Learning how to express urgency is crucial in any language, and Italian is no exception. Whether you’re trying to catch a train, urging someone to finish their meal, or simply need to convey a sense of haste, knowing the various ways to say “hurry up” in Italian is essential.
This article provides a detailed exploration of the different phrases and expressions used to convey this idea, along with their nuances, contexts, and proper usage. From formal situations to casual conversations, you’ll learn how to effectively communicate the need for speed in Italian.
This guide is beneficial for students, travelers, and anyone interested in mastering Italian communication.
By understanding the cultural context and subtle differences between these expressions, you’ll be able to navigate various situations with confidence and fluency. We will cover everything from the basic imperative forms to more colorful idiomatic expressions, ensuring you have a comprehensive understanding of this important aspect of the Italian language.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Definition of “Hurry Up” in Italian
- Structural Breakdown of Key Phrases
- Types and Categories of Expressions
- Examples of “Hurry Up” in Italian
- Usage Rules and Considerations
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Practice Exercises
- Advanced Topics: Nuances and Subtleties
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
Definition of “Hurry Up” in Italian
The general concept of “hurry up” in Italian translates to expressing the need for someone to act more quickly or to expedite a task. This can be achieved through various phrases and expressions, each carrying slightly different connotations and levels of formality. The most direct translation involves the use of the imperative form of verbs like affrettarsi (to hurry oneself), sbrigarsi (to hurry oneself, to be quick), and fare presto (to do quickly).
In Italian, the choice of expression depends heavily on the context, the relationship between the speakers, and the desired level of politeness. For instance, using the formal imperative with Lei (formal “you”) would be appropriate in professional settings, while more casual expressions are suitable for friends and family. Understanding these nuances is crucial for effective communication.
Structural Breakdown of Key Phrases
Let’s break down the structure of some key phrases used to say “hurry up” in Italian:
- Affrettati!: This is the informal imperative form of the reflexive verb affrettarsi. It means “hurry up (yourself)!” and is used with people you are familiar with.
- Sbrigati!: Similar to affrettati, this is the informal imperative form of the reflexive verb sbrigarsi. It also translates to “hurry up (yourself)!” or “be quick!”.
- Fai presto!: This literally means “do quickly!” and is another common way to say “hurry up” in an informal context. It uses the imperative form of the verb fare (to do).
- Si affretti!: This is the formal imperative form of affrettarsi, used with Lei. It means “hurry up (yourself)!” but is more polite and suitable for formal situations.
- Si sbrighi!: This is the formal imperative form of sbrigarsi, also used with Lei. It similarly means “hurry up (yourself)!” in a polite manner.
The reflexive verbs affrettarsi and sbrigarsi require the use of reflexive pronouns. In the imperative form, these pronouns are attached to the end of the verb. For example, affrettare (to hurry) becomes affrettati (hurry up – to yourself).
Types and Categories of Expressions
Imperative Forms
The imperative mood is the most direct way to tell someone to do something, including hurrying up. In Italian, the imperative form changes depending on the person you are addressing.
The informal imperative is used with friends, family, and people you are close to, while the formal imperative is used with strangers, superiors, and in professional settings.
Here’s a breakdown of the imperative forms for the most common verbs used to express “hurry up”:
- Affrettarsi (to hurry oneself):
- Informal (tu): Affrettati!
- Formal (Lei): Si affretti!
- Sbrigarsi (to hurry oneself, to be quick):
- Informal (tu): Sbrigati!
- Formal (Lei): Si sbrighi!
- Fare presto (to do quickly):
- Informal (tu): Fai presto!
- Formal (Lei): Faccia presto!
Idiomatic Expressions
Italian, like any language, has idiomatic expressions that add color and nuance to everyday speech. When it comes to expressing the need for speed, several idioms can be used, although they might not directly translate to “hurry up.” These expressions often convey a sense of urgency or the need to expedite a task.
Examples of idiomatic expressions include:
- Darsi una mossa: This literally translates to “to give oneself a move” and is a common way to tell someone to hurry up or get a move on.
- Muoviti!: This simply means “move yourself!” and is an informal way to urge someone to hurry.
- Svelto! (masculine) / Svelta! (feminine): This adjective means “quick” or “fast,” and can be used as an exclamation to tell someone to be quick.
Informal vs. Formal
The choice between informal and formal expressions is crucial in Italian. Using the wrong form can be considered impolite or disrespectful.
As a general rule, use informal expressions with people you know well and formal expressions with people you don’t know, superiors, or in professional settings.
Here’s a table summarizing the differences:
| Category | Informal (Tu) | Formal (Lei) |
|---|---|---|
| Imperative | Affrettati!, Sbrigati!, Fai presto!, Muoviti! | Si affretti!, Si sbrighi!, Faccia presto! |
| Idiomatic | Datti una mossa! , Svelto/a! | (Less common, but can be implied with politeness) |
| Context | Friends, family, close acquaintances | Strangers, superiors, professional settings |
Understanding these distinctions will help you communicate effectively and appropriately in various situations.
Examples of “Hurry Up” in Italian
Imperative Form Examples
The following table provides examples of using the imperative forms of verbs to express “hurry up” in Italian. Each example includes both the Italian phrase and its English translation.
In this table, we will use affrettarsi, sbrigarsi, fare presto, muoversi and darsi una mossa.
| Italian Phrase | English Translation | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Affrettati, siamo in ritardo! | Hurry up, we’re late! | Informal, friends late for an appointment |
| Sbrigati, il treno sta per partire! | Hurry up, the train is about to leave! | Informal, urging someone to catch a train |
| Fai presto, devo andare via! | Hurry up, I have to leave! | Informal, asking someone to be quick |
| Si affretti, signore, il negozio sta chiudendo. | Hurry up, sir, the store is closing. | Formal, informing a customer of closing time |
| Si sbrighi, signora, abbiamo poco tempo. | Hurry up, madam, we have little time. | Formal, urging someone in a professional setting |
| Faccia presto, per favore, ho un altro appuntamento. | Please hurry up, I have another appointment. | Formal, politely requesting someone to be quick |
| Affrettati a finire i compiti. | Hurry up and finish your homework. | Informal, telling a child to hurry |
| Sbrigati a prepararti per la festa. | Hurry up and get ready for the party. | Informal, urging someone to prepare quickly |
| Fai presto a mangiare la cena. | Hurry up and eat your dinner. | Informal, telling someone to eat quickly |
| Si affretti a rispondere alla domanda. | Hurry up and answer the question. | Formal, in a professional setting |
| Si sbrighi a prendere una decisione. | Hurry up and make a decision. | Formal, in a business context |
| Faccia presto a compilare il modulo. | Hurry up and fill out the form. | Formal, requesting quick completion of a form |
| Affrettati o perderemo l’autobus. | Hurry up or we’ll miss the bus. | Informal, stressing the consequence of delay |
| Sbrigati o faremo tardi. | Hurry up or we’ll be late. | Informal, indicating lateness |
| Fai presto o non avremo tempo. | Hurry up or we won’t have time. | Informal, indicating a time constraint |
| Si affretti o perderà l’opportunità. | Hurry up or you will miss the opportunity. | Formal, warning about a missed opportunity |
| Si sbrighi o la perderà. | Hurry up or you’ll lose it. | Formal, indicating potential loss |
| Faccia presto o non ce la farà. | Hurry up or you won’t make it. | Formal, indicating failure if slow |
| Muoviti, dobbiamo andare! | Move it, we have to go! | Informal, urgent need to leave |
| Datti una mossa, non abbiamo tempo! | Get a move on, we don’t have time! | Informal, emphasizing the lack of time |
| Affrettati, la riunione sta per iniziare! | Hurry up, the meeting is about to start! | Informal, urgent for a meeting |
| Sbrigati, dobbiamo comprare il regalo! | Hurry up, we have to buy the gift! | Informal, urgent for shopping |
| Fai presto, il film sta per iniziare! | Hurry up, the movie is about to start! | Informal, urgency for a movie |
| Si affretti, il dottore la sta aspettando. | Hurry up, the doctor is waiting for you. | Formal, at a doctor’s office |
| Si sbrighi, l’aereo sta per decollare. | Hurry up, the plane is about to take off. | Formal, at an airport |
| Faccia presto, il cliente ha fretta. | Hurry up, the customer is in a hurry. | Formal, in a customer service setting |
| Muoviti, la cena è pronta! | Move it, dinner is ready! | Informal, dinner time |
| Datti una mossa, la partita sta iniziando! | Get a move on, the game is starting! | Informal, game time |
This table provides a comprehensive overview of how to use imperative forms in various contexts to convey the need to hurry.
Idiomatic Expression Examples
Idiomatic expressions add a unique flavor to the language. Here are some examples of how to use idiomatic expressions to convey the idea of “hurry up” in Italian.
Each example includes both the Italian phrase and its English translation, as well as the context in which it might be used.
| Italian Phrase | English Translation | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Datti una mossa, altrimenti faremo tardi! | Get a move on, otherwise we’ll be late! | Informal, urging someone to avoid lateness |
| Muoviti, dobbiamo andare via! | Move it, we have to leave! | Informal, expressing the need to depart |
| Svelto, dobbiamo finire questo lavoro! | Quick, we have to finish this work! | Informal, urging someone to complete a task |
| Dai, datti una mossa, il film sta per iniziare! | Come on, get a move on, the movie is about to start! | Informal, movie outing |
| Muoviti, la cena è già in tavola! | Move it, dinner is already on the table! | Informal, mealtime |
| Svelta, dobbiamo prendere l’autobus! | Quick, we have to catch the bus! | Informal, catching public transportation |
| Datti una mossa, o perderemo il concerto! | Get a move on, or we’ll miss the concert! | Informal, event attendance |
| Muoviti, non abbiamo tutto il giorno! | Move it, we don’t have all day! | Informal, general impatience |
| Svelto, prima che cambi idea! | Quick, before I change my mind! | Informal, expressing a limited-time offer |
| Dai, muoviti, che è tardi! | Come on, move it, it’s late! | Informal, late in the evening |
| Datti una mossa, dobbiamo arrivare in tempo! | Get a move on, we have to arrive on time! | Informal, emphasizing punctuality |
| Muoviti, il capo ci aspetta! | Move it, the boss is waiting for us! | Informal, workplace urgency |
| Svelto, che il tempo stringe! | Quick, time is running out! | Informal, indicating urgency |
| Datti una mossa, la lezione sta iniziando! | Get a move on, the lesson is starting! | Informal, school or class setting |
| Muoviti, dobbiamo finire questo progetto oggi! | Move it, we have to finish this project today! | Informal, project deadline |
| Svelto, che ho fame! | Quick, I’m hungry! | Informal, expressing hunger |
| Datti una mossa, che ho sete! | Get a move on, I’m thirsty! | Informal, expressing thirst |
| Muoviti, dobbiamo fare la spesa! | Move it, we have to do the grocery shopping! | Informal, grocery shopping |
| Svelto, che dobbiamo andare in posta! | Quick, we have to go to the post office! | Informal, errands |
| Dai, datti una mossa, la nonna ci aspetta! | Come on, get a move on, grandma is waiting for us! | Informal, family visit |
| Muoviti, dobbiamo andare al mercato! | Move it, we have to go to the market! | Informal, market visit |
| Svelto, che dobbiamo pulire la casa! | Quick, we have to clean the house! | Informal, chores |
| Datti una mossa, dobbiamo fare il bucato! | Get a move on, we have to do the laundry! | Informal, laundry day |
| Muoviti, dobbiamo annaffiare le piante! | Move it, we have to water the plants! | Informal, gardening |
| Svelto, che dobbiamo portare fuori il cane! | Quick, we have to take the dog out! | Informal, pet care |
| Dai, datti una mossa, che dobbiamo fare benzina! | Come on, get a move on, we have to get gas! | Informal, getting gasoline |
| Muoviti, dobbiamo andare a prendere i bambini a scuola! | Move it, we have to pick up the kids from school! | Informal, school pick-up |
| Svelto, che dobbiamo andare a trovare gli amici! | Quick, we have to go visit friends! | Informal, social visit |
| Datti una mossa, dobbiamo andare in banca! | Get a move on, we have to go to the bank! | Informal, bank visit |
These examples demonstrate the versatility and expressiveness of idiomatic phrases in conveying urgency in Italian.
Contextual Usage Examples
Understanding the context in which to use different expressions is crucial for effective communication. Here are some examples illustrating how to use “hurry up” in various situations:
| Situation | Italian Phrase | English Translation |
|---|---|---|
| Catching a train | Sbrigati, il treno sta per partire! | Hurry up, the train is about to leave! |
| Late for a meeting (formal) | Si affretti, la riunione sta per iniziare. | Hurry up, the meeting is about to start. |
| Getting ready for a party | Affrettati, la festa comincia tra poco! | Hurry up, the party starts soon! |
| Finishing a meal | Fai presto a mangiare, dobbiamo andare. | Hurry up and eat, we have to go. |
| Waiting for someone (impatiently) | Datti una mossa, non abbiamo tutto il giorno! | Get a move on, we don’t have all day! |
| At a restaurant (formal) | Faccia presto, per favore, ho un altro impegno. | Please hurry up, I have another appointment. |
| Airport Departure | Si sbrighi, l’imbarco sta per chiudere. | Hurry up, boarding is about to close. |
| Urging a child | Affrettati, altrimenti faremo tardi a scuola! | Hurry up, otherwise we’ll be late for school! |
| Before a show | Muoviti, lo spettacolo sta per iniziare! | Move it, the show is about to start! |
| During a game | Svelto, dobbiamo segnare un altro punto! | Quick, we need to score another point! |
| In the morning | Datti una mossa, è già tardi! | Get a move on, it’s already late! |
| Before leaving | Muoviti, dobbiamo uscire subito! | Move it, we have to leave immediately! |
| While cooking | Svelto, dobbiamo preparare la cena! | Quick, we have to prepare dinner! |
| Urging someone to decide | Fai presto, devi decidere! | Hurry up, you have to decide! |
| Before an important event | Affrettati, è un evento importante! | Hurry up, it’s an important event! |
| While shopping | Muoviti, dobbiamo comprare tutto! | Move it, we have to buy everything! |
| Before a deadline | Sbrigati, la scadenza è vicina! | Hurry up, the deadline is near! |
| During a race | Svelto, devi correre più veloce! | Quick, you need to run faster! |
| Before rain | Affrettati, sta per piovere! | Hurry up, it’s about to rain! |
| Before sunset | Muoviti, il sole sta tramontando! | Move it, the sun is setting! |
| Before the end of the day | Sbrigati, la giornata sta finendo! | Hurry up, the day is ending! |
| Before a meeting | Fai presto, la riunione è importante! | Hurry up, the meeting is important! |
| Before departure | Affrettati, dobbiamo partire! | Hurry up, we have to leave! |
| Before the end of a sale | Muoviti, la vendita sta per finire! | Move it, the sale is about to end! |
| Before the closing time | Svelto, il negozio sta per chiudere! | Quick, the store is about to close! |
| Before a performance | Fai presto, lo spettacolo sta per iniziare! | Hurry up, the show is about to start! |
| Before the end of the season | Affrettati, la stagione sta per finire! | Hurry up, the season is about to end! |
| Before a storm | Muoviti, la tempesta sta arrivando! | Move it, the storm is coming! |
| Before an event | Sbrigati, l’evento sta per iniziare! | Hurry up, the event is about to start! |
These examples provide a practical understanding of how to use the expressions in everyday situations.
Usage Rules and Considerations
When using these expressions, it’s essential to consider a few key rules and considerations:
- Formality: Always choose the appropriate level of formality based on your relationship with the person you are addressing. Using the informal tu form with someone you should address formally can be disrespectful.
- Context: The context of the situation will also dictate which expression is most appropriate. In a professional setting, stick to formal options like Si affretti or Faccia presto.
- Tone: Be mindful of your tone. Even if you are using an informal expression, your tone can make the request sound more polite or more demanding.
- Reflexive Verbs: Remember that verbs like affrettarsi and sbrigarsi are reflexive, so they require the reflexive pronoun. In the imperative form, the pronoun is attached to the end of the verb (e.g., affrettati, sbrigati).
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are some common mistakes that learners make when trying to say “hurry up” in Italian:
| Mistake | Correction | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Affretta! | Affrettati! | Forgetting the reflexive pronoun with affrettarsi. |
| Sbriga! | Sbrigati! | Forgetting the reflexive pronoun with sbrigarsi. |
| Fai presto, signore! | Faccia presto, signore! | Using the informal imperative with someone you should address formally. |
| Si affretta! (to a friend) | Affrettati! | Using the formal imperative with someone you know well. |
| Datti una mossa! (formal) | (Use a formal alternative or rephrase) | Using an informal idiomatic expression in a formal situation. |
| Muovi! | Muoviti! | Forgetting the reflexive pronoun with muoversi. |
| Svelto! (to a group of women) | Svelte! | Not using the correct gender/number agreement with svelto/a. |
Avoiding these common mistakes will improve your fluency and accuracy in Italian.
Practice Exercises
Test your understanding with these practice exercises. Choose the correct way to say “hurry up” in Italian based on the context provided.
| Question | Answer Choices | Correct Answer |
|---|---|---|
| You are talking to a friend who is taking too long to get ready. | a) Si affretti! b) Affrettati! c) Faccia presto! | b) Affrettati! |
| You are addressing your boss who is delaying a decision. | a) Sbrigati! b) Si sbrighi! c) Datti una mossa! | b) Si sbrighi! |
| You’re telling your child to finish eating quickly. | a) Faccia presto! b) Fai presto! c) Si affretti! | b) Fai presto! |
| You’re running late with a friend and need to catch the train. | a) Muoviti! b) Si muova! c) Muovetevi! | a) Muoviti! |
| You are at a restaurant and want the waiter to bring the bill quickly (formal). | a) Sbrigati! b) Si sbrighi! c) Faccia presto con il conto! | c) Faccia presto con il conto! |
| You are telling your teammate to get a move on during a game. | a) Datti una mossa! b) Si dia una mossa! c) Dia una mossa! | a) Datti una mossa! |
| You are politely urging a client to sign a document. | a) Affrettati a firmare! b) Si affretti a firmare! c) Fai presto a firmare! | b) Si affretti a firmare! |
| You are telling your little sister to get ready for school. | a) Sbrigati! b) Si sbrighi! c) Faccia presto! | a) Sbrigati! |
| You are urging a group of friends to hurry up to catch a movie. | a) Affrettati! b) Affrettatevi! c) Si affretti! | b) Affrettatevi! |
| You’re telling a friend they need to hurry so you don’t miss your flight. | a) Muoviti! b) Si muova! c) Muovetevi! | a) Muoviti! |
These exercises will help you reinforce your understanding of the different ways to say “hurry up” in Italian.
Advanced Topics: Nuances and Subtleties
For advanced learners, understanding the nuances and subtleties of these expressions can further enhance your fluency. For instance, the level of urgency can be conveyed not just by the choice of words but also by the tone of voice and body language.
Moreover, regional variations may exist. While the expressions covered in this article are widely understood, some regions might have their own unique ways of conveying the same idea.
Listening to native speakers and observing their communication styles can provide valuable insights.
Finally, understanding the cultural context is crucial. Italians, like people from any culture, have different perceptions of time and urgency.
Being aware of these cultural differences can help you communicate more effectively and avoid misunderstandings.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the most common way to say “hurry up” in Italian?
The most common ways are Affrettati! (informal) and Si affretti! (formal) using the verb affrettarsi, and Sbrigati! (informal) and Si sbrighi! (formal) using the verb sbrigarsi. Fai presto! is also very common in informal settings.
- How do I say “hurry up” in a formal setting?
Use the formal imperative forms: Si affretti!, Si sbrighi!, or Faccia presto!. These expressions are polite and suitable for professional situations or when addressing someone you don’t know well.
- Is there a difference between affrettarsi and sbrigarsi?
While both verbs mean “to hurry oneself,” affrettarsi generally implies a greater sense of urgency or haste, while sbrigarsi can also mean “to be quick” or “to deal with something quickly.”
- Can I use muoviti in formal situations?
No, muoviti is an informal expression. In formal