Italian Phrase
Dimmi quali sono i prossimi passi, per favore.
Meaning
This phrase is a polite and direct way to ask for information about future actions or stages in a process. It literally translates to "Tell me what are the next steps, please." It's used when you need clarification on how to proceed or what to expect next.
When to use
You would typically use this phrase in professional settings, project discussions, or when receiving instructions. It's suitable when you've completed a task or reached a certain point and need guidance on what comes next, ensuring clarity and efficient progression.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Dimmiquali sonoi prossimi passiper favore
Dimmi (Imperative)
Dimmi is the informal imperative form of the verb 'dire' (to say/tell) combined with the direct object pronoun 'mi' (me). It means 'Tell me'.
Quali sono
'Quali' means 'which' or 'what' (plural) and is used here to ask for specific items from a group. 'Sono' is the third-person plural of 'essere' (to be), meaning 'are'.
I prossimi passi
'I' is the masculine plural definite article (the). 'Prossimi' means 'next' (plural), and 'passi' means 'steps' (plural). Together, they mean 'the next steps'.
Per favore
This phrase means 'please' and is essential for making requests polite in Italian. It can be placed at the beginning or end of a sentence.
🗨In Conversation
Ho finito il rapporto. E adesso?
I've finished the report. What now?
Ottimo! Dimmi quali sono i prossimi passi, per favore.
Great! Tell me what the next steps are, please.
✕Common Mistakes
Dire me quali sono i prossimi passi, per favore.
The verb 'dire' needs to be in the imperative form and the pronoun 'mi' (me) should be attached to it, becoming 'Dimmi'.
Dimmi che sono i prossimi passi, per favore.
'Quali' (which/what) is used for selection among possibilities, not 'che' (that/what) in this context.
Dimmi quali sono i prossimi passi.
While grammatically correct, omitting 'per favore' can make the request sound more abrupt or demanding in Italian.
↔Alternatives
Quali sono i prossimi passi?
What are the next steps?
Potresti dirmi quali sono i prossimi passi?
Could you tell me what the next steps are?
Mi puoi dire i prossimi passi?
Can you tell me the next steps?
Cultural Tip
Italians appreciate directness in communication, but politeness is equally valued. Using "per favore" (please) is crucial to soften requests and maintain a respectful tone, especially in professional or unfamiliar contexts. While "Dimmi" is an imperative, "per favore" ensures it's perceived as a polite request rather than a command.