Italian Phrase
Preparati sempre al tempo imprevedibile.
Meaning
The sentence is a piece of practical advice: ‘Always be ready for unpredictable weather.’ It reminds the listener to anticipate sudden changes in the weather and to carry appropriate clothing or gear.
When to use
Use this phrase when giving travel or outdoor‑activity advice, especially in regions where the weather can shift quickly (mountain areas, coastal towns, or during seasonal transitions). It works well in informal conversation with friends or family.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Preparatisemprealtempoimprevedibile
Imperative reflexive (Preparati)
‘Preparati’ is the second‑person singular imperative of ‘prepararsi’, meaning ‘prepare yourself’. The reflexive pronoun ‘‑ti’ is attached to the verb.
Adverb of frequency (sempre)
‘Sempre’ means ‘always’ and is placed before the verb phrase to modify the whole action.
Preposition + article (al)
‘Al’ is the contraction of the preposition ‘a’ (to) and the definite article ‘il’, used before masculine singular nouns.
Masculine noun (tempo)
‘Tempo’ here refers to ‘weather’ (masculine, singular).
Adjective agreement (imprevedibile)
‘Imprevedibile’ is an adjective meaning ‘unpredictable’; it agrees in gender and number with ‘tempo’.
🗨In Conversation
Domani facciamo un'escursione in montagna, ma il meteo è incerto.
We're going hiking tomorrow, but the weather forecast is uncertain.
Allora preparati sempre al tempo imprevedibile.
Then always prepare for unpredictable weather.
✕Common Mistakes
Preparare sempre al tempo imprevedibile.
‘Preparare’ is the infinitive; the imperative needed here is ‘Preparati’ (prepare yourself).
Preparati al tempo imprevedibile sempre.
Learners sometimes place ‘sempre’ after the prepositional phrase, but it should modify the whole action and stay before it.
Preparati sempre al tempi imprevedibili.
The adjective must agree with ‘tempo’; using the feminine form ‘imprevedibile’ is correct, but avoid the plural ‘imprevedibili’ unless the noun is plural.
↔Alternatives
Preparati sempre al tempo incerto.
Always prepare for uncertain weather.
Fatti sempre trovare pronto per il tempo variabile.
Always make sure you're ready for variable weather.
Porta sempre con te un ombrello, il tempo è imprevedibile.
Always carry an umbrella; the weather is unpredictable.
Cultural Tip
In Italy the climate can change dramatically within a single day, especially in the north and in coastal or mountainous zones. Italians often say ‘Porta sempre un ombrello, il tempo è imprevedibile’ as a friendly reminder. The phrase is informal; use a more formal version (e.g., ‘Si consiglierebbe di prepararsi…’) in business or academic contexts.