puntellarsi
The English verb 'brace' can be translated into Italian as puntellarsi or tenersi forte.
Meaning: intransitive: to prepare for something bad (verb)
Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA |
|---|---|
| puntellarsi | |
| tenersi forte | /teˈner.si ˈfɔr.te/ (word by word) |
When used as an intransitive verb meaning to prepare for something bad, you can use either puntellarsi or tenersi forte.
What does it mean word for word?
The verb puntellarsi is composed of puntellare (to prop up or support) and the reflexive suffix -si, which literally means 'to prop oneself up'.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
In the phrase tenersi forte, the word forte functions as an adverb meaning 'strongly' or 'firmly' rather than as an adjective.
Did you know?
- If you use puntellare in a political context, it can mean to 'prop up' a weak government or a failing institution, much like bracing a falling structure.
- While tenersi forte means to brace oneself, if you say tenersi forte to a person, they might think you are telling them to 'hold on tight' physically, like on a rollercoaster.
- The word forte in tenersi forte shares its roots with the English 'fortitude', both descending from the Latin 'fortis'.
Examples in context
- Ho bisogno di indossare un corsetto per migliorare la posturaI need to wear a brace to improve my posture
- Dopo l'infortunio, il medico mi ha applicato un supporto alla cavigliaAfter the injury, the doctor put a brace on my ankle
- Ho avuto un infortunio alla mano e mi hanno messo un tutoreI injured my hand, and they put a brace on it
- Mi sono rotto il polso, quindi sto usando un reggibraccioI broke my wrist, so I'm using an arm brace
- Mi sono infortunato alla schiena, quindi sto usando un corsetto durante la riabilitazioneI injured my back, so I'm using a brace during rehabilitation
- Ho comprato un tutore per il ginocchio per evitare lesioni durante gli allenamenti di calcioI bought a knee brace to prevent injuries during soccer training
Example conversation
Alessandro and Chiara are waiting for a difficult performance review.
- AlessandroIl capo sembra molto arrabbiato oggi.The boss seems very angry today.
- ChiaraSì, dobbiamo puntellarsi per le critiche.Yes, we have to brace ourselves for the criticisms.
- AlessandroSpero che non sia troppo severo con noi.I hope he isn't too severe with us.
- ChiaraNon farci illusioni, Chiara.Don't kid yourself, Chiara.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “brace” translations and entries puntellarsi, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (tenersi, forte) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries forte, CC BY-SA 4.0.
