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How to Say ‘Don't worry, I just got here.’ in Italian

Tranquillo, sono appena arrivata.

trahn-KWEEL-loh SOH-noh ahp-PEH-nah ar-ree-VAH-tah

[trahn-KWEEL-loh SOH-noh ahp-PEH-nah ar-ree-VAH-tah]

🇮🇹 In Italy: This is the polite move when someone apologises for being late, even if you've been waiting a while. It lets the evening start without awkwardness.

Phrase Breakdown

Tranquillo,

trahn-KWEEL-loh

Don't worry,

Literally 'calm'. It's used to reassure a man (say 'tranquilla' to a woman). 'Qui' sounds like 'kwee', and the double l is held: tran-KWIL-lo.

Example

Tranquillo, va tutto bene.

Don't worry, everything's fine.

Words in this phrase

Tranquillo

[trahn-KWEEL-loh]

don't worry / relax

Said to reassure someone: don't worry, it's fine.

Example

Tranquillo, ci penso io.

Don't worry, I'll take care of it.

sono appena arrivata.

SOH-noh ahp-PEH-nah ar-ree-VAH-tah

I've just arrived.

'Appena' means 'just'. Hold the double consonants: ap-PE-na ar-ri-VA-ta.

Example

Sono appena arrivata a casa.

I've just got home.

Words in this phrase

sono

[SOH-noh]

I am

First person singular of essere, used to say who you are or where you are.

Example

Sono molto interessato alle opportunità di lavoro qui.

I am very interested in job opportunities here.

appena

[ahp-PEH-nah]

just

Adverb meaning something happened a moment ago.

Example

Sono appena arrivato.

I have just arrived.

arrivata

[ar-ree-VAH-tah]

arrived (feminine)

Past participle of 'arrivare'. It ends in -a because a woman is speaking.

Example

Maria è arrivata in ritardo.

Maria arrived late.

Guides for Italian learners

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