What does it mean word for word?
The phrase sii gentile is composed of the imperative sii (be) and the adjective gentile (kind/polite), which literally translates to "be kind".
Which one should you use?
While sii gentile is the standard form, other options exist depending on the specific nuance or person being addressed. Use Sii simpatico or Sii simpatica for an informal way to say "be nice" when addressing a male or female respectively. You can also use Sii carino as an informal way to say "be nice". For a more formal request meaning "have kindness", use Abbia gentilezza.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form sii gentile uses the singular informal imperative of the verb essere (to be). When you want to say you are being nice to someone, use the preposition con (with/to) rather than a (to), as seen in the phrase sii gentile con me.
Did you know?
- While gentile means 'kind' today, it was used in Latin to describe someone who was a 'heathen' or 'pagan'.
- If you tell someone to sii simpatico, you are not asking them to be 'sympathetic' in the English sense, but rather to be likable and charming.
- If you tell someone to sii carino, you are literally telling them to 'be cute'.
Examples in context
- Sii gentile con me.Be nice to me.This sentence is useful for practicing how to say "be nice to me" using sii gentile.Tatoeba #4515567 by Guybrush88, translation #3906964 by CH
- Sii gentile con lei.Be nice to her.This sentence is useful for practicing how to say "be nice to her" using sii gentile.Tatoeba #949911 by Guybrush88, translation #308934 by CK
- Sii gentile con lui.Be nice to him.This sentence is useful for practicing how to say "be nice to him" using sii gentile.Tatoeba #5694416 by Guybrush88, translation #3906965 by CH
- Siate gentili tra di voi durante questa riunione.Be nice to each other during this meeting.
- Mostrati gentile.Show kindness.
- Tratta gli altri con gentilezza.Treat others with kindness.
- Sii amichevole.Be friendly.
- 10 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Francesco is telling Martina how to act during a meeting.
- FrancescoSii gentile con i nuovi colleghi.Be nice to the new colleagues.
- MartinaLo farò, non preoccuparti.I will, don't worry.
- FrancescoGrazie, Martina, apprezzo molto il tuo aiuto.Thanks, Martina, I really appreciate your help.
- MartinaDi nulla, Francesco, è un piacere.You're welcome, Francesco, it's a pleasure.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries gentile, sii, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
