con calma
In Italian, no rush is expressed as con calma.
The phrase con calma is used to tell someone that they do not need to hurry to complete a task. While it can mean 'slowly' or 'take your time', it is often used as a polite way to tell someone not to rush.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase con calma literally translates to 'with calm'.
Which one should you use?
If you want to be more emphatic when reassuring someone that they have plenty of time, you can use prenditi tutto il tempo, which means 'take all the time (you need)'.
Did you know?
- The word calma may have originated from the Ancient Greek word kaûma, meaning the intense heat of the sun.
- In Italy, the spirit of con calma is often reflected in the concept of 'slow living', where rushing through a meal or a conversation is seen as impolite.
- While con calma is a gentle reassurance, using it in a sarcastic tone can be a subtle way for an Italian to tell someone they are being annoyingly slow.
Examples in context
- Ho bisogno di quel documento, ma non ho fretta.I need that document, but I'm not in a rush.
- Non si preoccupi, prenda il suo tempo.Don't worry, take your time.
- Possiamo finire domani, non c'è fretta.We can finish tomorrow, there's no rush.
- Voglio bere il caffè, ma non ho fretta.I want to drink coffee, but I'm not in a rush.
- Fai con calma, non c'è fretta.Take your time, there's no rush.
- Vieni quando vuoi, ti aspetto senza fretta.Come whenever you want, I'll wait for you without rush.
- Stai tranquillo/a, non c'è fretta.Relax, there's no rush.
- Non preoccuparti, procedi con calma.Don't worry, go at your own pace.
- Puoi rispondere con calma.You can respond when you have time.
Example conversation
Sofia is working on a report that Francesco needs.
- FrancescoHai finito il rapporto, Sofia?Have you finished the report, Sofia?
- SofiaQuasi, mi serve ancora un po' di tempo.Almost, I still need a little more time.
- FrancescoTranquilla, fallo con calma.Don't worry, take your time.
- SofiaGrazie Francesco, lo finisco entro sera.Thanks Francesco, I will finish it by tonight.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries calma, con, CC BY-SA 4.0.
