Italian · Everyday Verbs
"to wait" in Italian: aspettare
aspettare
To wait in Italian is aspettare (ah-spet-TAH-reh). Present: aspetto, aspetti, aspetta, aspettiamo. Aspetta! can mean wait! or hang on!
Outside a shop
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How to pronounce aspettare
Say it
ah-spet-TAH-reh
/aspetˈta.re/
Aspettare stresses TAH: ah-spet-TAH-reh. Aspetto is ah-SPET-toh.
"to wait" in Italian: quick reference
| Italian | English | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| aspettare | to wait Infinitive. | Infinitive. |
| aspetto / aspetti / aspetta | I/you/he-she wait(s) Present singular. | Present singular. |
| aspetta! | wait! Quick command. | Quick command. |
| aspettare qualcuno | to wait for someone No for needed: aspetto Marco. | No for needed: aspetto Marco. |
How to use aspettare in real life
- 1Outside a shop
Ti aspetto davanti all'ingresso.
I'll wait for you in front of the entrance.
Aspetto for I wait.
- 2Phone call
Aspetta un secondo, prendo un foglio.
Wait a second, I'll grab a sheet.
Aspetta as hang on.
- 3Train platform
Aspettiamo il treno sotto la pensilina.
We're waiting for the train under the canopy.
Aspettiamo for we wait.
Mistakes English speakers make with aspettare
Incorrect: Aspetto for te.
Correct: Ti aspetto.
No for: object pronouns or direct object.
Incorrect: Io aspettare qui.
Correct: Aspetto qui.
Conjugate: io aspetto.
Good to know
Queues are part of Italian life at offices and clinics. Aspetti, prego from staff means please wait — often with a number ticket.
Try it in a ChatPal conversation
Meeting up in a busy square
ChatPal
Mi aspetti vicino alla fontana?
Will you wait for me near the fountain?
You
Sì, ti aspetto lì. Non tardare troppo.
Yes, I'll wait for you there. Don't be too late.
ChatPal
Ok. Se piove aspetto sotto il portico.
Ok. If it rains I'll wait under the arcade.
You
Perfetto — aspetto tuo messaggio.
Perfect — I'll wait for your message.
This is a sample. In ChatPal you have this conversation out loud and get feedback on what you say.
Practice this conversation in ChatPal"to wait" in other languages
FAQ
Common questions about "to wait" in Italian
How do I say I wait for you?
Ti aspetto.
Do I need for after aspettare?
No. Aspetto l'autobus, ti aspetto.
What does aspetta mean?
He/she waits, or the command wait!
How do I say we're waiting?
Aspettiamo.
Learn a word, then use it out loud
- Step 1: See it in context
- Step 2: Say it out loud
- Step 3: Get feedback
- Step 4: Use it in real scenarios
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