dai dai!
The English phrase 'come on' can be translated into Italian as dai dai!
dai dai! is used as an expression of encouragement. While the single word dai is also used for encouragement, it is frequently used to express disbelief or to say 'oh, stop it'. Other ways to express encouragement include forza!, which means 'come on!' or 'go!' and Andiamo! or Facciamo!, which are used to urge someone to hurry up or join an activity.
Meaning: expression of encouragement (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
The word dai is the second-person singular imperative form of the verb dare, which means 'to give'.
Which one should you use?
While dai can stand alone, repeating it as dai dai! is a common way to intensify the expression of encouragement. For different nuances, use forza! to mean 'strength' or 'go!', Andiamo! to informally suggest 'let's go' and Facciamo! to informally suggest 'come on, let's do it'.
How does it change in a sentence?
Repeating the word dai twice is a common way to intensify the expression of encouragement.
Did you know?
- The word forza is used by Italian sports fans as a chant, often paired with a team name, such as Forza Italia!, to mean 'Go Italy!' or 'Come on Italy!'
- In a playful or romantic context, dai can be used as a form of gentle persuasion or pleading, equivalent to saying 'pretty please' in English.
- If you say dai with a rising intonation and a skeptical look, it functions as a challenge to the speaker's honesty, effectively meaning 'you can't be serious'.
Examples in context
- Dai! Non perdiamo altro tempo.Come on, let's not waste any more time.
- Forza! Ce la puoi fare.Come on! You can do it.
- Dai ragazzi, che aspettate?Come on, guys. What are you waiting for?
- Andiamo! È l'ora di partire.Come on! It's time to leave.
- Avanti! Non perdiamoci d'animo.Come on! Let's not lose heart.
- Dai dai! Puoi farcela!Come on, come on! You can do it!
- Dai dai! Non mollare!Come on, come on! Don't give up!
Example conversation
Martina is cheering for Alessandro during a race.
- MartinaDai dai, Alessandro!Come on, come on, Alessandro!
- AlessandroSono stanco!I am tired!
- MartinaDai dai! Manca poco!Come on, come on! There's not much left!
- AlessandroOk, ce la faccio!Ok, I can do it!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “come on” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
