Learn Hardcore Italian: Quando arrivi, citofona pure: ti apro io. - When you arrive, just ring the intercom; I’ll buzz you in.

It’s the 2nd-person singular imperative of citofonare: “buzz me on the intercom,” “ring the intercom.” It does not mean “call me on the phone” (that would be chiama or telefonami), nor simply “ring the doorbell” (suona il campanello) unless the “doorbell” is specifically an intercom.

Why does Italian use the present (arrivi) to talk about the future?

In time clauses introduced by words like quando, appena, se, Italian typically uses the present tense to refer to future events. So Quando arrivi, … is the normal way to say “When you arrive, …” even though the arrival is in the future.

Can I say Quando arriverai instead of Quando arrivi?

Yes, it’s correct: Quando arriverai, …. However, everyday Italian prefers the present in the time clause. The future is more formal or is used when the main clause also uses the future, e.g. Quando arriverai, ti aprirò.

What does pure add to the sentence?

Here pure softens the imperative and means “go ahead,” “feel free,” “by all means.” So citofona pure ≈ “do feel free to buzz.” It’s not the same as anche (“also”). Common patterns: entra pure, dimmi pure, scrivimi pure.

Is citofona pure informal? How do I say it politely or to more than one person?

Informal (tu, one person): Quando arrivi, citofona pure: ti apro io.
Polite (Lei, one person): Quando arriva, citofoni pure: Le apro io.
Plural (voi): Quando arrivate, citofonate pure: vi apro io.

What does ti apro io literally mean, and why is io at the end?

Literally: “I open (for) you.” The final io adds emphasis: “I’ll be the one to open (for you), not someone else.” Without io (ti apro) it’s neutral; with io it highlights the subject.

Is ti a direct or an indirect object here?

Indirect (dative). Think “I’ll open [the door/gate] to/for you.” The direct object (e.g., la porta / il portone) is omitted because it’s obvious: (Ti) apro [il portone].

Can I just say Ti apro or put io at the start?

Ti apro is fine and neutral: “I’ll open (for you).”
Io ti apro also adds emphasis, but Ti apro io is especially idiomatic for “I’ll do it myself.”

Can I use the future ti aprirò io?

Yes: Quando arrivi, citofona pure: ti aprirò io is grammatical. The future adds a promise/assurance vibe and can feel more formal or firm. In casual speech, the present ti apro is more common.

Why is there a colon? Could I use other punctuation or wording?

The colon introduces an explanation/result: “Buzz me—(because) I’ll open for you.” A period or semicolon also works: … citofona pure. Ti apro io. You can also make the link explicit: … citofona pure, così ti apro.

How do I form the imperative of citofonare? What about negatives and pronouns?

Affirmative: tu citofona, Lei citofoni, noi citofoniamo, voi citofonate.
Negative: tu non citofonare, Lei non citofoni, voi non citofonate.
With pronouns (affirmative, they attach): citofonami pure (“go ahead and buzz me”).
Negative (tu): either non mi citofonare or non citofonarmi.

Do I need a preposition with citofonare?

Yes: citofonare a qualcuno (“to buzz someone”). Examples:

Quando arrivi, citofona a me / citofonami.
Citofonagli (“buzz him”), citofonatele (“buzz her”), etc.

Can I say suona (il) citofono or suona il campanello instead?

Suona il citofono = “ring the intercom” (synonymous with citofona).
Suona il campanello = “ring the doorbell” (if it’s just a bell, not an intercom).
Bussa = “knock.” Choose based on what the building actually has.

Could I use venire instead of arrivare? Does it change the meaning?

Quando vieni is also idiomatic and focuses on “coming (to me/us).” Quando arrivi focuses on the moment of arrival at the destination. In this context, both are fine: Quando vieni, citofona pure works naturally.