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Italian Phrase

Chiama subito i soccorsi.

/ˈkjama ˈsubi.to i ˈsokːor.si/
Meaning"Call the emergency services immediately."
💡

Meaning

‘Call the emergency services immediately.’ The sentence is a direct, urgent command used when someone needs help right away, such as in a medical emergency, a fire, or a serious accident.

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When to use

Use this phrase the moment you or someone else is in danger and professional help is required. It works in any emergency situation—car crashes, sudden illness, a house fire, or a person who is lost and needs rescue.

✦Grammar Breakdown

Chiamasubitoisoccorsi

1

Imperative (Chiama)

‘Chiama’ is the second‑person singular imperative of the verb *chiamare* (to call). It is used to give a direct command to ‘you’ (informal).

2

Adverb of immediacy (subito)

‘Subito’ means ‘right away, immediately’. Placed after the verb, it intensifies the urgency of the command.

3

Definite article + noun (i soccorsi)

‘i soccorsi’ literally means ‘the rescues’, but in everyday Italian it refers to the emergency services (ambulance, fire brigade, police).

🗨In Conversation

A

Chiama subito i soccorsi!

Call the emergency services right now!

Sto chiamando, resta calmo.

I’m calling, stay calm.

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • Chiami subito i soccorsi.

    ‘Chiami’ is the present indicative, not the command form. Use the imperative ‘Chiama’ for a direct order.

  • Subito i soccorsi chiama.

    Word order matters; the verb should come first in an imperative sentence.

  • Chiama subito i soccorso.

    ‘Soccorsi’ is plural; the singular ‘soccoro’ does not exist in this context.

↔Alternatives

  • Chiama immediatamente i soccorsi.

    Call the emergency services immediately.

  • Chiama i soccorsi subito.

    Call the emergency services right away.

  • Chiama il 112.

    Dial 112.

it

Cultural Tip

In Italy the universal emergency number is 112 (the same across the EU). For medical emergencies you can also dial 118, and for fire emergencies 115. When you call, speak clearly, give your exact location, and describe the situation briefly but accurately. Italians tend to use a firm, urgent tone in emergencies, but politeness (e.g., ‘per favore’) is still appreciated if the situation allows.