non vedo l'ora
In Italian, the phrase for looking forward is non vedo l'ora.
non vedo l'ora is used to express both positive excitement and impatient anticipation, functioning similarly to the English 'I can't wait'.
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, non vedo l'ora means 'I don't see the hour', implying that the speaker is so impatient that they cannot wait for the time to pass.
How does it change in a sentence?
When you use this phrase with a verb, you must use the preposition di followed by the infinitive form of that verb. If the subject of the thing you are looking forward to is different from yourself, you must use che followed by a verb in the subjunctive mood. To say 'we are looking forward to', change the verb to the first-person plural: non vediamo l'ora.
Did you know?
- While non vedo l'ora expresses excitement, Italians use the word ansia to describe a similar feeling of anticipation, though it literally translates to 'anxiety'.
- The phrase non vedo l'ora can be used to convey a level of restless energy similar to the English phrase 'dying to do something', which is much more intense than the polite 'looking forward to'.
- In Italian, the word ora is versatile enough to mean both a specific 'hour' and the general concept of 'now'.
Examples in context
- Non vedo l'ora di vederti.I'm looking forward to seeing you.This sentence is useful for expressing the desire to see someone using non vedo l'ora.Tatoeba #499860 by tiguliano, translation #63892 by CK
- Non vedo l'ora di andare a casa.I'm looking forward to going home.This sentence is useful for expressing the desire to go home using non vedo l'ora.Tatoeba #3550341 by Guybrush88, translation #2540508 by CK
- Non vedo l'ora che arrivi domani.I'm looking forward to tomorrow.This sentence is useful for expressing anticipation for a specific time or event using non vedo l'ora.Tatoeba #11657964 by Nuel, translation #2948356 by CK
- Non vedo l'ora di incontrarla domani durante la riunione.I am looking forward to meeting you tomorrow during the meeting.
- Sono impaziente di visitare la vostra azienda durante il mio viaggio in Italia.I am eager to visit your company during my trip to Italy.
- Non vedo l'ora di vederti stasera a casa mia!I can't wait to see you tonight at my place!
- Sono proprio emozionato per la festa di sabato sera!I am really excited about the party on Saturday night!
- 39 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about an upcoming concert.
- MatteoAndiamo al concerto sabato?Are we going to the concert on Saturday?
- MartinaSì, non vedo l'ora!Yes, I'm really looking forward to it!
- MatteoSarà molto divertente.It will be a lot of fun.
- MartinaSono sicura che sarà fantastico.I am sure it will be fantastic.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
