fai attenzione
In Italian, "be careful" is expressed as fai attenzione.
This phrase is a warning used to tell someone to be cautious or alert to avoid danger or mistakes.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase fai attenzione literally means "make attention", composed of the verb fare (to do/make) and the noun attenzione (attention).
Which one should you use?
While fai attenzione and stai attento are often interchangeable, stai attento is more commonly used as a direct command to "watch out" for immediate physical danger.
How does it change in a sentence?
When addressing a group of people, use the second-person plural imperative fate attenzione. If you are speaking to someone formally, you should use the third-person singular imperative faccia attenzione instead of the informal fai attenzione. The form stia attento is also conjugated in the second person singular, formal form.
Did you know?
- Italian has the word accortezza, which describes the quality of being careful and resourceful, combining the ideas of 'caution' and 'cleverness' into one concept.
- The word attenzione shares a common ancestor with the English word 'intent'. Both stem from the Latin 'attendere', which means to stretch towards or to direct one's mind toward something.
- While fai attenzione is a general warning, Italians often use the word guarda (look) as a shorthand for 'be careful' when someone is about to step in a puddle or trip.
Examples in context
- Fai attenzione a Tom.Be careful of Tom.This sentence shows how to use fai attenzione to express being careful regarding a specific person.Tatoeba #4274639 by Guybrush88, translation #2047592 by CK
- Fai attenzione lì dentro.Be careful in there.This sentence demonstrates using fai attenzione to warn someone about a specific location.Tatoeba #2942641 by Guybrush88, translation #2047601 by CK
- Fai attenzione, c'è un'auto!Be careful, there's a car!This sentence provides an example of using fai attenzione as a sudden warning regarding an immediate danger.Tatoeba #5137527 by Guybrush88, translation #4787551 by Joseph
- Mi scusi, faccia attenzione alla buca sulla stradaExcuse me, be careful of the pothole on the road
- Stia attento con quel documentoBe careful with that document
- Fai attenzione quando attraversi la stradaBe careful when you cross the street
- Stai attento, il pavimento è scivolosoBe careful, the floor is slippery
- 31 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Chiara and Lorenzo are walking near a slippery floor.
- ChiaraFai attenzione, Lorenzo, il pavimento è bagnato.Be careful, Lorenzo, the floor is wet.
- LorenzoGrazie, Chiara, non l'avevo visto.Thanks, Chiara, I hadn't seen it.
- ChiaraCammina piano per non scivolare.Walk slowly so you don't slip.
- LorenzoHai ragione, vado con prudenza.You're right, I'll go cautiously.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries attenzione, fai, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
