soffriamo

Soffriamo is the first-person plural present indicative form of the Italian verb soffrire, meaning to suffer or endure. The form translates to “we suffer” or “we are suffering,” depending on the context. It is used to express a state of pain, hardship, or endurance shared by the speaker and other people.

Etymology and grammar: soffrire derives from a Latin root related to bearing or undergoing. In Italian, the present tense conjugation follows the standard endings for -ire verbs: io soffro, tu soffri, lui/lei soffre, noi soffriamo, voi soffrite, loro soffrono. Thus soffriamo fits the normal pattern for the present tense of this verb group. The word can function in both literal and figurative senses.

Usage and examples: soffriamo can describe physical discomfort, emotional pain, or material deprivation affecting a group that includes the speaker. Examples include: “Noi soffriamo per la mancanza di lavoro” (We suffer due to the lack of work) and “Soffriamo di fame” (We suffer from hunger). In broader discourse, the form may be used for emphasis or in collective statements, though for ongoing action in many contexts Italians often prefer stiamo soffrendo (we are suffering) to convey immediacy.

See also: soffrire, the infinitive from which soffriamo is derived, and related expressions describing pain, hardship, or endurance in Italian.

Notes: While soffriamo denotes a current state, Italian frequently uses other constructions to emphasize duration or intensity, such as adding adverbs or choosing the progressive form stiamo soffrendo when appropriate.