Se la Madonna la buttasse... Non si sa mai. Proviamo!
If the Virgin Mary tosses it down to me... You never know.
Language note: Combines speculative phrasal structures.
Culture note: Italians often mix humor and reverence lightheartedly.
Context: He glances upward, teasing that maybe a heavenly sign will provide the solution.
Word-by-Word Breakdown
Se
[seh]
If
Condition word.
Se la Madonna lo facesse, saremmo sorpresi.
If the Madonna did it, we would be surprised.
la
[lah]
her
Referring to a female entity.
La vedremo se la Madonna la richiama.
We'll see her if the Madonna calls her back.
Madonna
[Mah-doh-nnah]
Madonna
The Virgin Mary.
Crediamo nella Madonna.
We believe in the Madonna.
la
[lah]
her
Referring to a female entity.
La vedremo se la Madonna la richiama.
We'll see her if the Madonna calls her back.
buttasse
[boot-tah-seh]
threw
Past form of causing to move by force.
Se la Madonna la buttasse via...
If the Madonna threw it away...
Non
[non]
Not
Negative particle.
Non è semplice vincere sempre.
It's not easy to always win.
si
[see]
reflexive
Acting on oneself.
Ci si diverte al parco.
One enjoys oneself at the park.
sa
[sah]
know
Be informed or aware.
Non si sa quando arriverà.
It is not known when it will arrive.
mai
[my]
never
At any point in time.
Non si sa mai il risultato.
You never know the result.
Proviamo
[proh-vyah-moh]
Let's try
Encouragement to attempt.
Proviamo a fare un nuovo tentativo.
Let's try to make a new attempt.
Phrase Parts
Se la Madonna la buttasse
Non si sa mai
Proviamo
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