raccomanda

Raccomanda is the Italian word that appears in two common grammatical roles: it is the third-person singular present indicative of the verb raccomandare (he/she/it recommends), and, in the same spelling, the informal second-person singular imperative (you, please or go ahead and recommend). The verb raccomandare belongs to the first conjugation (-are) and is used transitively with a direct object or with a prepositional phrase.

Etymology and meaning: raccomandare derives from Latin sources linked to commendare, with the prefix re- or the phonetic evolution that produced the modern form. The core sense is to entrust someone to the care or favor of another, or to urge a person to take a certain action through a recommendation. In everyday Italian, it also carries the idea of endorsing a person for a position or benefit, sometimes with the nuance of influence or personal connections.

Usage and phrases: raccomandare can take a direct object, as in “raccomandare una candidatura” (to recommend a candidacy), or be used with a to-infinitive or with a preposition such as “a lui/lei” to indicate whom the recommendation is addressed to, e.g., “lo ho raccomandato al direttore.” A common fixed expression is “mi raccomando,” used to strongly urge someone to remember or do something: “Mi raccomando, arriva in orario.” The noun form raccomandazione (a recommendation or letter of introduction) is often used in both professional and social contexts, sometimes with a neutral sense and at other times with negative connotations of nepotism or favoritism.

See also: raccomandazione, nepotismo, lettera di raccomandazione.