prendila con calma
In Italian, 'take it easy' is translated as prendila con calma.
The phrase prendila con calma is used as advice for someone who is rushing or feeling stressed, or to suggest that a person should not take a particular situation too seriously.
Meaning: relax (verb)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of prendi (take), la (it, referring to the situation), con (with) and calma (calm).
Which one should you use?
While prendila con calma suggests approaching a situation with a relaxed attitude, stai tranquillo is more commonly used to mean 'don't worry' or 'rest assured'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form prendila con calma uses the imperative second-person singular to give a direct command or suggestion to one person. To tell a group of people to 'take it easy', you change the verb and pronoun to the plural form prendetela con calma.
Did you know?
- While English speakers use 'take it easy' to say goodbye, using prendila con calma in that context would sound like you are telling someone to stop being so stressed.
- The word calma might be linked to the Late Latin verb caumāre, which means to rest or take a siesta during the hottest part of the day.
Examples in context
- Stai tranquillo/ tranquilla, ti voglio bene.Take it easy, I care about you.
- Prendila con calma, non è un problema.Take it easy, it is not a problem.
- Prendila con calma e riposati un po'.Take it easy and rest a bit.
Example conversation
Chiara is stressed about a work project.
- MatteoChiara, sei molto tesa oggi.Chiara, you are very tense today.
- ChiaraHo troppe cose da fare!I have too many things to do!
- MatteoPrendila con calma, ce la farai.Take it easy, you will make it.
- ChiaraHai ragione, Matteo. Grazie.You are right, Matteo. Thanks.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries calma, con, CC BY-SA 4.0.
