What does it mean word for word?
The phrase sbrigati a tornare a casa literally means 'hurry yourself to return to home'. It is composed of the reflexive imperative sbrigati (hurry yourself), the preposition a (to), the infinitive tornare (to return) and a casa (to home).
Which one should you use?
You can also use Torna a casa in fretta to mean 'come home quickly' or Torna subito a casa! for the stronger command 'Come home immediately!' Another way to express this is fai presto a tornare a casa, which literally translates to 'do quickly to return home'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The default form sbrigati a tornare a casa uses the informal singular imperative. If you are addressing more than one person, use the plural imperative sbrigatevi a tornare a casa. For a formal singular address, use si sbrighi a tornare a casa.
Did you know?
- While 'sbrigati' means 'hurry', it is derived from the phrase 'sbrigare un affare', which means to settle or resolve a matter. Telling someone to 'hurry' is conceptually like telling them to 'unravel' or 'untie' a knot of tasks.
- The word tornare in 'hurry home' shares a root with the English word 'turn'. It originally referred to the action of turning a lathe to shape wood.
- In Italy, the phrase a casa can be used to describe not just a building, but any place where a person feels they truly belong or are safe.
Examples in context
- Signora Rossi, si affretti a tornare a casa. Il suo bambino la sta aspettando con ansia.Mrs. Rossi, hurry home. Your child is waiting for you with anticipation.
- Torna subito a casa, la cena sta per essere servita.Come home quickly, dinner is about to be served.
- Sbrigati a tornare a casa, c'è una sorpresa per te.Hurry home, there is a surprise for you.
- Sbrigati a tornare a casa prima che inizi a piovere.Hurry home before it starts raining.
- Sbrigati a tornare a casa, la cena è quasi pronta.Hurry home, dinner is almost ready.
Example conversation
Lorenzo is calling Giulia to tell her she needs to come back quickly.
- LorenzoGiulia, sbrigati a tornare a casa!Giulia, hurry home!
- GiuliaPerché? È successo qualcosa?Why? Did something happen?
- LorenzoNo, ma ti aspetto per uscire.No, but I am waiting for you to go out.
- GiuliaVa bene, arrivo subito.Okay, I'll be there soon.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries a, casa, tornare, CC BY-SA 4.0.
