Sorridi

Sorridi is an Italian verb form that serves two related functions: it is the second person singular present indicative of the verb sorridere (to smile), and it is also the informal imperative form meaning “Smile!” The subject tu is understood from the verb form.

The verb sorridere derives from Latin ridere, meaning “to laugh,” and entered Italian through the Romance language evolution of the verb stem that expresses the act of smiling as a type of facial expression related to laughter.

In the present indicative tense, the forms are io sorrido, tu sorridi, lui/lei sorride, noi sorridiamo, voi sorridete, loro sorridono. The imperative forms are sorridi (tu), sorrida (Lei), sorridiamo (noi), sorridete (voi), sorridano (Loro), with Lei and Loro used for polite or formal address.

Usage notes: sorridi describes the action of smiling and can be used with direct objects or complements, as in “Sorridi spesso” (You smile often) or “Sorridi a chi ami” (Smile to those you love). The imperative is common in advice, encouragement, or direction.

Pronunciation is roughly so-RREE-dee, with the double r indicating a rolled consonant.

Translations: in English, sorridi corresponds to “you smile” (present) or “smile!” (imperative), depending on mood and syntax.

See also: sorridere, sorriso, ridere.