Meaning
Strongly encouraging someone.
Cultural Background
The phrase is often accompanied by the 'pinched fingers' gesture (hand purse) moved slightly toward the listener to emphasize the importance of the request. In the south, 'mi raccomando' can take on a more protective, almost paternalistic tone, often used by elders to younger family members as a form of blessing and warning. Even in professional settings, 'mi raccomando' is used to build a sense of shared responsibility, moving away from a cold 'boss-employee' dynamic to a more 'team-oriented' one. Many Italian-Americans or Italian-Australians still use the phrase even if they've lost much of the language, as it carries a specific emotional weight that 'I'm counting on you' doesn't quite reach.
The 'Eh' Factor
Add a short 'eh' at the end ('Mi raccomando, eh!') to sound 100% more like a native speaker.
Not for Menus
Never use this when ordering food. It sounds like you're threatening the chef!
Meaning
Strongly encouraging someone.
The 'Eh' Factor
Add a short 'eh' at the end ('Mi raccomando, eh!') to sound 100% more like a native speaker.
Not for Menus
Never use this when ordering food. It sounds like you're threatening the chef!
Eye Contact
When saying 'mi raccomando,' maintain eye contact. It shows you are serious about the trust you are placing in the other person.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct phrase to emphasize the request.
Non dimenticare le chiavi, ________!
'Mi raccomando' is the best choice here to add emphasis to a reminder.
Match the situation to the most appropriate use of 'mi raccomando'.
You are telling your friend to drive safely in the rain.
This is the classic 'warning/care' sense of the phrase.
Choose the best response to complete the dialogue.
A: 'Ci vediamo alle 8 davanti al cinema.' B: 'Va bene, ________!'
The speaker is reminding the other person to be there on time.
Which of these is a grammatically correct way to use the phrase with a verb?
Select the correct option:
'Mi raccomando' is followed by 'di' + infinitive.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Mi Raccomando vs. Consigliare
Practice Bank
4 exercisesNon dimenticare le chiavi, ________!
'Mi raccomando' is the best choice here to add emphasis to a reminder.
You are telling your friend to drive safely in the rain.
This is the classic 'warning/care' sense of the phrase.
A: 'Ci vediamo alle 8 davanti al cinema.' B: 'Va bene, ________!'
The speaker is reminding the other person to be there on time.
Select the correct option:
'Mi raccomando' is followed by 'di' + infinitive.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, but only if you are giving them a specific instruction or warning that is helpful to them, like 'Be careful on the stairs.'
It's neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend, though the tone of voice will change.
No, it can go at the beginning or even in the middle, but the end is the most common for emphasis.
'Per favore' is a polite request. 'Mi raccomando' is a reminder that adds a sense of urgency or personal reliance.
Yes, but it means 'I entrust [something] to you,' like 'Ti raccomando mio figlio' (I entrust my son to you).
Technically 'ci raccomandiamo,' but it's very rare. Even a group of people will usually just say 'mi raccomando' as a fixed phrase.
The 'eh' acts as a tag question, like 'okay?' or 'right?', making the request more interactive.
Yes, it's very common in work emails to emphasize a deadline or a specific task.
Only in the sense of 'recommending a course of action.' For recommending a movie, use 'consigliare'.
Not at all, as long as the context is appropriate. It usually shows care and concern.
Related Phrases
Ci conto
similarI'm counting on it.
Fai il bravo
similarBe good.
Stai attento
similarBe careful.
Consigliare
contrastTo recommend/advise.
