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You are here: Experts > Homework Help > Italian Language > Italian Language > The "si" with accent in Dante
Expert: Maria - 11/3/2009
Question
Hello,
I just started reading "Inferno" translation Mark Musa 1996, and one problem I have is understanding the usage of "si" with accent (not reflexive si without accent).
What does this "si'" mean, other than "yes?"
My example: Canto 1, line 43.
"ma non si' che paura non mi desse
la vista che m'apparve d'un leone."
Thanks, Paul
Answer
Hello,
First of all the “sì” (“si” with accent) in Dante’s Inferno, Canto 1, line 43, stands for the adverb “così” where there is a aphaeresis , i.e. the loss of the first syllable “co”.
In Italian we can use “sì” either to say “yes” or to mean “so /so that / so much”, according to the context.
For example in the Dantean tercet you mention the adverb “sì” means “so much”. In fact "ma non sì che paura non mi desse/ la vista che m'apparve d'un leone" translates as “But not so much, that did not give me fear /A lion's aspect which appeared to me”).
In short, the “sì” (“si” with accent) can mean:
1-“yes”, as a word to express assent or agreement.
2- “so “ as an adverb, instead of “così”, before an adjective.
For example :“O mia patria, sì bella e perduta..” (O my country, so beautiful and lost..) in Verdi’s Nabucco chorus.
I have to point out, however, that this use is obsolete now, for we use “così”.
3-“so that” as a conjunction.
For example :”Dovete spedire il pacco entro oggi, sì da farglielo pervenire in settimana” ( you must send the parcel today, so that it will arrive by the end of the week)
4- “so much” like in "ma non sì che paura non mi desse…”( But not so much, that did not give me fear). Please note that this use is now obsolete, as we like better to say “così”.
For example “Sono così stanco” (I am so much tired).
Finally I must tell you that in Dante we read some lines like “Tu proverai sì come sa di sale / lo pane altrui…. (Paradiso, XVII, 58-59: “You shall have proof how tastes of salt/ The bread of others…...”) where the “sì” introduces a modal clause, and “Tre volte cinse me, sì com'io tacqui, / l'apostolico lume… "(Paradiso, XXIV, 152-153 :“Three times encircled me, when I was silent / The apostolic light…”) where the “sì” introduces a time clause.
Hope all is clear enough. Feel free however to ask me again.
Best regards,
Maria
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