Italian Phrase
Dobbiamo far spazio.
Meaning
This phrase literally means 'We must make space.' It is used to indicate that an area is too crowded or that items need to be moved to accommodate something or someone else. It can also be used metaphorically to mean clearing one's mind or schedule.
When to use
Use this phrase when you are organizing a room, trying to fit another person at a dinner table, or clearing a path in a crowded area. It is appropriate for both casual and professional environments.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Dobbiamofarspazio
Dobbiamo
The first-person plural present tense of 'dovere' (must/have to).
Far
A shortened form of the infinitive 'fare' (to make/do), frequently used in idiomatic phrases.
Spazio
A masculine noun meaning space or room; it does not require an article in this specific construction.
🗨In Conversation
Arrivano altri ospiti, dove li mettiamo?
More guests are arriving, where do we put them?
Sposta quel tavolo, dobbiamo far spazio.
Move that table, we need to make room.
✕Common Mistakes
Dobbiamo fare un spazio.
In this idiomatic expression, the indefinite article 'un' is not used; it is simply 'far spazio'.
Dobbiamo prendere spazio.
While 'prendere spazio' means to take up space, 'far spazio' is the correct way to say you are creating or making room.
↔Alternatives
Fate spazio!
Make some room! (to a group)
Serve più spazio.
More space is needed.
Cultural Tip
In Italy, especially in busy cities or markets, you will often hear people saying 'Permesso' while trying to 'far spazio' in a crowd. It is considered polite to acknowledge the lack of space before asking others to move.