FastItalian LearningSign in
PhrasesCancelling PlansDevo aiutare un amico a traslocare.
B1informal

Devo aiutare un amico a traslocare.

I have to help a friend move house.

Pronunciation

'Traslocare' — tra-zlo-CA-re. Stress on the third syllable. The 'sl' cluster is unusual — say it clearly.

When to use it

Use when you have committed to helping a friend move. In Italy, helping friends move is a serious social obligation — essentially compulsory among close friends.

What it means

'Traslocare' means to move house (not to move an object — that's 'spostare'). Helping a friend move ('aiutare a traslocare') is a deeply ingrained social duty in Italian culture. The pizza and beer reward is an understood social contract.

Variations

Un amico ha bisogno di me per il trasloco.

A friend needs me for the move.

'Trasloco' (the move/removal) is the noun form — equally natural

Aiuto un amico a portare i mobili.

I'm helping a friend carry the furniture.

More specific — emphasises the physical labour involved

Ho promesso di aiutare con il trasloco.

I promised to help with the move.

Emphasises prior commitment — you can't back out now

Mini Dialogue

— Vieni al barbecue di Luca? — Non posso, devo aiutare Marco a traslocare. — Che anima buona! — Almeno ci paga la pizza alla fine!

— Are you coming to Luca's barbecue? — I can't, I have to help Marco move house. — What a good soul! — At least he's paying for pizza at the end!

Cultural Note

The social contract for helping friends move in Italy is clear: the person moving provides pizza and beer at the end of the day. This is not optional — it's expected and marks the end of the moving day ritual.