sto arrivando
In Italian, 'I am coming' is expressed as sto arrivando.
This phrase is used to tell someone that you are currently on your way to where they are. To add a stronger sense of urgency, you can add subito to the end of the phrase.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase sto arrivando literally translates to 'I am arriving'.
Which one should you use?
While vengo means 'I come', sto arrivando is the more natural way to express that you are currently in the process of traveling toward the listener. Other variations include the informal Ci sto arrivando for 'I'm getting there or I'm on my way' and the informal Sto venendo subito for 'I am coming right away'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase sto arrivando uses the present continuous construction (stare + gerund) to indicate an action currently in progress.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly say sto venendo by translating 'coming' literally, but sto arrivando is the standard idiomatic expression for being on one's way.
Did you know?
- Italian uses the verb stare (to stay or stand) instead of essere (to be) to form the continuous 'I am coming' structure.
- In many situations, simply saying arrivo can sound a bit too blunt or abrupt. Using the continuous form sto arrivando acts as a linguistic 'buffer' that makes your statement sound softer and more polite.
- In casual conversation, Italians often shorten sto arrivando to just arrivo. This single word is frequently used as a quick reflex when someone calls your name from another room.
Examples in context
- Dille che sto arrivando.Tell her that I am coming.This sentence shows how to use sto arrivando when relaying a message to a third party.Tatoeba #5796473 by Guybrush88, translation #1741557 by Amastan
- Scusi, sto arrivando.Excuse me, I am coming.
- Sono in arrivo. Arriverò fra poco.I am on my way. I'll be there shortly.
- Non ti preoccupare, ci sto arrivando.Don't worry, I'm getting there.
- Sto arrivando, scusami per il ritardo.I am coming, sorry for my delay.
- Non preoccuparti, sto arrivando in macchina.Don't worry, I am coming by car.
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Martina calls Alessandro to see if he is almost at the restaurant.
- MartinaAlessandro, dove sei?Alessandro, where are you?
- AlessandroSto arrivando, sono quasi al ristorante.I am coming, I am almost at the restaurant.
- MartinaVa bene, ti aspetto fuori.Okay, I will wait for you outside.
- AlessandroArrivo subito!I'll be there right away!
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
