Italian Phrase
Lo passo subito con l'aspirapolvere.
Meaning
This phrase literally translates to 'I pass it immediately with the vacuum cleaner.' In Italian, the verb 'passare' is the standard way to describe the action of using a cleaning tool like a vacuum, mop, or broom on a surface.
When to use
Use this when you are responding to a request to clean a specific masculine object, like 'il tappeto' (the rug) or 'il pavimento' (the floor). It is a common household phrase used when performing chores or tidying up a mess.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Lopassosubitoconl'aspirapolvere
Direct Object Pronoun (Lo)
'Lo' refers to a masculine singular noun previously mentioned, acting as the 'it' that is being vacuumed.
Present Tense for Future Action
In Italian, the present tense 'passo' is frequently used to express an action that will happen in the immediate future.
Compound Noun
'Aspirapolvere' is a compound word: 'aspira' (sucks) + 'polvere' (dust). It is masculine and usually takes the elided article l'.
🗨In Conversation
Il tappeto in salotto è un po' sporco.
The rug in the living room is a bit dirty.
Non ti preoccupare, lo passo subito con l'aspirapolvere.
Don't worry, I'll vacuum it right away.
✕Common Mistakes
Io vacuumo il tappeto.
Italian does not have a single verb 'to vacuum'; you must use the phrase 'passare l'aspirapolvere'.
La passo subito con l'aspirapolvere.
Use 'lo' if the object being cleaned is masculine (like il tappeto); use 'la' only if the object is feminine (like la moquette).
↔Alternatives
Passo l'aspirapolvere.
I'm vacuuming.
Do una passata di aspirapolvere.
I'll give it a quick vacuum.
Pulisco col folletto.
I'm cleaning with the vacuum (brand-specific slang).
Cultural Tip
Italians often use the brand name 'Folletto' as a generic term for a high-quality upright vacuum cleaner. When talking about cleaning, using 'passare' sounds much more natural and native than using 'pulire' (to clean) for the specific act of vacuuming.