alzarsi in piedi
The English phrase 'stand up' is translated into Italian as alzarsi in piedi.
alzarsi in piedi is used specifically to describe the action of rising from a sitting position.
Meaning: rise from a sitting position (verb)
Which one should you use?
While alzarsi in piedi specifically means to stand up from a seated position, the shorter form alzarsi can also mean 'to get up' from bed or to rise in a general sense. In many contexts, Italians may simply say alzarsi if the context of standing up is already clear, omitting in piedi.
How does it change in a sentence?
Because the verb is reflexive, you must use reflexive pronouns (mi, ti, si, ci, vi, si) when conjugating alzarsi to indicate the subject is performing the action on themselves.
Did you know?
- The phrase in piedi literally translates to 'in feet'. In Italian, you do not stand 'on' your feet, but 'in' them.
- If you are told to 'stand up' in a very informal way, a friend might just say su! which literally means 'up!'
- The word piedi comes from the Latin 'pes', making it a distant relative of the English word 'pedestrian'.
Examples in context
- Tom provò ad alzarsi in piedi.Tom tried to stand up.This sentence shows how to express an attempt to use alzarsi in piedi.Tatoeba #3403929 by Guybrush88, translation #3403461 by CK
- Dovrebbe alzarsi in piedi a parlare.You should stand up to speak.This sentence demonstrates how to express the necessity of using alzarsi in piedi for a specific purpose.Tatoeba #5358827 by Guybrush88, translation #1573800 by donkirkby
- Per favore, si alzi.Please, stand up.
- Il Ministro si è eretto in segno di rispetto.The Minister stood up as a sign of respect.
- Alzati, è ora di andare.Stand up, it's time to go.
- Mettiti in piedi e lasciami il posto.Stand up and give me your seat.
- È difficile alzarsi in piedi dopo il concerto.It is difficult to stand up after the concert.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Giulia and Lorenzo are in a crowded waiting room.
- GiuliaLorenzo, puoi alzarsi in piedi un momento?Lorenzo, can you stand up for a moment?
- LorenzoCerto, perché cosa succede?Sure, why? What's happening?
- GiuliaHo perso qualcosa sotto la tua sedia.I lost something under your chair.
- LorenzoAh, ecco qui il tuo telefono!Ah, here is your phone!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “stand up” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
