si prega di + Infinitive
'Si Prega Di' + Infinitive (Formal Requests)
The construction si prega di + infinitive is the standard way to issue formal requests or rules in public spaces, signs, and official documents. It is polite but firm and impersonal.
How It Works
This pattern is a staple of the bureaucratic register in Italy. While pregare literally means 'to pray,' in this context, it functions as a formal imperative.
Key Rules:
- The Preposition: You must always include di before the infinitive. Omitting it is a common error.
- Agreement (Si Passivante): If the request is directed at a specific plural group (the subject of the passive), the verb must become plural: Si pregano i signori passeggeri.... If there is no specific plural subject, use the singular si prega di.
- Negation: To tell someone not to do something, place non directly before the infinitive: Si prega di non fumare.
- Context: This is strictly for formal signage, emails to strangers, or public announcements. Using it with friends would sound cold or sarcastic.
Examples (5)
- Si prega di attendere il proprio turno.
Please wait for your turn.
Word by Word: One requests of to wait the own turn.
A classic impersonal request found in waiting rooms or offices.
- Si prega di non disturbare.
Please do not disturb.
Word by Word: One requests of not to disturb.
The standard 'Do Not Disturb' sign found on hotel doors.
- Si pregano i gentili ospiti di lasciare le chiavi alla reception.
Guests are kindly requested to leave their keys at the reception.
Word by Word: One requests the kind guests of to leave the keys at the reception.
Note the use of 'si pregano' (plural) because it agrees with the plural subject 'i gentili ospiti'.
- Si prega di chiudere il portone.
Please close the main door.
Word by Word: One requests of to close the big door.
Commonly seen on the entrance doors of apartment buildings.
- Si prega di compilare il modulo in ogni sua parte.
Please fill out every part of the form.
Word by Word: One requests of to fill out the form in every its part.
Typical bureaucratic language used on official applications.
Common Mistakes
Omitting the mandatory preposition 'di'.
Si prega attendere.Si prega di attendere.In English, we say 'Please wait' without a preposition. In Italian, the construction 'si prega' requires 'di' before the following verb.
Using 'Prego' alone to mean 'Please' in a request.
Prego, chiuda la porta.La prego di chiudere la porta.'Prego' usually means 'You're welcome' or 'Go ahead.' To ask someone to do something formally, use 'La prego di' (personal) or 'Si prega di' (impersonal).
Failing to use the plural 'si pregano' with a plural subject.
Si prega i signori di uscire.Si pregano i signori di uscire.When the request explicitly mentions a plural group (the passengers, the guests, etc.), the verb must agree with that plural noun.
How It Connects
Learn This First
To learn the 'si prega di' construction, you first need to understand the impersonal use of 'si', which allows for general statements or requests. Additionally, you must be familiar with how Italian verbs link to infinitives using prepositions, and recognize that this specific formula is reserved for formal or bureaucratic contexts.
- si (impersonale)Impersonal 'Si'
The 'si prega' construction is a specific application of the impersonal 'si' used to express a general request without a specific subject.
Level 3 - Verb + Infinitive
Understanding how verbs can be followed by an infinitive (often mediated by a preposition like 'di') is essential for the structure 'si prega di + infinito'.
Level 1 - Lei / tuFormal vs. Informal Register (Lei vs. Tu)
Since 'si prega di' is a standard formula for formal written requests, the learner needs to understand the context of formal registers in Italian.
Level 3
Related Patterns
- si (passivante)Passive 'Si' (Si Passivante)
Explains why 'si prega' becomes 'si pregano' when followed by a plural subject.
Level 3 - Formal Imperative (Lei)
The direct formal alternative to the impersonal 'si prega di' construction.
Level 2 - Bureaucratic Register (Overview)
Provides the broader context of where and why these types of formal formulas are used in Italy.
Level 5
Learn Next
Patterns that build on this one.
Words in This Pattern
Sources
Practice si prega di + Infinitive in Bubblegum
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