sta' attento
The English phrase "be safe" can be translated into Italian as sta' attento.
This phrase is used to tell someone to be careful and avoid danger.
Which one should you use?
You can also use Fai attenzione or Faccia attenzione to express the meaning "be careful."
How does it change in a sentence?
To tell a female to be safe, you change the adjective to the feminine form sta' attenta. To tell a group of people to be safe, use the plural form state attenti.
Did you know?
- The word attento shares its roots with the English word 'attention', both coming from the Latin 'attentus', meaning 'stretched toward'.
- If you want to tell someone to 'be safe' in a more general way, like 'take care of yourself', Italians often use the phrase stai bene, which literally translates to 'stay well'.
- The phrase Fai attenzione uses the verb 'fare', meaning 'to do' or 'to make', rather than the verb 'to be' used in the English 'be safe'.
Examples in context
- Stia al sicuro, mio stimato amico.Be safe, my esteemed friend
- Sta' attento quando attraversi la strada.Be careful when you cross the street.
- Sta' attento con quel coltello affilato.Be careful with that sharp knife.
- Sta' attento perché il pavimento è scivoloso.Be careful because the floor is slippery.
Example conversation
Chiara is seeing Matteo off as he leaves for a hike.
- ChiaraBuon viaggio, Matteo!Have a good trip, Matteo!
- MatteoGrazie, Chiara!Thanks, Chiara!
- ChiaraSta' attento durante il percorso.Be safe during the hike.
- MatteoNon preoccuparti, lo farò.Don't worry, I will.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries attento, CC BY-SA 4.0.
