andiamo a
/anˈdja.mo a/word by word
The phrase andiamo a is used in Italian to say "we are going to".
This phrase is used to express a plan or an intention to travel to a specific place or to perform a certain action.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the first-person plural present indicative of andare (to go) and the preposition a (to).
How does it change in a sentence?
The subject pronoun noi (we) is frequently omitted because the verb ending -iamo already clearly indicates the first-person plural. Additionally, the preposition a often contracts with definite articles to form articulated prepositions, such as al (a + il) or allo (a + lo), when it is followed by a noun.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /anˈdja.mo a/. It has 3 syllables, with the stress on the 2nd syllable.
Did you know?
- While andiamo a means 'we are going to', if spoken with a rising intonation, it becomes a suggestion meaning 'shall we go?' This allows the same phrase to function as both a statement of intent and a social invitation.
- The word andiamo is often used as a standalone exclamation meaning 'come on' to urge someone to hurry up.
- In Italian, if you are going to a city, you use andiamo a, but if you are going to a country, you typically switch the preposition to in. For example, you would say andiamo a Roma but andiamo in Italia.
Examples in context
- Noi andiamo al cimitero.We are going to the cemetery.This sentence uses andiamo a to indicate a destination.Tatoeba #4578696 by Guybrush88, translation #1783513 by Balamax
- Andiamo al cinema. Vieni con noi.We are going to the movies. Come with us.This sentence shows andiamo a used when going to a place.Tatoeba #448389 by Pharamp, translation #248447 by CC
- Andiamo a costruire fattorie in Russia.We are going to make farms in Russia.This sentence shows andiamo a used before an infinitive to express an intention.Tatoeba #7621953 by Guybrush88, translation #11316368 by danielestrigi
- Noi ci apprestiamo a firmare il contratto.We are getting ready to sign the contract.
- Noi ci apprestiamo a presentare il nostro progetto.We are getting ready to present our project.
- Noi stiamo per fare una passeggiata.We are about to go for a walk.
- Noi andiamo a cena fuori stasera.We are going out for dinner tonight.
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alessandro and Chiara are discussing their plans for the weekend.
- AlessandroAndiamo a mangiare una pizza stasera?Are we going to eat a pizza tonight?
- ChiaraSì, andiamo a quel ristorante nuovo.Yes, we are going to that new restaurant.
- AlessandroOttima idea, mi piace molto.Great idea, I like it a lot.
- ChiaraAllora ci vediamo alle otto.Then I will see you at eight.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (andiamo, a) and can differ in connected speech.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
