attenzione
/at.tenˈt͡sjo.ne/feminine
The English word "attention" is translated into Italian as attenzione.
attenzione is a feminine noun used to denote mental focus. In Italian, when you want to say "to pay attention," you use the verb prestare (to lend/provide) rather than pagare (to pay money). Another common way to express paying attention or being careful is the phrase fare attenzione, which is often used to mean "to be careful" or "to watch out."
Meaning: mental focus (noun)
Which one should you use?
While attenzione refers to the concept of mental focus, the related form attenti is used specifically as a command to mean "attention!" within a military or formal drill context.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
attenzione is a feminine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 4 syllables, with the stress on the 3rd syllable: /at.tenˈtsjo.ne/.
When do people say it?
To call for someone's attention informally, you can use Ascolta! (Listen!) or Guarda! (Look!). For a more discreet approach, Psst! is used to attract someone's attention quietly.
Did you know?
- To warn someone of immediate danger, Italians often use the word Occhio!, which translates literally to 'Eye!' This treats the eye as a shorthand for the entire act of paying attention.
- While attenzione describes mental focus, the adjective attento can describe a person's permanent personality trait, meaning they are naturally 'mindful' or 'considerate' of others.
- In many Italian contexts, the command Attenzione! is often accompanied by a specific hand gesture, such as pointing a finger or a sudden palms-up motion to signal an immediate hazard.
Examples in context
- Io non feci attenzione.I didn't pay attention.This sentence is useful for expressing that one did not pay attention using attenzione.Tatoeba #2284011 by Guybrush88, translation #2271752 by CK
- Tu non presti attenzione?Don't you pay attention?This sentence is useful for asking if someone is paying attention using attenzione.Tatoeba #4107379 by Guybrush88, translation #2271391 by CK
- Ha già la mia attenzione.You have my attention already.This sentence is useful for stating that someone already has your attention using attenzione.Tatoeba #4555373 by Guybrush88, translation #3729741 by CM
- Attenzione, signore e signori!Attention, ladies and gentlemen!
- Prego, presti attenzione alla mia presentazione.Please, pay attention to my presentation.
- Fai attenzione a non scivolare sulla pavimentazione bagnata.Be careful not to slip on the wet floor.
- Ti prego di porre attenzione alle istruzioni del professore.Please pay attention to the professor's instructions.
- 436 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Martina is trying to explain something to Alessandro while he is on his phone.
- MartinaAlessandro, per favore, dammi un po' di attenzione.Alessandro, please give me a bit of attention.
- AlessandroScusa Martina, a cosa stavi dicendo?Sorry Martina, what were you saying?
- MartinaNon riesco a parlare se non hai attenzione.I can't talk if you don't have focus.
- AlessandroHai ragione, ora ti ascolto con attenzione.You are right, now I am listening to you with attention.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “attention” translations and entries attenzione, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
