sto arrivando
The Italian phrase for "on my way" is sto arrivando.
This phrase is used to inform someone that you have started traveling toward them and that you will arrive soon.
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, sto arrivando means "I am arriving".
Which one should you use?
While English speakers use the prepositional phrase "on my way", Italian speakers use the progressive form of the verb "to arrive" to express the same idea.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase uses the present continuous construction of the verb arrivare (to arrive) to express an action that is currently in progress.
Did you know?
- In Italy, saying sto arrivando often functions as a social white lie, implying the person is just leaving their house or hasn't even left yet.
- Using sto arrivando when you are actually still at home is such a common trope that it is frequently used in Italian comedy and cinema to depict procrastinators.
- In some regions of Italy, people might use the verb venire (to come) instead of arrivare (to arrive) to express being on the way, depending on the direction of movement relative to the speaker.
Examples in context
- Sto arrivando.I'm on my way.This sentence is useful for saying "I'm on my way".Tatoeba #1519501 by Vy, translation #707205 by CK
- Non preoccuparti, sto arrivando.Don't worry, I'm on my way.
Example conversation
Alessandro is running late for a meeting with Giulia.
- AlessandroCiao Giulia, dove sei?Hi Giulia, where are you?
- GiuliaSono già al ristorante, e tu?I'm already at the restaurant, and you?
- AlessandroScusa il ritardo, sto arrivando!Sorry I'm late, I'm on my way!
- GiuliaVa bene, a tra poco.All right, see you soon.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
