Italian Phrase
Chiama subito il 911 in caso di ferite gravi.
Meaning
The sentence is an urgent instruction telling someone to dial the emergency number 911 right away if they or someone else has serious injuries. It combines a direct command with a conditional clause that specifies the situation.
When to use
Use this phrase when you need to give clear, immediate instructions during a medical emergency, such as after an accident, a fall, or any situation where someone is badly hurt and needs professional help.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Chiamasubitoil911incasodiferitegravi
Imperative (Chiama)
‘Chiama’ is the second‑person singular imperative of the verb ‘chiamare’ (to call). It is used for direct commands or urgent requests.
Adverb (subito)
‘Subito’ means ‘immediately’ and is placed right after the verb for emphasis.
Prepositional phrase (in caso di)
‘In caso di’ translates to ‘in case of’ and introduces the condition that triggers the action.
Adjective after noun (ferite gravi)
In Italian, many adjectives, especially those describing severity, can follow the noun: ‘ferite gravi’ = ‘serious injuries’.
🗨In Conversation
Chiama subito il 911 in caso di ferite gravi.
Call 911 immediately if there are serious injuries.
Sto già chiamando, grazie!
I'm calling right now, thank you!
✕Common Mistakes
Chiama subito il 911 in caso di ferite grave.
‘Grave’ must agree in number with ‘ferite’; use the plural ‘gravi’.
Chiama il 911 subito in caso di ferite gravi.
The adverb ‘subito’ should modify the verb, not the noun; keep the order ‘Chiama subito il 911’.
Chiama subito 911 in caso di ferite gravi.
When speaking quickly, Italians often drop the article and say just ‘Chiama 911…’. Both are understood, but the article is optional.
↔Alternatives
Chiama subito il 112 se hai ferite gravi.
Call 112 immediately if you have serious injuries.
Chiama il 911 immediatamente per ferite gravi.
Call 911 immediately for serious injuries.
In caso di ferite gravi, chiama subito il 911.
In case of serious injuries, call 911 right away.
Cultural Tip
In Italy the official emergency number is 112, but 911 works for tourists and is widely recognized. When calling, keep the message short, state the nature of the emergency, and give your exact location. Avoid unnecessary details that could delay the response.