ri-
Prefix 'Ri-' (Again)
The prefix ri- is the most common prefix in Italian. It primarily means 'again' (like rifare - to redo), but it can also mean 'back' (direction/return), 'thoroughly' (intensifier), or restore a previous state.
How It Works
The prefix ri- serves five main functions in Italian:
- Iterative (Repetition): The most common use, indicating an action is done again. Example: scrivere (to write) → riscrivere (to rewrite).
- Directional (Back/Return): Indicating movement back to a starting point or a reciprocal action. Example: portare (to bring) → riportare (to bring back); chiamare (to call) → richiamare (to call back).
- Reversive/Restorative: Returning to a previous state. Example: aprire (to open) → riaprire (to reopen).
- Intensive: Strengthening the base verb. Example: pulire (to clean) → ripulire (to clean thoroughly).
- Lexicalized: Creating a new meaning. Example: riprendere (to scold).
Morphological Changes:
1. Before 'a': It usually remains ri- (e.g., riaddormentarsi). However, the variant ra- is frequently found in verbs that have a corresponding form starting with a- (e.g., raccogliere / accogliere; rallentare / allentare).
2. Before 'i': Often becomes re- to avoid double 'i' (e.g., reintegrare).
3. Before 'in-': Often becomes rin- (e.g., rinnovare from innovare).
Examples (6)
- Ho dovuto <grammar expression="prefisso ri-">rifare</grammar> l'esercizio perché era pieno di errori.
I had to redo the exercise because it was full of mistakes.
Word by Word: I have had to redo the exercise because it was full of errors.
Here, 'rifare' (ri + fare) clearly indicates the repetition of the action.
- Dopo la pioggia, il sole è <grammar expression="prefisso ri-">riapparso</grammar> tra le nuvole.
After the rain, the sun reappeared among the clouds.
Word by Word: After the rain, the sun is reappeared among the clouds.
This shows the restorative function: returning to a visible state.
- Dobbiamo <grammar expression="prefisso ri-">ripulire</grammar> bene la cucina prima degli ospiti.
We need to clean the kitchen thoroughly before the guests arrive.
Word by Word: We must clean-thoroughly well the kitchen before of-the guests.
In this context, 'ripulire' is intensive; it means to clean very well, not necessarily for a second time.
- Ti <grammar expression="prefisso ri-">richiamo</grammar> tra cinque minuti.
I will call you back in five minutes.
Word by Word: You I call-back between five minutes.
'Richiamare' demonstrates the directional function, meaning to call 'back' or in return.
- Il professore ha <grammar expression="prefisso ri-">ripreso</grammar> lo studente che disturbava.
The professor scolded the student who was disturbing.
Word by Word: The professor has retaken the student who was-disturbing.
This is a lexicalized use: 'riprendere' here means 'to scold', which is distinct from 'prendere' (to take).
- Puoi <grammar expression="prefisso ri-">riportare</grammar> il libro in biblioteca?
Can you bring the book back to the library?
Word by Word: Can you bring-back the book in library?
'Riportare' (ri + portare) shows the directional meaning of returning an object to its place.
Common Mistakes
Using 're-' instead of 'ri-' due to English influence.
Devo refare il compito.Devo rifare il compito.English speakers often use 're-' (like 'redo' or 'rewrite'), but in Italian, the standard prefix for repetition is 'ri-'.
Redundancy with 'di nuovo'.
Lo rifaccio di nuovo.Lo rifaccio. / Lo faccio di nuovo.While common in casual speech, using 'ri-' and 'di nuovo' (again) together is technically redundant since they mean the same thing.
How It Connects
Learn This First
To understand the prefix 'ri-', a learner needs a solid grasp of basic Italian verbs and their infinitive forms, as the prefix is added directly to these stems to modify their meaning to 'again'.
Related Patterns
- s-Prefix 'S-' (Opposite/Undoing)
Another common prefix that modifies verb meanings, usually to indicate the opposite or the undoing of an action.
Level 3 - fare (espressioni idiomatiche)Common Expressions with 'Fare'
Since 'rifare' is a common 'ri-' verb, understanding the base verb 'fare' is essential.
Level 1 - -zioneNoun Suffix -zione
Many verbs with the 'ri-' prefix can be turned into nouns using this suffix (e.g., riorganizzazione).
Level 3 - essere + Past ParticiplePresent Perfect with 'Essere'
Many 'ri-' verbs involving movement or change of state (like riapparire) use 'essere' as an auxiliary.
Level 2
Words in This Pattern
Sources
Practice ri- in Bubblegum
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