A2 Expression Neutre

stare a vedere

to wait and see

Signification

Observing how things develop.

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Contexte culturel

The phrase reflects the Italian value of 'pazienza' in the face of inefficient bureaucracy. It's a way to accept that things move at their own pace. In the South, this phrase can be accompanied by a specific gesture: a slight shrug with palms up, emphasizing a fatalistic but calm acceptance of fate. Political talk shows (like 'Porta a Porta') constantly use this phrase to discuss upcoming elections or laws, reflecting a national habit of political observation. The 'osservatore' (observer) is a common trope in Italian films, where characters spend long scenes just 'standing and seeing' the beauty or tragedy of their surroundings.

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Use the Future

When in doubt, use 'Staremo a vedere'. It's the most common and natural-sounding version of this phrase.

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Don't over-roll the R

In 'vedere', the 'r' is a single tap, not a long trill. Over-rolling it can make the phrase sound aggressive.

Signification

Observing how things develop.

💡

Use the Future

When in doubt, use 'Staremo a vedere'. It's the most common and natural-sounding version of this phrase.

⚠️

Don't over-roll the R

In 'vedere', the 'r' is a single tap, not a long trill. Over-rolling it can make the phrase sound aggressive.

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The 'Che' trick

Add 'che' to turn it into a prediction: 'Stai a vedere che...' (Just you watch, I bet that...)

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Body Language

A slight tilt of the head and a squint of the eyes perfectly complements 'staremo a vedere'.

Teste-toi

Complete the sentence with the correct form of 'stare a vedere'.

Non sappiamo se il treno arriverà in tempo, dobbiamo solo ______.

✓ Correct ! ✗ Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : stare a vedere

The idiom 'stare a vedere' is the correct way to express waiting for an outcome.

Which sentence expresses skepticism about a promise?

Quale frase esprime dubbio?

✓ Correct ! ✗ Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : Staremo a vedere se lo farà davvero.

The future tense 'staremo a vedere' is often used to express doubt about someone's future actions.

Complete the dialogue.

A: 'Pensi che il tempo migliorerà?' B: 'Non ne sono sicuro, ______.'

✓ Correct ! ✗ Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : stiamo a vedere

'Stiamo a vedere' is the natural response to uncertainty about the weather.

Match the phrase to the situation.

Situazione: Un amico dice che vincerà alla lotteria.

✓ Correct ! ✗ Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : Staremo a vedere!

The future tense is best for responding to a claim about the future.

🎉 Score : /4

Aides visuelles

Stare a vs. Stare per

Stare a vedere
Wait and see Waiting for an outcome
Stare per vedere
About to see Immediate action

Banque d exercices

4 exercices
Complete the sentence with the correct form of 'stare a vedere'. Fill Blank A2

Non sappiamo se il treno arriverà in tempo, dobbiamo solo ______.

✓ Correct ! ✗ Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : stare a vedere

The idiom 'stare a vedere' is the correct way to express waiting for an outcome.

Which sentence expresses skepticism about a promise? Choose B1

Quale frase esprime dubbio?

✓ Correct ! ✗ Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : Staremo a vedere se lo farà davvero.

The future tense 'staremo a vedere' is often used to express doubt about someone's future actions.

Complete the dialogue. dialogue_completion A2

A: 'Pensi che il tempo migliorerà?' B: 'Non ne sono sicuro, ______.'

✓ Correct ! ✗ Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : stiamo a vedere

'Stiamo a vedere' is the natural response to uncertainty about the weather.

Match the phrase to the situation. situation_matching B1

Situazione: Un amico dice che vincerà alla lotteria.

✓ Correct ! ✗ Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : Staremo a vedere!

The future tense is best for responding to a claim about the future.

🎉 Score : /4

Questions fréquentes

14 questions

It is neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend without any issues.

Yes, but be careful. 'Stare a guardare' often implies you are being a passive bystander when you should be acting.

'Vedremo' is just 'we will see'. 'Staremo a vedere' emphasizes the process of waiting and observing.

Just like in speech! 'Ho fatto il test, ora stiamo a vedere. 🤞'

Mostly, yes. Literally it means 'stay to see', but 99% of the time it's the idiom.

Yes: 'Siamo stati a vedere cosa succedeva' (We stayed to see what was happening).

Yes, it is a standard Italian expression used from Milan to Sicily.

Forgetting the 'a' or using 'per' instead of 'a'.

Yes, to show you are waiting for their decision: 'Resto in attesa e stiamo a vedere.'

Only if your tone is very sarcastic. Otherwise, it's very polite.

'Vedere come butta' is the closest slang equivalent.

No, it doesn't take reflexive pronouns.

Yes, frequently, to describe characters who are observant or passive.

In Italian, 'stare' is used for states, locations, and health, while 'essere' is for essence and identity.

Expressions liées

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stare a guardare

similar

To stand and watch

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stare per

contrast

To be about to

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stare a sentire

builds on

To listen carefully

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vedremo

synonym

We shall see

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stare a cuore

similar

To matter to someone

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