Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA |
|---|---|
| intervenire | /in.ter.veˈni.re/ |
| prendere provvedimenti | |
| passare all'azione |
Italian uses specific terms based on whether you are stepping into a situation to resolve it, performing official duties or simply moving from talking to doing. You might also use farsi avanti to express taking initiative or making yourself available to act.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase farsi avanti literally means 'to step forward'.
Which one should you use?
The choice of phrase depends on the nuance of the action. Use intervenire when the action involves stepping into a situation to change its course or resolve a conflict. Use prendere provvedimenti when the action refers to official or administrative steps taken to address a problem. Use passare all'azione when the focus is on transitioning from a state of planning or talking to actually performing the task.
How does it change in a sentence?
Intervenire is an intransitive verb and does not take a direct object. In the phrase prendere provvedimenti, the noun provvedimenti is almost always used in its plural form.
How do you pronounce it?
/in.ter.veˈni.re/
Did you know?
- In a musical context, the verb intervenire does not mean to take a decisive action, but describes the specific moment a melody or instrument enters a piece of music.
- The Italian verb prendere is a linguistic relative of the English word 'apprehend' as both come from a Latin root meaning 'to seize'.
- The word provvedimenti in the phrase prendere provvedimenti can refer specifically to a legal decree or a court order rather than just a general administrative step.
Examples in context
- Per risolvere il problema, è necessario prendere provvedimenti immediati.To solve the problem, it is necessary to take immediate action.
- L'azienda ha deciso di agire per migliorare la situazione.The company has decided to take action to improve the situation.
- Dobbiamo far qualcosa per risolvere questa questione.We need to do something to address this issue.
- Hai bisogno di muoverti se vuoi raggiungere i tuoi obiettivi.You need to take action if you want to achieve your goals.
- Se hai delle idee, fatti avanti e prendi le redini del progetto.If you have any ideas, take action and take the lead on the project.
- Non aspettare, datti una mossa e inizia a lavorare sul tuo progetto.Don't wait, take action and start working on your project.
- Dobbiamo intervenire subito.We must intervene immediately.
- Il capo deve intervenire per risolvere il problema.The boss must intervene to solve the problem.
- È il momento di intervenire con decisione.It is time to intervene decisively.
Example conversation
Giulia and Matteo are discussing a problem at their office.
- GiuliaMatteo, la situazione è critica.Matteo, the situation is critical.
- MatteoHai ragione, dobbiamo intervenire.You are right, we must take action.
- GiuliaSpero che il direttore sia d'accordo con noi.I hope the director agrees with us.
- MatteoSì, lui deve intervenire per aiutarci.Yes, he must intervene to help us.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “take action” translations and entries intervenire, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries intervenire, passare, prendere, CC BY-SA 4.0.
