andarsene
/anˈdar.se.ne/
In Italian, to get away can be translated as andarsene. If unsure, use andarsene. Wiktionary also lists staccare and allontanarsi.
Meaning: to journey (to), especially on holiday (verb)
Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA |
|---|---|
| andarsene | /anˈdar.se.ne/ |
| staccare | /stakˈka.re/ |
| allontanarsi | /al.lon.taˈnar.si/ |
What does it mean word for word?
The verb andarsene is a combination of andare (to go) and the particles si and ne, which together imply leaving a specific place.
Which one should you use?
While andarsene implies leaving a place, staccare is used when the sense of getting away implies breaking a connection or disconnecting from a routine or a physical attachment. Allontanarsi is also a form used for getting away.
How does it change in a sentence?
As a pronominal verb, andarsene must be conjugated with the reflexive pronoun matching the subject, such as me ne vado (I am getting away/leaving) or se ne vanno (they are getting away/leaving).
How do you pronounce it?
The word andarsene is pronounced /anˈdar.se.ne/. It has four syllables, and the stress is on the second syllable.
Did you know?
- In Italian, staccare la spina literally means 'to pull the plug'. It is the most common idiomatic way to describe getting away from stress to recharge.
- While andarsene is a general way to say 'leave', using it with a sudden, sharp tone can sound like a blunt 'I am leaving right now!' in an argument.
- The word staccare shares a common root with the English word 'stake'. It originally described the act of removing something fastened to a wooden post.
Examples in context
- Nel momento di pericolo, bisogna allontanarsi dal fuoco.In moments of danger, one must get away from the fire.
- È meglio estraniarsi da situazioni negative.It's better to distance oneself from negative situations.
- Abbiamo dovuto scappare dal cane arrabbiato.We had to run away from the angry dog.
- Siamo riusciti a sgattaiolare via senza far rumore.We managed to sneak away without making any noise.
Example conversation
Lorenzo and Sofia are discussing their work stress.
- LorenzoSono troppo stressato, devo andarsene presto.I am too stressed, I need to get away soon.
- SofiaHai ragione, Lorenzo. Dove vorresti andare?You are right, Lorenzo. Where would you like to go?
- LorenzoMi piacerebbe andarsene in Sicilia.I would like to get away to Sicily.
- SofiaOttima idea, Sofia organizza tutto!Great idea, Sofia will organize everything!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “get away” translations and entries andarsene, staccare, allontanarsi, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries andarsene, staccare, CC BY-SA 4.0.
