scappa a gambe levate
The English phrase "run for your life" is translated into Italian as scappa a gambe levate.
This phrase is used to tell someone to run away as fast as possible in order to escape a dangerous situation.
Which one should you use?
The form scappa a gambe levate is used when addressing a single person, while scappate a gambe levate is used when addressing a group of people. The infinitive form is scappare a gambe levate.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form scappa is the singular imperative of the verb scappare, which is used when you are speaking to one person informally. To address a group, you use the plural imperative scappate.
Did you know?
- If an Italian says mi scappa una risata, they are not running away, but rather saying they cannot stop themselves from laughing.
- The phrase a gambe levate literally translates to 'with legs raised'.
- Using this phrase in a non-emergency, such as during a race, would sound quite dramatic and humorous to a native speaker.
Examples in context
- Vedi quel leone? Scappa a gambe levate!See that lion? Run for your life!
- Se senti l'allarme, scappa a gambe levate subito.If you hear the alarm, run for your life immediately.
- Non voltarti indietro, scappa a gambe levate!Don't look back, run for your life!
Example conversation
Martina and Lorenzo are walking in a forest when they see a bear.
- MartinaLorenzo, guarda quel orso! Scappa a gambe levate!Lorenzo, look at that bear! Run for your life!
- LorenzoHai ragione, dobbiamo correre via velocemente!You're right, we have to run away quickly!
- MartinaCorri verso la macchina, subito!Run toward the car, now!
- LorenzoSto arrivando, non fermarti!I'm coming, don't stop!
