Ciao! If you’re looking to learn how to say “to take away” in Italian, you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the formal and informal ways to convey this concept, providing some regional variations only when necessary. Whether you want to order takeout or simply express the idea of removing something, I’ve got you covered. Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Formal Expressions
When speaking in a formal context, such as addressing someone you don’t know well or an authority figure, these expressions will come in handy:
- “Portare via” – This is the most common way to say “to take away” in Italian. It can be used in various situations, like ordering food to go or removing an object from a specific place.
Example: Posso portare via il mio pranzo? (Can I take away my lunch?)
“Rimuovere” – This verb is typically employed to indicate the act of removing something more permanently or in a technical sense.
Example: È necessario rimuovere questo vecchio edificio. (It is necessary to take away this old building.)
Informal Expressions
When addressing friends, family, or in informal situations, Italians often use these expressions to convey the concept of taking something away:
- “Prendere via” – This expression is similar to “portare via”, but it’s more colloquial and suitable for casual conversations.
Example: Do you voglia di prendere via una pizza stasera? (Do you feel like taking away a pizza tonight?)
“Levare” – Although it can sometimes mean “to lift,” in an informal context, “levare” is also used to express taking away something.
Example: Levami la borsa da dosso! (Take away the bag from me!)
Regional Variations
Italian is known for its regional diversity, which sometimes leads to variations in vocabulary and expressions. In the context of “taking away,” very few regional differences exist, but let’s explore one example:
Southern Italy
In Southern Italy, particularly in Naples, you might come across the term “asportare”. It carries the same meaning as “portare via,” but it is less common and mainly found in professional or technical contexts.
Example: Il medico dovrà asportare il tumore. (The doctor will have to take away the tumor.)
Extra Tips:
- Gesture Culture: Italians often use hand gestures to emphasize meaning. To accompany your request to take away something, you can casually point in the direction of the item being referred to.
- Food Delivery: When ordering food to go, you can use the phrases “Da portare via” (to take away) or “Da asporto” (for takeout) when specifying your order.
- Polite Requests: To make your request more polite, consider adding “per favore” (please) at the end of your sentence.
- Cultural Nuance: Remember that “taking away” food is not as common in Italy as it might be in other countries. Italians generally prefer to savor their meals in a more relaxed setting.
Now, armed with various expressions and some cultural insights, you can confidently use the appropriate Italian phrases to convey the idea of “to take away.” Whether you are in a formal or informal situation, ordering food or removing objects, these expressions will help you effectively communicate your intention. Buona fortuna with your Italian language journey!
