affrettarsi
/af.fretˈtar.si/
The English phrase 'hurry up' is translated into Italian using several verbs, with affrettarsi being the default form. Wiktionary also lists sbrigarsi and muoversi.
Meaning: go faster (verb)
Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA |
|---|---|
| affrettarsi | /af.fretˈtar.si/ |
| sbrigarsi | /zbriˈɡar.si/ |
| muoversi | |
| spicciarsi |
Which one should you use?
sbrigarsi is the most common way to say 'hurry up' in everyday spoken Italian. affrettarsi is more formal and often implies a sense of haste or rushing in a more composed manner than sbrigarsi. spicciarsi is a more forceful and informal way to tell someone to hurry up, often used when someone is being slow or inefficient. muoversi can be used idiomatically to tell someone to 'get a move on' or 'get moving' in a hurry.
How does it change in a sentence?
When telling a friend or peer to hurry up, use the second-person singular imperative of sbrigarsi, which is sbrigati. To tell a stranger or superior to hurry up politely, use the third-person singular imperative of sbrigarsi, which is si sbrighi.
How do you pronounce it?
/af.fretˈtar.si/
Did you know?
- The informal spicciarsi shares a root with spiccioli, which are the small coins or 'loose change' used for quick, small transactions.
- In Italy, the concept of 'hurrying' is often contrasted with the cultural value of piano piano, which suggests doing things slowly and steadily to ensure quality.
- In a high-pressure kitchen or workshop, an Italian might shout dai! (literally 'give!') to mean 'hurry up' or 'come on!', using a single word to drive momentum.
Examples in context
- Può sbrigarsi un po'?Can you hurry up a bit?This sentence shows how to use sbrigarsi to ask someone to hurry up a little bit.Tatoeba #7891666 by Guybrush88, translation #7844502 by sharris123
- Dissi a Tom di sbrigarsi.I told Tom to hurry up.This sentence demonstrates sbrigarsi used in a reported command.Tatoeba #6536284 by Guybrush88, translation #6532085 by CK
- Di' agli altri di sbrigarsi.Tell the others to hurry up.This sentence shows sbrigarsi used to tell others to hurry up.Tatoeba #5703857 by Guybrush88, translation #1860541 by CK
- Mi scuso per l'inconveniente, ma dobbiamo concludere la riunione entro l'ora di pranzo. Si sbrighi, per favore!I apologize for the inconvenience, but we need to conclude the meeting by lunchtime. Hurry up, please!
- Che fai? Sbrigati, o perderemo il primo autobus!What are you doing? Hurry up, or we'll miss the first bus!
- 27 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sofia and Lorenzo are leaving for the cinema.
- SofiaLorenzo, devi affrettarsi o perderemo il treno!Lorenzo, you have to hurry up or we'll miss the train!
- LorenzoSì, sto finendo di vestirmi.Yes, I'm finishing getting dressed.
- SofiaPer favore, affrettati, siamo già in ritardo.Please, hurry up, we are already late.
- LorenzoOk, arrivo tra un secondo!Ok, I'll be there in a second!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “hurry up” translations and entries affrettarsi, sbrigarsi, muoversi, spicciarsi, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
