Italian Phrase
Preparati a scendere alla prossima fermata.
Meaning
The sentence tells someone to get ready to get off the vehicle at the next stop. It’s a friendly, direct way to give a travel‑related instruction.
When to use
Use it while riding a bus, tram, metro, or train when you want to remind a passenger that the upcoming stop is the one where they should alight. It works in both casual conversation and as a short announcement.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Preparatiascendereallaprossimafermata
Imperative reflexive (Preparati)
‘Preparati’ is the second‑person singular imperative of the reflexive verb ‘prepararsi’, meaning ‘prepare yourself’.
Preposition ‘a’ + infinitive
The preposition ‘a’ introduces the infinitive ‘scendere’, indicating the action you should get ready for.
Contraction ‘alla’
‘Alla’ = ‘a’ + ‘la’, used before a feminine singular noun (fermata).
Adjective agreement
‘Prossima’ agrees in gender and number with ‘fermata’ (both feminine singular).
Infinitive ‘scendere’
‘Scendere’ means ‘to get off / to descend’, commonly used on buses, trams, and trains.
🗨In Conversation
Preparati a scendere alla prossima fermata.
Get ready to get off at the next stop.
Grazie, ho il biglietto pronto.
Thanks, I have my ticket ready.
✕Common Mistakes
Preparati scendere alla prossima fermata.
The preposition ‘a’ is required before the infinitive.
Preparati a scendere alla prossimo fermata.
‘Prossimo’ must agree with the feminine noun ‘fermata’; use ‘prossima’.
Preparati a scendere al prossima fermata.
‘Al’ is the contraction of ‘a + il’ (masculine). Since ‘fermata’ is feminine, use ‘alla’.
↔Alternatives
Stai per scendere alla prossima fermata.
You’re about to get off at the next stop.
Preparatevi a scendere alla prossima fermata.
Get ready to get off at the next stop (plural).
Scendi alla prossima fermata.
Get off at the next stop.
Cultural Tip
Italian public‑transport announcements often use the formal ‘si prega di…’ (please), but among friends or in informal settings the imperative ‘Preparati…’ is perfectly natural. In the north you’ll also hear ‘Scendete alla prossima fermata’ when addressing a group. Remember that ‘fermata’ is feminine, so adjectives must match (prossima, ultima, ecc.).