FastItalian LearningSign in
PhrasesBreakupsCome si va avanti dopo una cosa così?
B1informal

Come si va avanti dopo una cosa così?

How do you move forward after something like this?

Pronunciation

come si va a-VAN-ti DO-po u-na CO-sa co-SÌ — stress on 'van-', 'do-', 'co-', 'sì'.

When to use it

The question asked after a breakup — processing how to begin again when everything feels broken.

What it means

'Come si va avanti' = how does one move forward (impersonal 'si' construction). 'Dopo una cosa così' = after something like this. The impersonal 'si va' distances the question from the individual, making it feel universal — everyone who has experienced breakup has asked this. It opens space for real conversation about recovery.

Variations

Non so come ricominciare.

I don't know how to start again.

'Ricominciare' = to start again — the word for post-breakup renewal

Ho bisogno di imparare a stare da solo/a di nuovo.

I need to learn to be alone again.

Specifically about solitude — rebuilding a relationship with oneself

Un giorno alla volta — anche se adesso sembra impossibile.

One day at a time — even though right now it seems impossible.

The most practical and compassionate post-breakup advice

Mini Dialogue

— Come si va avanti dopo una cosa così? — Non lo so. Un passo alla volta, credo. — E se non riesco? — Allora un momento alla volta. — E se neanche quello? — Allora un respiro alla volta. Poi si ricomincia.

— How do you move forward after something like this? — I don't know. One step at a time, I think. — And if I can't manage that? — Then one moment at a time. — And if not even that? — Then one breath at a time. Then you start again.

Cultural Note

The Italian approach to post-breakup recovery emphasises practical progression ('un passo alla volta' — one step at a time) combined with emotional acceptance. 'Andare avanti' (moving forward) is not about suppressing grief but about committing to life even while grieving. Friends and family play an enormous role in Italian recovery — 'la famiglia' and 'gli amici' are the natural support network.