When learning a new language, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with common phrases and expressions. If you’re looking to expand your Italian vocabulary and learn how to express the idea of “come back,” both formally and informally, you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we’ll provide you with various ways to convey this concept, as well as offer tips, examples, and a touch of regional variations when necessary.
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Formal Ways to Say “Come Back” in Italian
For formal situations or when addressing someone with respect, you can use the following phrases:
Tornate – This is the polite imperative form of the verb “tornare,” which means “to return.” It can be used when addressing a group of people or someone you want to show deference towards. For instance, you might use it in a formal setting like a business meeting or when speaking to someone in a position of authority. Esempio (Example): Tornate presto! – Come back soon!
Torni – This is the singular, formal imperative form of the verb “tornare.” You would use it when speaking formally to one person, such as a colleague or someone you don’t know well. Esempio: Torni domani, per favore. – Come back tomorrow, please.
Informal Ways to Say “Come Back” in Italian
When speaking with friends, family, or in informal situations, you can use these phrases:
Torna – This is the singular, informal imperative form of “tornare.” It’s the most common way to say “come back” in Italian. You can use it when addressing a friend, family member, or someone you are on familiar terms with. Esempio: Torna presto a casa! – Come back home soon!
Tornate – Similar to the formal imperative form, “tornate” can also be used informally when addressing a group of people you are comfortable with. This could include friends, colleagues, or even family members. Esempio: Tornate da me, stasera! – Come back to my place tonight!
Tips and Examples
Here are some additional tips and examples to help you better understand how to use these phrases:
- Remember to use the appropriate verb forms depending on the formality and number of people you are addressing.
- Pair the imperative verbs with specific adverbs or prepositional phrases to provide additional context or urgency:
Vieni subito! Torna immediatamente! – Come back immediately!
Tornate qui domani mattina! – Come back here tomorrow morning!
These adverbs and prepositional phrases can help emphasize the urgency or location of the requested return.
- Be aware of the context and choose the appropriate phrase accordingly. For instance, if someone is leaving and you want them to return, saying “Torna!” or “Tornate!” would be suitable.
- Alternatively, if someone has already left and you want to express the idea of “come back,” you can use the phrase “Torna indietro!” which literally means “come back” or “return back.”
If a person is taking a break or going away for a short time, a common way to encourage them to return soon is by saying:
Torna presto! – Come back soon!
Italian is a language rich in regional variations, which can sometimes lead to different ways of expressing the same idea. However, when it comes to saying “come back,” the phrases mentioned above are commonly understood throughout Italy, regardless of the region.
Now that you have learned the formal and informal ways to say “come back” in Italian, feel free to practice them in your conversations. Remember to adapt them based on the formality and the number of people you are addressing. By incorporating these phrases into your Italian vocabulary, you’ll be able to effortlessly express the desire for someone to return in various situations.
