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PhrasesAt a PartyMi fermo ancora un po'. La compagnia è troppo bella.
B1informal

Mi fermo ancora un po'. La compagnia è troppo bella.

I am staying a little longer. The company is too lovely.

Pronunciation

'Fermo' = FER-mo. 'Compagnia' = com-pa-GNI-a, with 'gn' like 'ny'.

When to use it

Use this when someone has asked if you are leaving but you want to stay. It is a generous compliment to everyone present — you are staying not for the alcohol or food, but for the company ('la compagnia'). This is the highest social compliment.

What it means

'Fermarsi' (to stop/stay) — reflexive verb. 'Mi fermo' = 'I will stop/stay'. 'Ancora un po'' = 'a little longer / a little more'. 'La compagnia' here means the company/the people present rather than the business meaning.

Variations

Non ho voglia di andare via. Sto troppo bene qui.

I don't feel like leaving. I feel too good here.

'Stare bene' = to feel good/comfortable

Un'altra mezz'ora e poi vado, promesso.

Another half hour and then I go, I promise.

Negotiating staying with a gentle time commitment

Con voi il tempo passa senza accorgersene.

With you, time passes without noticing.

Beautiful expression of enjoyment of company

Mini Dialogue

— Non sei stanco/a? Sono già le due! — Mi fermo ancora un po'. La compagnia è troppo bella. — Allora ci vuole un altro bicchiere di vino! — Con piacere! Alla salute di tutti.

— Are you not tired? It is already two o'clock! — I am staying a little longer. The company is too lovely. — Then we need another glass of wine! — With pleasure! Cheers to everyone.

Cultural Note

The Italian toast 'alla salute' (to health) or 'cin cin' (cheers) is an integral part of party culture. Every new drink is an occasion for a toast, and the warmth of the toast ('che brindisi!') reflects the relationship between the people drinking. Long parties with late-night toasts are remembered fondly as 'serate indimenticabili' (unforgettable evenings).