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Italian Level 2 verb

uscire

/uˈʃiːre/

Definition

To go out or leave a place, moving from inside to outside.

Example

Domani usciamo insieme a fare una passeggiata.

Show translation

Tomorrow we're going out together for a walk.

Etymology

From Latin *exīre*, a compound of *ex-* ("out of") + *īre* ("to go"). The Latin root also gave English "exit" and "issue." In Italian, the verb became irregular, with its present-tense forms showing the characteristic vowel shift: *esco, esci, esce…*

Cultural note

*Uscire* carries a rich social dimension in Italian culture: *usciamo?* ("shall we go out?") is an everyday invitation to join friends for a stroll, coffee, or aperitivo. The concept of the evening *passeggiata* — a leisurely walk through town — is central to Italian social life, and uscire is the verb that sets it in motion. Note that *uscire* is intransitive; to bring something out, Italians use *tirare fuori* or *portare fuori* instead.

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