Expert: Maria - 11/5/2009

Question
Dear Maria,

In my studies I recently came across a picture of several people, one of whom is wearing sunglasses.  Under this picture is the following caption:  “Chi ha gli occhiali da sole?”

I was wondering if the correct translation of this sentence should be:
“Who has the sunglasses?” or,  if it should be “Who wears the sunglasses?”

I was wondering if the verb  “avere” is used in an idiomatic fashion to talk about “wearing” sunglasses?

Or, I was wondering if the verb “portare” should be used instead of the verb "avere" to talk about wearing glasses as in: “Chi porta gli occhiali da sole?”

Thank you very much for your help.

Sincerely,

Rich


Answer
Dear Rich,

The caption “Chi ha gli occhiali da sole?” under the picture of several people, one of whom is wearing sunglasses, is correct, though we can say also “ Chi porta gli occhiali da sole?”.

As for the correct translation of “Chi ha gli occhiali da sole?” as well as of “Chi porta gli occhiali da sole?”, it is  either “Who has the sunglasses?”  or  “Who wears the sunglasses?” just because in Italian we can  use both the verb “avere” and the verb “portare” when talking about wearing glasses.

All the best,
Maria