"Lei ama suo marito."

Translation: She loves her husband.

[M.A.T.E.K]

As long as it's not "Lei ama mio marito", we're good...

[jakster]

Could this also be "she loves his husband"

[dnovinc]

Yes. Without the context it could be her or his.

[lcaufin]

wouldn't it be more appropriate to say "proprio" instead of "suo"

[hugoxrosa]

Same reason we don't say "she loves her own husband" to avoid mean she loves a husband of another woman.

It is a common meaning that someone loves his own parent, even if we don't emphasis this. And this language details leave room for jokes and pranks.

[Gal.Gutterman]

How come "il" is not needed before "suo marito"?

[dnovinc]

Because the rule that says there are no definitive articles (il, la) before a singular family member extends also to marito and moglie

[Gal.Gutterman]

thanks

[CorkyRingspot]

Can someone tell me why the possessive adjective ('suo') is not preceded by the definite article in this sentence? The general rule seems to be that the possessives are always preceded by definite articles - why not here? Thanks.

[giovanna60615]

Because it's a family member. That is an exception to the rule. (An exception to the exception is that you DO use the definite article if you are referring to multiple family members. So "mio fratello", but "i miei fratelli".)

[frankmazuca]

good answer, thank you

[luigi167544]

Duolingo, I must remind you that 'Lei ama' means 'you love' (formal) as well as 'she loves'

[jayofmaya]

D'awwww! :)

[BOB667062]

doesn't Lei also mean you(informal)?

[Jonnyklings]

For now...

[Dahai69790]

"You love his husband."?

[Dahai69790]

"She loves his husband." is accepted. Why not "You love his husband."?