who want to learn Italian well.

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Hi, everybody, I'm Luca and in this video I wanted to talk about the preposition "da" used "con valore finale".

What do I mean by "con valore finale"? Used to express a goal or purpose.

You may not know the masculine noun "fine". In any case, "il fine" is a synonym of "lo scopo". You probably know the word "scopo". So "fine" and "scopo" mean the same thing. It's just that "fine" is a more technical and formal word.

So, if I say "la preposizione DA usata con valore finale" I mean: the preposition "da" used to express a purpose or objective.

In particular, in this video I'd like to discuss several lexical units, that is, word combinations, where we essentially find two nouns united by the preposition "da".

But let's jump straight to an example!

For example, these in Italian are called "occhiali da sole". Why? Because they are used when there's too much sunlight. Or when the sunlight is annoying us, we wear these glasses.

So "occhiali da sole" essentially means: glasses meant for the sunlight. Or: glasses one wears if there's too much sunlight. Glasses suited for the sunlight. And so on. So you can see that the second noun in a way specifies the purpose for which the object is suited.

Needless to say, I could also call them "occhiali scuri". I could also say "occhiali per il sole". But I'd say that Italian native speakers say "occhiali da sole".

This object in Italian is called "ferro da stiro".

Why is it called "ferro da stiro"? Because it is used for ironing. You probably know the verb "stirare". "Stirare" means doing this, right?! We move it over our clothes and iron them.

This one is called "ferro da stiro". Again, you can say "il ferro per stirare". But the lexical unit is "ferro da stiro". Well, native speakers would say that.

You might find it difficult to recognize this object here. In any case, it's a can of "schiuma da barba". It's that thing people use to shave.

See here? It may be impossible for you to read. There's written "schiuma da barba". Ok, so you can see that I'm not lying.

You apply this foam on your face and then you shave. Well, as you can see, this can is rusty, it has already covered in rust. I have had it for 12 years. As you can guess, I don't shave very often.

We... - well, it won't open anymore. We can... - it's better not to open it.

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Here I have written down other items.

For example: you surely know the phrase "lo spazzolino da denti". "Spazzolino da denti". Used for brushing teeth.

Next, we have "costume da bagno", which is used for sea bathing. When you go to the seaside, you wear "il costume da bagno" and then go swimming.

Next, we have "le scarpe da tennis", which in fact is a very broad category. In Italian, all sport shoes belong to the category "scarpe da tennis". These shoes were originally used to practice tennis, to play tennis. Nowadays, people say "scarpe da tennis" to refer to all shoes that are not elegant, that is, to all sneakers.

Next, we have (the phrase) "scarponi da sci". The singular is "scarpone", the plural is "scarponi". What does "scarponi da sci" mean? It refers to boots used when skiing.

Next, for example, "mazza da golf", or "mazza da baseball", which are those objects used to play golf and baseball respectively.

Next, we have "macchine da corsa". What does "macchine da corsa" mean? These are "macchine", that is cars, used in competitions, in car races. Generally speaking "auto da corsa" refers to a sports car. I'd say even more than a sports car, quite possibly a supercar.

Next, we have "macchina da scrivere" which is an object that almost nobody is using anymore. One of the precedessors to personal computers. "Macchina da scrivere". Because it was used for writing.

Then you surely know "camera da letto". What does the phrase "camera da letto" mean? It's the room in which people place their bed. The room where people typically sleep.

Next, we have the phrase "abito da sera", which usually refers to an elegant dress used for going out in the evening. For example, to go to a formal meeting. Or in any case to a meeting where one should be well dressed.

Next, there's the phrase "camicia da notte", which is a type of clothing used by women, which is weared like a pajamas, at night, thus "camicia da notte".

Next we have, for example, the phrase "borsa da viaggio". What does "borsa da viaggio" mean? It's a bag that has been designed to be used when travelling. So it's a convenient bag.

Next, there's the phrase "tavolino da tè", or "tavolino da caffè". What does "tavolino da tè" or "tavolino da caffè" mean? It's a small table.

Similarly, there's the phrase "cucchiaino da tè" or "cucchiaino da caffè". Which typically stands in opposition to "cucchiaio".

Or we can think of the phrase "servizio da tè". What does "servizio da tè" mean? For example a teapot, two cups and two teaspoons. The phrase "servizio da tè" refers to this group of objects which are used to prepare tea.

I don't know if you know the noun "teiera". "La teiera" is that object in which you pour water, then you add tea and leave it there. Well, "la teiera" is that object used for preparing tea.

Well, I think I've shown you the most common objects.

My goal was not to discuss all objects where the preposition "DA" is used, but rather to show you that in some cases the preposition "DA" has this goal-related function. Or it indicates the suitability for a given purpose.

I don't recommend that you extend this use of the preposition "da" to phrases that you don't know. I suggest that you limit to the examples I gave you.

Let's say that in the future, should you find the preposition DA used in this way, that fact will no longer surprise you. Because in any case, even if this is a rather peculiar use of the preposition "DA", there are some phrases where it is used like this.

Because in the past several people specifically asked me, why the preposition DA was used. There is no reason. Or rather, the reason is this: the preposition DA has several meanings. And it can also be used to express the suitability of an object for a specific purpose.

Well, that's it.

I hope everything is clear. Have a nice day!