avanti
/aˈvan.ti/
The English phrase 'go ahead' can be translated into Italian as avanti.
avanti is used to grant permission to do something or to tell someone to move forward. It is also a common way to say 'come in' when someone knocks on a door. While it can be used to give permission, it is also used to command physical movement, such as telling someone to walk forward.
Meaning: (''imperative'') grant permission (verb)
What does it mean word for word?
The word avanti literally means 'forward' or 'ahead'.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /aˈvan.ti/. It has three syllables, with the stress on the second syllable.
Did you know?
- In a professional or medical setting, an Italian might say avanti to a patient or client in a waiting room, meaning 'next'.
- The word avanti shares its linguistic roots with the English word 'advance', both tracing back to the Latin 'ab ante' meaning 'from before'.
- The word avanti is the same word used to tell someone to 'move' or 'get out of the way' in a crowded street. It can transition from a polite 'go ahead' to a blunt 'get moving' depending on your tone.
Examples in context
- Vai avanti da solo!Go ahead alone!This sentence shows how to use avanti to tell someone to go ahead alone.Tatoeba #2715632 by Guybrush88, translation #2709502 by fekundulo
- Vai avanti e spara.Go ahead and shoot.This sentence uses avanti to tell someone to go ahead and perform an action.Tatoeba #8667350 by Guybrush88, translation #8667028 by ajje
- Voi due andate avantiYou two go ahead.This sentence demonstrates using avanti with the plural 'you'.Tatoeba #11807507 by Nuel, translation #7257993 by Hybrid
- Proceda, per favore. La riunione può cominciare.Please proceed. The meeting can start.
- Vai avanti, non ti preoccupare.Go ahead, don't worry.
- 29 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Matteo and Sofia are standing in front of a closed door.
- MatteoPosso entrare?Can I come in?
- SofiaSì, avanti!Yes, go ahead!
- MatteoGrazie mille, Sofia.Thanks a lot, Sofia.
- SofiaPrego, entra pure.You're welcome, please come in.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry avanti, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries avanti, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
