forza Italia
/ˈfɔr.t͡sa iˈta.lja/word by word
The English phrase 'come on italy' is translated into Italian as forza Italia.
forza Italia is an expression used to cheer for and encourage the Italian national team or the country. You might also hear Dai ragazzi used as an informal way to cheer for the Italian team.
What does it mean word for word?
The word forza literally means strength, force or power.
Which one should you use?
While forza can mean 'strength' when used as a noun, when used as an interjection in this context, it functions as an encouragement similar to 'come on' or 'go!' in English.
How do you pronounce it?
It has 4 syllables, with the stress on the 1st syllable.
Did you know?
- Forza Italia is not only a cheer for sports but also the name of a major center-right political party founded by Silvio Berlusconi.
- The name 'Italia' is believed to be linked to the word for 'calf' or 'young bull' due to its ancient connection to the 'land of bulls'.
- While forza means 'strength', it is used as an interjection to mean 'hurry up' when someone is being too slow.
Examples in context
- Forza Italia, vinciamo questa partita!Come on Italy, let's win this match!
- Siamo tutti con voi, forza Italia!We are all with you, come on Italy!
- Forza Italia, dai!Come on Italy, go!
Example conversation
Alessandro and Sofia are watching a football match on TV.
- AlessandroForza Italia, segna un gol!Come on Italy, score a goal!
- SofiaSperiamo, Alessandro, sono molto nervosa.Let's hope so, Alessandro, I am very nervous.
- AlessandroDai, forza Italia!Come on, come on Italy!
- SofiaSì, forza Italia, possiamo farcela!Yes, come on Italy, we can do it!
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (forza, Italia) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Italia, forza, CC BY-SA 4.0.
