Allontaniamoci

Allontaniamoci is the first-person plural imperative form of the reflexive verb allontanarsi, meaning to distance oneself or move away. The phrase literally translates as “let us distance ourselves” and is used to propose a collective action by a group. Grammatically, it is formed with the stem allontan- plus the imperative ending -iamoci, and the pronoun ci indicates reflexive action: noi allontaniamoci. Related forms include tu allontanati, lei si allontani, voi allontanatevi, loro si allontanino.

The expression can be used in both literal and figurative senses. Literally, it can guide people to physically move away from a danger or an uncomfortable location, as in Allontaniamoci dal cane aggressivo (Let us distance ourselves from the aggressive dog) or Allontaniamoci da quel luogo. Figuratively, it can suggest disengaging from a situation or conversation, for example Allontaniamoci dalla discussione nelle prossime ore, to prevent escalation.

Etymology traces to allontanare, meaning to move away, with the reflexive suffix -arsi, and the particle lontano (far). In everyday Italian, allontaniamoci conveys a courteous or neutral exhortation to act together, with tone ranging from precautionary to urgent depending on context. It is common in spoken language, instructional material, and written discourse where a coordinated withdrawal or disengagement is appropriate.