Learning how to express urgency is crucial for effective communication in any language. In Italian, there are several ways to say “hurry up,” each with its own nuance and appropriate context.
This article provides a detailed exploration of these expressions, covering their definitions, structural breakdowns, usage rules, and common mistakes. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced learner, this guide will equip you with the knowledge and practice to confidently convey urgency in Italian.
This article is beneficial for anyone learning Italian, particularly those aiming to improve their fluency and naturalness in everyday conversations. Understanding these expressions will allow you to navigate time-sensitive situations and communicate more effectively with native Italian speakers.
From formal settings to casual interactions, mastering these phrases will enhance your overall Italian language skills.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Definition of “Hurry Up” in Italian
- Structural Breakdown
- Types and Categories of “Hurry Up” Expressions
- Examples
- Usage Rules
- Common Mistakes
- Practice Exercises
- Advanced Topics
- FAQ
- Conclusion
Definition of “Hurry Up” in Italian
The concept of “hurry up” in Italian translates to urging someone to act more quickly or to expedite a task. This can be expressed through various phrases and verb conjugations, each carrying a slightly different connotation.
The choice of expression depends on the context, the relationship between the speakers, and the level of formality required. The core function is to prompt action without delay.
Understanding the nuances of these expressions is vital to avoid sounding rude or inappropriate.
In Italian, “hurry up” can be conveyed using imperative verbs, reflexive verbs, and idiomatic expressions. The imperative mood is directly commanding someone to do something quickly.
Reflexive verbs emphasize the action being performed by the subject on themselves, adding a sense of personal urgency. Idiomatic expressions offer colorful and often humorous ways to convey the same meaning, adding a layer of cultural understanding to your communication.
Structural Breakdown
The structure of “hurry up” phrases in Italian often involves imperative verb forms. The imperative mood is used to give direct commands or instructions. For example, the verb fare (to do) in the imperative form for the tu (you, singular informal) is fa’, and for Lei (you, singular formal) is faccia. To say “do it quickly,” you might use Fa’ presto! or, more formally, Faccia presto!
Reflexive verbs are also commonly used, especially when emphasizing that someone needs to hurry themselves. These verbs are conjugated with reflexive pronouns like ti (yourself, informal), si (himself/herself/yourself formal), and ci (ourselves). For example, the reflexive verb sbrigarsi (to hurry oneself) can be used in the imperative form as Sbrigati! (Hurry up! – informal) or Si sbrighi! (Hurry up! – formal).
Idiomatic expressions often deviate from literal translations but are widely understood and used. These expressions typically involve figurative language that adds color and emphasis to the message. For instance, Datti una mossa! literally translates to “Give yourself a move!” but effectively means “Hurry up!”
Types and Categories of “Hurry Up” Expressions
There are several ways to express “hurry up” in Italian, categorized by formality, grammatical structure, and idiomatic usage. Understanding these categories will help you choose the most appropriate expression for any given situation.
Formal Expressions
In formal settings, it’s important to use polite and respectful language. Formal expressions of “hurry up” often involve the formal “you” (Lei) and more indirect commands. These are suitable for addressing superiors, elders, or people you don’t know well. The use of the subjunctive mood can also soften the command.
Informal Expressions
Informal expressions are used with friends, family, and people you know well. These expressions are more direct and casual, often using the informal “you” (tu) and straightforward imperative forms. Slang and colloquialisms may also be used in very informal contexts.
Imperative Mood
The imperative mood is used to give direct commands or instructions. It’s a common way to express “hurry up” in both formal and informal situations, depending on the pronoun used (tu or Lei). The imperative form of the verb changes based on the subject pronoun.
Reflexive Verbs
Reflexive verbs emphasize the action being performed by the subject on themselves. When used to express “hurry up,” they imply that the person needs to hurry themselves. The most common reflexive verb used in this context is sbrigarsi (to hurry oneself).
Idiomatic Expressions
Idiomatic expressions are phrases that have a meaning different from the literal meaning of the words. They are often colorful and add a cultural flavor to the language.
These expressions are typically used in informal settings and can be very effective in conveying urgency.
Examples
To illustrate the different ways to say “hurry up” in Italian, here are several examples categorized by formality, grammatical structure, and idiomatic usage. These examples will provide a practical understanding of how to use these expressions in various contexts.
General Examples
These examples provide a broad overview of various ways to say “hurry up” in Italian, showcasing the diversity of expressions available.
| Italian Phrase | English Translation | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Sbrigati! | Hurry up! (Informal) | Casual conversation with a friend. |
| Si sbrighi! | Hurry up! (Formal) | Addressing someone you don’t know well or someone in a position of authority. |
| Fai presto! | Do it quickly! (Informal) | Telling someone to complete a task faster. |
| Faccia presto! | Do it quickly! (Formal) | Requesting someone to expedite a task in a formal setting. |
| Datti una mossa! | Give yourself a move! (Hurry up!) (Informal) | Encouraging someone to get moving. |
| Muoviti! | Move yourself! (Hurry up!) (Informal) | Impatiently urging someone to move faster. |
| Si muova! | Move yourself! (Hurry up!) (Formal) | Politely requesting someone to move with more haste. |
| Forza! | Come on! (Hurry up!) | Encouraging someone to speed up. |
| Andiamo! | Let’s go! (Hurry up!) | Prompting a group to leave or start something quickly. |
| Presto! | Quickly! (Hurry up!) | A general exclamation to indicate urgency. |
| Non c’è tempo da perdere! | There’s no time to lose! | Emphasizing the need to act quickly. |
| Svelto! | Quick! (Hurry up!) (Masculine) | Said to a male, indicating urgency. |
| Svelta! | Quick! (Hurry up!) (Feminine) | Said to a female, indicating urgency. |
| Sveltiamoci! | Let’s hurry up! | Encouraging a group to speed up. |
| Affrettati! | Hurry up! (Informal) | Similar to “sbrigati,” but slightly more emphatic. |
| Si affretti! | Hurry up! (Formal) | Formal version of “affrettati.” |
| Spicciati! | Hurry up! (Informal) | Another informal way to tell someone to hurry. |
| Si spicci! | Hurry up! (Formal) | Formal version of “spicciati.” |
| Non fare il lumacone! | Don’t be a big snail! (Hurry up!) | Humorous way to tell someone to hurry up. |
| Metti il turbo! | Put on the turbo! (Hurry up!) | Informal, suggesting to speed up significantly. |
| Dai, sbrigati! | Come on, hurry up! (Informal) | Encouraging and urging someone simultaneously. |
| Su, sbrigati! | Come on, hurry up! (Informal) | Similar to “dai, sbrigati,” but with a slightly different emphasis. |
| Dobbiamo fare in fretta! | We have to hurry! | Expressing the urgency of a situation. |
Formal Examples
These examples demonstrate how to express “hurry up” in formal settings, maintaining politeness and respect.
| Italian Phrase | English Translation | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Si sbrighi, per favore. | Please hurry up. | Requesting a service provider to expedite their work. |
| La prego di fare presto. | I beg you to do it quickly. | A very polite way to ask someone to hurry. |
| Le sarei grato se si sbrigasse. | I would be grateful if you would hurry up. | Expressing gratitude while asking someone to expedite. |
| Potrebbe affrettarsi, per favore? | Could you hurry up, please? | A polite inquiry about speeding up a process. |
| Avrebbe la cortesia di sbrigarsi? | Would you have the courtesy to hurry up? | A very formal and polite request. |
| Faccia il più presto possibile. | Do it as quickly as possible. | Requesting someone to complete a task with utmost speed. |
| Si muova con celerità. | Move with speed. | A formal way of asking someone to move faster. |
| Le chiedo gentilmente di affrettarsi. | I kindly ask you to hurry up. | A polite and respectful request. |
| Sarebbe opportuno che si sbrigasse. | It would be appropriate for you to hurry up. | Suggesting urgency in a polite manner. |
| La invito a sbrigarsi. | I invite you to hurry up. | A polite invitation to expedite. |
| Le consiglierei di fare in fretta. | I would advise you to hurry. | Offering a suggestion to speed up. |
| Si adoperi per fare presto. | Make an effort to do it quickly. | Requesting someone to make a conscious effort to hurry. |
| Le raccomando di sbrigarsi. | I recommend you to hurry up. | A formal recommendation to expedite. |
| La esorto a fare presto. | I urge you to do it quickly. | A formal urging to speed up. |
| Si attivi per sbrigarsi. | Activate yourself to hurry up. | Requesting someone to take initiative to hurry. |
| Le suggerisco di affrettarsi. | I suggest you hurry up. | A polite suggestion to expedite. |
| Sarebbe utile se si sbrigasse. | It would be useful if you hurried up. | Highlighting the usefulness of expediting. |
| La pregherei di fare in fretta. | I would beg you to hurry. | A very polite and formal request. |
| Si dia da fare per sbrigarsi. | Give yourself to do to hurry up. | Requesting someone to dedicate themselves to hurry. |
| Le sarei riconoscente se si affrettasse. | I would be grateful if you hurried up. | Expressing gratitude for expediting. |
Informal Examples
These examples illustrate how to express “hurry up” in informal settings, such as with friends and family.
| Italian Phrase | English Translation | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Sbrigati, dai! | Hurry up, come on! | Encouraging a friend who is taking too long. |
| Muoviti! Siamo in ritardo! | Move it! We’re late! | Urging someone to hurry because of being late. |
| Datti una mossa, che perdiamo il treno! | Hurry up, or we’ll miss the train! | Emphasizing the consequence of not hurrying. |
| Spicciati, che ho fame! | Hurry up, I’m hungry! | Expressing a personal need for urgency. |
| Fai veloce! | Do it fast! | A direct and informal way to tell someone to hurry. |
| Svelto! Il film sta per iniziare! | Quick! The movie is about to start! | Highlighting an imminent event. |
| Forza, andiamo! | Come on, let’s go! | Encouraging a group to hurry. |
| Dai, non fare il lumacone! | Come on, don’t be a snail! | Humorous way to tell someone to speed up. |
| Metti il turbo! | Put on the turbo! | Suggesting someone to speed up significantly. |
| Sbrighiamoci, ragazzi! | Let’s hurry up, guys! | Encouraging a group of friends to hurry. |
| Non c’è tempo da perdere, su! | There’s no time to lose, come on! | Emphasizing the urgency of the situation. |
| Affrettati, che è tardi! | Hurry up, it’s late! | Pointing out the lateness of the hour. |
| Spicciamoci, dobbiamo andare! | Let’s hurry, we have to go! | Emphasizing the need to leave. |
| Muoviti, che mi sto annoiando! | Move it, I’m getting bored! | Expressing personal impatience. |
| Sbrigati, che mi fai aspettare! | Hurry up, you’re making me wait! | Pointing out that someone is causing a delay. |
| Datti una regolata e sbrigati! | Get yourself together and hurry up! | A more forceful way of telling someone to hurry. |
| Non fare il pigro, muoviti! | Don’t be lazy, move it! | Calling someone out for being slow. |
| Sbrigati, che poi ci rimettiamo! | Hurry up, or we’ll regret it later! | Emphasizing future consequences. |
| Dai, sveglia! Sbrigati! | Come on, wake up! Hurry up! | Telling someone to wake up and hurry. |
| Non starti a impicciare, sbrigati! | Don’t get bogged down, hurry up! | Telling someone not to get distracted and to hurry. |
Imperative Examples
These examples focus on the use of the imperative mood to express “hurry up” in Italian.
| Italian Phrase | English Translation | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Sbrigati! | Hurry up! (Informal) | Direct command to a friend. |
| Si sbrighi! | Hurry up! (Formal) | Direct command to someone in a formal setting. |
| Fai presto! | Do it quickly! (Informal) | Instructing someone to complete a task faster. |
| Faccia presto! | Do it quickly! (Formal) | Formally requesting someone to expedite a task. |
| Muoviti! | Move yourself! (Informal) | Direct command to move faster. |
| Si muova! | Move yourself! (Formal) | Formal command to move faster. |
| Affrettati! | Hurry up! (Informal) | Direct command to hurry. |
| Si affretti! | Hurry up! (Formal) | Formal command to hurry. |
| Spicciati! | Hurry up! (Informal) | Direct command to hurry up and finish. |
| Si spicci! | Hurry up! (Formal) | Formal command to hurry up and finish. |
Reflexive Examples
These examples highlight the use of reflexive verbs to express “hurry up” in Italian, emphasizing the action on oneself.
| Italian Phrase | English Translation | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Sbrigati! | Hurry yourself! (Hurry up!) | Telling a friend to hurry up. |
| Si sbrighi! | Hurry yourself! (Hurry up!) | Formally telling someone to hurry up. |
| Affrettati! | Hurry yourself! (Hurry up!) | Another way to tell a friend to hurry up. |
| Si affretti! | Hurry yourself! (Hurry up!) | Formal version of “affrettati.” |
| Spicciati! | Hurry yourself! (Hurry up!) | Telling someone to finish quickly. |
| Si spicci! | Hurry yourself! (Hurry up!) | Formal version of “spicciati.” |
| Sveltiamoci! | Let’s hurry ourselves! (Let’s hurry up!) | Encouraging a group to hurry. |
Idiomatic Examples
These examples showcase idiomatic expressions used to convey “hurry up” in Italian, adding cultural nuance to your communication.
| Italian Phrase | English Translation | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Datti una mossa! | Give yourself a move! (Hurry up!) | Encouraging someone to get moving. |
| Metti il turbo! | Put on the turbo! (Hurry up!) | Suggesting someone to speed up significantly. |
| Non fare il lumacone! | Don’t be a big snail! (Hurry up!) | Humorous way to tell someone to hurry up. |
| Dai gas! | Give gas! (Hurry up!) | Similar to “put on the turbo,” suggesting to accelerate. |
| Pesta! | Stomp! (Hurry up!) | Suggesting to step on the gas. |
Usage Rules
When using “hurry up” expressions in Italian, it’s crucial to consider the context and your relationship with the person you’re addressing. Using a formal expression in an informal setting can sound awkward, while using an informal expression in a formal setting can be disrespectful.
Formality: As discussed, use formal expressions with people you don’t know well, superiors, or elders. Use informal expressions with friends, family, and people you know well.
Imperative Mood: Remember that the imperative mood is a direct command. While it’s commonly used, it can sound harsh if not softened with polite phrases like per favore (please).
Reflexive Verbs: When using reflexive verbs like sbrigarsi, ensure that the reflexive pronoun agrees with the subject pronoun. For example, io mi sbrigo (I hurry), tu ti sbrighi (you hurry – informal), Lei si sbrighi (you hurry – formal), noi ci sbrighiamo (we hurry), voi vi sbrigate (you hurry – plural), loro si sbrigano (they hurry).
Idiomatic Expressions: Be mindful of the context when using idiomatic expressions. Some idioms may not be appropriate in all situations. Also, make sure the person you’re speaking to understands the idiom, as they are not always easily translatable.
Tone: The tone of your voice also plays a significant role. Even a polite phrase can sound rude if said with an impatient or aggressive tone. Be mindful of your tone and body language when expressing urgency.
Common Mistakes
Learners often make mistakes when using “hurry up” expressions in Italian. Here are some common errors and how to avoid them:
| Incorrect | Correct | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Sbrigare! | Sbrigati! / Si sbrighi! | The verb sbrigare needs to be in the imperative form. |
| Fare presto! (to a friend) | Fa’ presto! | The imperative form of fare for tu is fa’. |
| Sbriga te! | Sbrigati! | The correct reflexive pronoun for tu is ti, and the verb conjugation should be in the imperative. |
| Muovere! | Muoviti! / Si muova! | The verb muovere needs to be in the imperative reflexive form. |
| Dai una mossa! (to a formal person) | Si dia una mossa! | The expression needs to be adapted to the formal “Lei” form. This is a very unusual phrase to use in a formal setting, however. |
| Fai presto, per favore (in a very formal situation) | La prego di fare presto. | In extremely formal situations, a more indirect request is preferred. |
Practice Exercises
Test your understanding of “hurry up” expressions in Italian with these practice exercises.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| How would you tell a friend to hurry up in Italian? | Sbrigati! / Muoviti! / Datti una mossa! |
| How would you politely ask your boss to hurry up with a document? | Le sarei grato se si sbrigasse. / La prego di fare presto. |
| Translate: “Hurry up, we’re going to be late!” (informal) | Sbrigati, faremo tardi! / Muoviti, faremo tardi! |
| What’s a humorous way to tell someone to hurry up? | Non fare il lumacone! |
| How do you say “Let’s hurry up!” in Italian? | Sveltiamoci! / Affrettiamoci! |
| You are in a formal setting and need someone to move faster. What do you say? | Si muova con celerità. |
| You are talking to a child and need them to hurry up. What do you say? | Sbrigati! / Fai presto! |
| How do you tell someone to “put on the turbo” in Italian? | Metti il turbo! |
| Translate: “Hurry up, the movie is about to start!” (informal) | Sbrigati, il film sta per iniziare! / Muoviti, il film sta per iniziare! |
| You need to express that there is no time to lose. What do you say? | Non c’è tempo da perdere! |
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Fill in the blank: ______, siamo in ritardo! (Hurry up, we are late!) | Sbrigati / Muoviti |
| Fill in the blank: Le sarei grato se ______. (I would be grateful if you hurried up.) (formal) | si sbrigasse |
| Fill in the blank: Non fare il ______, sbrigati! (Don’t be a snail, hurry up!) | lumacone |
| Fill in the blank: ______, dobbiamo andare! (Let’s hurry up, we must go!) | Sveltiamoci / Affrettiamoci |
| Fill in the blank: ______, che ho fame! (Hurry up, I’m hungry!) | Sbrigati / Spicciati |
| Translate: “Hurry up, it’s getting late!” (informal) | Sbrigati, si sta facendo tardi! / Muoviti, si sta facendo tardi! |
| Translate: “Please hurry up” into formal Italian. | Si sbrighi, per favore. / La prego di fare presto. |
| What is a more polite way to say “Hurry up!” in a formal situation? | Le chiedo gentilmente di affrettarsi. |
| How do you express urgency by saying “Give gas!” in Italian? | Dai gas! |
| Complete the sentence: Datti una ______, siamo in ritardo! (Give yourself a move, we are late!) | mossa |
Advanced Topics
For advanced learners, understanding the subjunctive mood and its use in softening commands can be useful. The subjunctive mood is used to express doubt, possibility, or desire.
In the context of “hurry up,” it can make a request sound more polite and less demanding.
For example, instead of saying Faccia presto! (Do it quickly! – formal, imperative), you could say Vorrei che facesse presto (I would like you to do it quickly – formal, subjunctive). This softens the command and makes it more of a request.
Another advanced topic is understanding the regional variations in expressing urgency. Some regions of Italy may have their own unique idioms or expressions that are not widely understood in other parts of the country.
Learning these regional variations can add a deeper level of understanding to your Italian language skills.
FAQ
- What’s the difference between sbrigati and si sbrighi?
Sbrigati is the informal imperative form of the reflexive verb sbrigarsi, used when addressing someone you know well (tu). Si sbrighi is the formal imperative form, used when addressing someone you don’t know well or someone in a position of authority (Lei).
- Is it rude to say muoviti?
Muoviti can sound a bit impatient or demanding, especially if said with a harsh tone. It’s generally acceptable in informal settings with friends and family. In more formal situations, it’s better to use a more polite expression.
- How can I make “hurry up” sound more polite?
You can add per favore (please) to the end of the phrase. You can also use more indirect requests or expressions involving the subjunctive mood.
- What does datti una mossa mean literally?
Datti una mossa literally translates to “Give yourself a move.” However, its meaning is “Hurry up!” It’s an idiomatic expression used in informal settings.
- When should I use fai presto vs. sbrigati?
Fai presto means “do it quickly” and is used when you want someone to complete a specific task faster. Sbrigati means “hurry up” and is used when you want someone to generally move faster.
- Are there regional variations in expressing urgency?
Yes, some regions may have their own unique idioms or expressions. It’s always good to be aware of these variations to better understand and communicate with people from different parts of Italy.
- Can I use “presto” by itself to mean “hurry up”?
Yes, presto can be used as a general exclamation to indicate urgency, similar to saying “Quick!” in English.
- What is the most formal way to ask someone to hurry up?
The most formal ways include phrases like “La prego di fare presto” (I beg you to do it quickly) or “Le sarei grato se si sbrigasse” (I would be grateful if you would hurry up).
Conclusion
Mastering how to say “hurry up” in Italian involves understanding the nuances of formality, grammatical structure, and idiomatic usage. By learning the various expressions and their appropriate contexts, you can communicate urgency effectively and respectfully.
Remember to consider your relationship with the person you’re addressing and adjust your language accordingly.
This article has provided a comprehensive guide to expressing urgency in Italian, covering definitions, structural breakdowns, examples, usage rules, common mistakes, and practice exercises. By
applying this knowledge and practicing regularly, you’ll enhance your ability to communicate effectively in Italian and navigate time-sensitive situations with confidence.
Whether you’re asking a friend to hurry up or making a formal request, you’ll be well-equipped to express urgency in a way that is both clear and appropriate. Keep practicing and refining your understanding of these expressions, and you’ll find yourself communicating with greater fluency and naturalness in Italian.