Italian Phrase
Spero che non salti la corrente.
Meaning
Literally, ‘I hope that the current does not jump.’ In everyday Italian this means ‘I hope the power doesn’t go out.’ It expresses a wish about a future situation that is uncertain.
When to use
Use this sentence when you’re worried about a possible power outage – for example during a thunderstorm, before an important video call, or when you hear a strange noise from the fuse box.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Sperochenonsaltilacorrente.
Spero (present indicative)
‘Spero’ is the first‑person singular present of ‘sperare’ (to hope). It is followed by a subjunctive clause.
che (subjunctive trigger)
The conjunction ‘che’ introduces a subordinate clause that requires the subjunctive mood after verbs of hope, fear, doubt, etc.
non (negation)
Placed before the verb to negate the action in the subordinate clause.
salti (present subjunctive)
‘Salti’ is the present subjunctive of ‘saltare’ used here in the idiomatic sense ‘to go out’ when referring to electricity.
la corrente (the power)
Literally ‘the current’; in everyday Italian it means the electric supply.
🗨In Conversation
Spero che non salti la corrente.
I hope the power doesn’t go out.
Anch’io. Ho già caricato il telefono.
Me too. I’ve already charged my phone.
✕Common Mistakes
Spero che non salta la corrente.
After ‘spero che’ you need the subjunctive ‘salti’, not the indicative ‘salta’.
Spero che non è saltata la corrente.
Use present subjunctive for a future hope; ‘è saltata’ is past indicative and changes the meaning.
Spero che non salti la corrente elettrica.
While correct, ‘corrente elettrica’ sounds overly technical in casual speech; native speakers usually say just ‘corrente’.
↔Alternatives
Spero che la corrente non vada via.
I hope the electricity doesn’t go away.
Mi auguro che non ci sia un blackout.
I wish there won’t be a blackout.
Speriamo che la corrente rimanga accesa.
Let’s hope the power stays on.
Cultural Tip
In Italy, especially in older buildings or during summer heat waves, brief power cuts are not uncommon. Italians often use ‘saltare la corrente’ (literally ‘to jump the current’) as a colloquial way to say the electricity has gone out. The phrase is informal but perfectly acceptable in everyday conversation; in a formal setting you might prefer ‘interruzione di corrente’. Also, note that ‘salire’ (to climb) is a different verb – don’t confuse it with ‘saltare’ in this context.