spetta
The Sicilian word for 'wait' is spetta.
The term is used to express the action of delaying or staying in place until a certain event occurs.
Meaning: delay until some event (verb)
Which one should you use?
While spetta is the default form, aspetta is also used to mean 'wait'.
Did you know?
- In some Sicilian contexts, saying spetta with a specific rising intonation can be used to express disbelief or skepticism, similar to saying 'Wait, what?' in English.
- If you use the word spetta in a sentence in Sicily, you might actually be saying 'it is due' or 'it belongs to', depending on the context and verb conjugation.
- A person might use spetta to express that something is 'expected' or 'awaited' as a matter of fate, rather than just a physical delay.
Examples in context
- Dumani ti daru risposta, sta' calmu.I will give you an answer tomorrow, please stay calm.
- Spetta un mumentu.Wait a moment.
- Spetta ca arrivi a sera.Wait until evening arrives.
- Spetta a decidiri dopu.Wait to decide later.
Example conversation
Maria and Antonio are about to leave the house.
- MariaAndamu ora, Antonio?Are we going now, Antonio?
- AntonioSpetta, iu non trovu u chiavi.Wait, I cannot find the key.
- MariaSùnni supra u tavulu!They are on the table!
- AntonioAh, eccu ccà, andamu.Ah, here they are, let's go.
