richiamami
The English phrase "call me back" is translated into Italian as richiamami.
The phrase is used as a request for someone to telephone the speaker again later.
What does it mean word for word?
The word is composed of the prefix ri- (again), the verb chiama (call) and the pronoun mi (me).
Which one should you use?
While richiamami specifically implies a return phone call, chiamami simply means "call me" (either by phone or in person).
How does it change in a sentence?
The form richiamami uses the imperative singular, which is used when speaking to one person you know well or are on informal terms with. If you are asking a group of people to call you back, the correct form is richiamatemi.
Did you know?
- While richiamami is the literal translation, Italians often say fammi uno squillo, which means 'give me a ring' or 'give me a buzz'.
- The verb chiamare is used for everything from shouting someone's name across a street to making a formal phone call. Because of this, if you say chiamami without context, an Italian might think you want them to shout for you in person.
- The pronoun mi in richiamami is an enclitic, meaning it attaches to the end of the verb instead of coming before it.
Examples in context
- Richiamami sul mio telefono di casa.Call me back on my home phone.This sentence is useful for specifying that the call should be made to a home phone.Tatoeba #10525823 by Guybrush88, translation #9939463 by ddnktr
- Richiamami.Call me back.Tatoeba #2019014 by Guybrush88, translation #5800174 by Hybrid
- Per favore, richiamami.Please call me back.This shows how to add "please" to the request.Tatoeba #11721687 by Guybrush88, translation #5800171 by Hybrid
- Potrebbe richiamarmi?Could you call me back?
- Sarei grato se potesse richiamarmi.I would be grateful if you could call me back.
- Richiamami, per favore.Call me back, please.
- Va bene, ti richiamo dopo cena.Alright, I'll call you back after dinner.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Matteo is at work and needs to talk to Chiara later.
- MatteoChiara, adesso non posso parlare.Chiara, I can't talk right now.
- ChiaraVa bene, quando ti va?Okay, when do you want to?
- MatteoRichiamami verso le sei, per favore.Call me back around six, please.
- ChiaraCertamente, ti richiamerò allora.Certainly, I will call you back then.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
