Italian Phrase
Certo, iniziamo.
Meaning
The speaker is giving enthusiastic agreement and proposing to begin an activity or conversation. "Certo" conveys certainty or willingness, while "iniziamo" is the first‑person plural imperative of "iniziare" (to start).
When to use
Use this phrase when you want to confirm that you are ready to start something together – a meeting, a lesson, a game, or any collaborative task. It works in both formal and informal settings, though the tone is friendly and upbeat.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Certo,iniziamo
Certo (adverb)
Used to express certainty, agreement, or willingness; it can stand alone as a response.
Iniziamo (1st‑person plural imperative)
Formed from the verb "iniziare"; the ending -iamo is both present indicative (noi) and imperative for "let's...".
Comma usage
A comma separates the affirmation from the action, mirroring natural speech pauses.
🗨In Conversation
Ciao Marco, sei pronto per la lezione di oggi?
Hi Marco, are you ready for today's lesson?
Certo, iniziamo!
Sure, let's start!
✕Common Mistakes
Certa, iniziamo.
"Certa" is the feminine form; "certo" is the correct adverb regardless of gender.
Certo, iniziare.
Do not use the infinitive "iniziare" here; the imperative form "iniziamo" is required to mean "let's start".
Certo, iniziamo!.
Exclamation marks are fine, but avoid adding a period after the exclamation; choose one punctuation style.
↔Alternatives
Va bene, cominciamo.
Alright, let's begin.
Sì, partiamo.
Yes, let's go.
D'accordo, iniziamo subito.
Agreed, let's start right away.
Cultural Tip
In Italian, "Certo" can be used alone as a quick affirmation (like "Sure" or "Of course"). Pairing it with an imperative such as "iniziamo" adds a collaborative feel. Italians often use "andiamo" (let's go) in informal contexts, while "iniziamo" sounds slightly more structured, making it perfect for classrooms or work meetings.