alzarsi
/alˈtsar.si/
Definition
To get up or stand up, especially to rise from bed or from a seated position.
Example
Mi alzo ogni mattina alle sette in punto.
Show translation
I get up every morning at seven o'clock.
Etymology
From Latin *altus* (high) via the verb *alzare* (to raise/lift), combined with the reflexive clitic *-si*, making the action self-directed: "to raise oneself." The root *altus* also gives English "altitude" and "exalt."
Cultural note
Italians often describe daily rhythms with great specificity — being a "mattiniero" (early riser) or a "nottambulo" (night owl) is a common topic of small talk. Note that *alzarsi* is reflexive, so it conjugates with *essere* in compound tenses: *mi sono alzato/a* (I got up), not *ho alzato*. Don't confuse it with *alzare* (to lift/raise something else), e.g. *alza la mano* (raise your hand).