Italian Phrase
Adesso scendo.
Meaning
“Adesso scendo.” literally means “Now I go down.” It is used to announce that the speaker is about to descend – whether it’s a set of stairs, an elevator, a bus, or even a metaphorical decline.
When to use
Use this phrase when you are about to move to a lower level and want to let others know, for example after someone asks where you’re heading, or when you step onto an elevator and want to be polite in a crowded setting.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Adessoscendo
Adesso
Adverb of time meaning “now”. It can be placed before or after the verb, but before the verb is most common in spoken Italian.
Scendo
First‑person singular present indicative of the verb scendere (to go down, to descend). The present tense is often used for actions that are about to happen.
Present for immediate future
In Italian the present indicative can express a near‑future action, especially with adverbs like adesso, subito, ora.
🗨In Conversation
Dove vai?
Where are you going?
Adesso scendo.
I’m going down now.
✕Common Mistakes
Adesso scendo adesso.
Repeating “adesso” is redundant; one adverb is enough.
Scendo adesso subito.
Using two time adverbs together sounds unnatural; choose one.
Io adesso scendo.
The subject pronoun “io” is optional and often omitted in spoken Italian.
↔Alternatives
Scendo adesso.
I’m going down now.
Ora scendo.
Now I’m going down.
Sto scendendo.
I am descending.
Vado giù adesso.
I’m going down now.
Cultural Tip
In Italy people often announce their movement in elevators, on crowded stairs, or when leaving a bus, especially in busy cities like Rome or Milan. It’s a polite way to signal your intention and avoid bumping into others. The phrase is informal; in a very formal setting you might say “Sto per scendere”.