Indirect object pronouns

Indirect object pronouns: the core idea

In this unit you focus on indirect object pronouns in Italian:

• mi = to me
• ti = to you (singular)
• gli = to him / to it
• le = to her / to it
• ci = to us
• vi = to you (plural)
• a loro / loro = to them

They answer the questions “a chi?” (to whom?) and “a che cosa?” (to what?).

Step 1 – Recognise “a chi?” in a sentence

Before you can choose the pronoun, you need to see the indirect object in a normal sentence.

• Do la chiave al cliente. = I give the key to the guest.
• Spiego il problema alla receptionist. = I explain the problem to the receptionist.
• Mostriamo la stanza ai signori. = We show the room to the guests.

Ask yourself:

• What is given / explained / shown? → this is the direct object (la chiave, il problema, la stanza).
• To whom? → this is the indirect object (al cliente, alla receptionist, ai signori).

Step 2 – Replace “a + person” with a pronoun

Once you see the “a chi?”, you can replace it with an indirect object pronoun.

Step 3 – Position: where do these pronouns go?

With one conjugated verb (present, passato prossimo, etc.):

• Pronoun goes before the verb.

With a modal verb + infinitive (dovere, potere, volere + verb):

• At A2 level, use the “attached to infinitive” form, as in your book.

You may also hear Italians say Vi devo mostrare la stanza or Ci può spiegare il problema?. This is common, but in this course you practise only the attached form: mostrarvi, spiegarci.

Step 4 – “Gli” vs “le” vs “loro”: avoid typical mistakes

These three often create confusion. Use this overview:

• “Loro” never goes before the verb in standard usage at your level.
• So avoid: Loro do le chiavi.
• Use: Do le chiavi a loro.

Step 5 – Distinguish indirect and direct pronouns

It’s easy to mix indirect and direct pronouns. Compare:

Quick test for yourself:

• If you can add “to” in English (to him, to her, to them), Italian normally uses an indirect pronoun.
• If you cannot add “to” (I see him, I take it), Italian uses a direct pronoun.

Step 6 – Mini checklist while you speak

When you build a sentence, go through these quick checks:

1. Find the verb (dare, spiegare, mostrare, offrire…).
2. Find “what?” (the thing) → direct object, maybe a direct pronoun.
3. Find “to whom?” → indirect object, choose mi/ti/gli/le/ci/vi/(a) loro.
4. Place the pronoun:
   • With one verb: before the verb → Il receptionist mi spiega tutto.
   • With modal + infinitive: attach to infinitive → Devo spiegarle il problema.
5. For “loro”: keep it after the verb → Spiego la situazione a loro.

Self-check: can you already do this?

• Can you underline the indirect object (a chi?) in a sentence?
• Can you choose the correct pronoun (mi, ti, gli, le, ci, vi, a loro)?
• Can you put it in the right place (before the verb or attached to the infinitive)?
• Can you avoid “loro” before the verb?

If you can say “yes” to most points, you are ready to focus on speaking practice in class.