What does it mean word for word?
The verb divertirsi is a reflexive verb, which means it literally translates to 'to amuse oneself'.
Which one should you use?
While divertirsi is the dictionary form, specific imperative forms are used depending on who you are addressing: Divertiti! is used for a single person, while Divertitevi! is used for a group. For a more enthusiastic expression, you can say Divertiti alla grande! to mean 'have a blast' or 'have a great time!'
Is it said differently in some regions?
In parts of Southern Italy, such as Naples and Sicily, you may encounter the variation Divertiteve! instead of divertitevi.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
When giving the command to 'have fun', you should use the imperative forms rather than the infinitive. Use divertiti for the singular informal imperative and divertitevi for the plural informal imperative. For formal singular address, use si diverta.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation of divertirsi is /di.verˈtir.si/. It has 4 syllables, with the stress on the 3rd syllable.
Did you know?
- The verb divertire shares a root with the English word 'divert'. In Italian, having fun is conceptually linked to 'diverting' your attention away from the mundane or stressful parts of life.
- While divertirsi is the standard way to say 'have fun', Italians often use the word spasso to describe a 'blast' or a great time, as in the phrase che spasso!
- Italian has a specific term divertimento that mirrors the 'divertissement' in French ballet, which refers to a short dance sequence intended to amuse the audience.
Examples in context
- È ora di divertirsi.It's time to have fun.This sentence shows how to use the infinitive to say it is time to have fun.Tatoeba #5007932 by Guybrush88, translation #5006417 by CK
- È pronto a divertirsi?Are you ready to have fun?This sentence uses the infinitive to ask if someone is ready to have fun.Tatoeba #2565852 by Guybrush88, translation #2565843 by Hybrid
- A Tom piace divertirsi.Tom likes to have fun.This sentence uses the infinitive to show that someone likes to have fun.Tatoeba #4247667 by Guybrush88, translation #1164460 by CK
- Divertiti sulla montagna russa!Have fun on the roller coaster!
- Divertitevi alla festa!Have fun at the party!
- Goditi la giornata al mare!Have fun at the beach!
- Divertiti alla grande durante il tuo viaggio!Have a blast during your trip!
- Passala bene durante il tuo viaggio!Have fun during your trip!
- Buon divertimento!Have a good time!
- 28 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Martina is leaving for a party and says goodbye to Alessandro.
- MartinaVado alla festa ora, a dopo!I'm going to the party now, see you later!
- AlessandroVa bene, vai a divertirsi!Alright, go have fun!
- MartinaGrazie, Alessandro!Thanks, Alessandro!
- AlessandroA presto, Martina!See you soon, Martina!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry divertirsi, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
