calmarsi
/kalˈmar.si/
The English phrase "calm down" can be translated into Italian as calmarsi. Wiktionary also lists tranquillizzarsi and tranquillarsi.
Meaning: To become less excited (verb)
Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| calmarsi | /kalˈmar.si/ | |
| tranquillizzarsi | /tran.kwil.lidˈd͡zar.si/ | |
| tranquillarsi | /tran.kwilˈlar.si/ | uncommon |
The phrase is used to describe the act of becoming less excited.
Which one should you use?
calmarsi is the most common way to express the idea of calming down. In contrast, tranquillizzarsi specifically implies the process of becoming more tranquil or peaceful. The form tranquillarsi is considered uncommon.
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb calmarsi is reflexive, which means the action is directed back at the subject.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 3 syllables, with the stress on the second syllable: /kalˈmar.si/.
Did you know?
- In heated Italian arguments, telling someone calmati can often have the opposite effect and be perceived as patronizing or provocative.
- To express a sudden loss of anger, Italians might use calmare le acque, which literally means 'to calm the waters'.
- If you want to tell someone to 'chill out' or 'relax' in a very informal way, Italians might use the English loanword chillare instead of the formal tranquillizzarsi.
Examples in context
- Dissi a Jane di calmarsi.I told Jane to calm down.This example shows how to use calmarsi when reporting a command to someone.Tatoeba #3480958 by Guybrush88, translation #1349594 by CN
- Dovrebbe calmarsi un po'.You should calm down a little.This example uses calmarsi to suggest someone should relax slightly.Tatoeba #5362838 by Guybrush88, translation #3192863 by Jesse
- La musica aiutò Ziri a calmarsi.The music helped Ziri calm down.This example demonstrates how an external factor can help someone use calmarsi.Tatoeba #11043561 by Guybrush88, translation #11023774 by Amastan
- A: Ho perso il mio portafoglio! B: Tranquillo/a, forse l'hai lasciato a casa.A: I lost my wallet! B: Take it easy, maybe you left it at home.
- 5 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Chiara and Matteo are arguing about a broken vase.
- ChiaraDevi calmarsi, Matteo! Stai urlando.You need to calm down, Matteo! You are shouting.
- MatteoNon posso, sono davvero arrabbiato!I can't, I am really angry!
- ChiaraRespira profondamente per calmarsi un momento.Breathe deeply to calm down for a moment.
- MatteoHai ragione, cercherò di tranquillizzarmi.You are right, I will try to relax.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “calm down” translations and entries calmarsi, tranquillizzarsi, tranquillarsi, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
