In trying to translate this phrase I've run into a bit of complexity surrounding the verb insistere.
Other threads on insistere don't really touch the subject in this way, and I've looked through treccani and still have doubts.
Example:
But, I've had mixed opinions on whether this is a natural phrase in Italian. Essentially, the meaning in English conveys a kind of soft demand, something greater than "want", but less than "demand". So, ideally something slightly less strong than; "Pretendo di aiutarti".
From what I understand "insistere" in Italian has 2 meanings: 1.) more like persistere/continuare, 2.) more like pretendere, with the first meaning being more common.
One possible alternative suggested to me was; "Insisto nel volerti aiutare" but then I was also told that that's unnatural as well.
Another confusion I have is in the use of "di" here. I know that "di" is used in self-referential-dependent clauses, eg.:
What are your thoughts?
Other threads on insistere don't really touch the subject in this way, and I've looked through treccani and still have doubts.
Example:
- "I don't want you to overstress, I insist on helping you"
- "Non voglio che ti stressi troppo, insisto nell'aiutarti" < this would be my translation.
But, I've had mixed opinions on whether this is a natural phrase in Italian. Essentially, the meaning in English conveys a kind of soft demand, something greater than "want", but less than "demand". So, ideally something slightly less strong than; "Pretendo di aiutarti".
From what I understand "insistere" in Italian has 2 meanings: 1.) more like persistere/continuare, 2.) more like pretendere, with the first meaning being more common.
One possible alternative suggested to me was; "Insisto nel volerti aiutare" but then I was also told that that's unnatural as well.
Another confusion I have is in the use of "di" here. I know that "di" is used in self-referential-dependent clauses, eg.:
- Insisteva di essere nel giusto = insisteva nel dire che lui stesso fosse nel giusto
- Insiste di essere un medico = insiste nel dire che lui stesso è un medico
What are your thoughts?
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