“Mi raccomando” vs “Ti raccomando”. What do they mean and how are these two expressions used?
In this article, I will explain to you the difference between these very common expressions in Italian.
MI RACCOMANDO and TI RACCOMANDO: How and When to Use These Expressions
1. Mi raccomando
It is always used like this. It is invariable and is used together with a verb in the imperative to give someone in front of us a piece of advice so strong that it is almost an obligation.
Examples:
Mi raccomando, torna presto.
[Make sure you come back soon.]
Mi raccomando, studiate.
[Make sure you study.]
Mi raccomando, ripassate il congiuntivo.
[Make sure you review the subjunctive.]
Mi raccomando, metti la sveglia presto domani.
[Make sure you set the alarm early tomorrow.]
So, forget about forms like:
Ti raccomando, studia!
[I strongly recommend you study!]
Vi raccomando, svegliatevi presto domani.
[I strongly recommend you wake up early tomorrow.]
However, someone might say they have heard “Ti raccomando…” at times.
It’s true, but this expression has a completely different meaning.
2. Ti raccomando
To recommend something to someone means to strongly advise.
So, I can say:
Ti raccomando questo libro, è bellissimo!
[I highly recommend this book, it’s amazing!]
But in this case, as you can notice, it is always followed by a direct object and an indirect pronoun, or an indirect object indicating the person to whom we are advising.
Examples:
Io raccomando questo libro a mia sorella.
[I recommend this book to my sister.]
Io ti raccomando questo libro.
[I recommend this book to you.]
Io vi raccomando questo libro.
[I recommend this book to you all.]
Do you notice the difference?
Otherwise, with this meaning, raccomandare can also be followed by di + infinitive.
Example:
Vi raccomando di iscrivervi alla nostra newsletter per essere sempre aggiornati su tutti i nostri contenuti e materiali per migliorare l’italiano.
[I recommend you sign up for our newsletter to stay updated on all our content and materials to improve your Italian.]
Moreover, raccomandare can also be followed by che + subjunctive.
Example:
Vi raccomando che vi iscriviate alla nostra newsletter.
[I recommend that you sign up for our newsletter.]
If you want to learn more about the subjunctive, read the article dedicated to that topic.
