3.2.1. The infinitive as a noun

Italian infinitives may be used as a noun; the English equivalent is usually just the “-ing” form of the verb. For example,

Dare è meglio che ricevere.

Giving is better than receiving.

Mangiare bene è importante.

Eating well is important.

There are other “infinitive nouns” that have acquired very common status as important nouns:

il dovere = the duty

il piacere = the pleasure

l’essere (umano) = the human being

il parlare = the dialect/speech variety