proteggiamo

Proteggiamo is the first-person plural present indicative form of the Italian verb proteggere, meaning “we protect.” It can also function as an inclusive imperative in informal contexts, equivalent to “let us protect” or “let’s protect.”

The verb proteggere comes from Latin proteggere, formed from pro- “forward, in front” and tegere “to cover.” The sense is to safeguard by covering or shielding something or someone.

As a conjugated form, proteggiamo is the noi form of proteggere. The verb is a regular -ere verb with a stem that becomes proteg-g- in the present tense. Present indicative forms are: io proteggo, tu proteggi, lui protegge, noi proteggiamo, voi proteggete, loro proteggono. Because of the geminated gg, the pronunciation emphasizes a stronger /d͡ʒ/ sound before the -i-.

Usage and nuances: proteggiamo is used to describe protecting people, objects, or abstract values such as rights or the environment. It can appear in everyday speech as well as in campaigns or declarations that emphasize collective action. Related words include protezione (protection), protetto (protected), and proteggere (to protect). In exhortations, proteggiamo can serve as a call to action, meaning “let us protect.”

Examples:

- Proteggiamo i bambini. (We protect the children.)

- Proteggiamo l'ambiente per le generazioni future. (We protect the environment for future generations.)

See also: protezione, protezione civile, proteggere.