Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA |
|---|---|
| calmarsi | /kalˈmar.si/ |
| rilassarsi | /ri.lasˈsar.si/ |
The choice of phrase depends on the specific context of the relaxation. Use calmarsi when someone is agitated, angry or panicking and needs to regain their composure. Use rilassarsi when someone is resting, de-stressing or simply taking it easy.
Which one should you use?
calmarsi is used for the act of calming down from a state of agitation, whereas rilassarsi is used for the act of relaxing or de-stressing.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
In Italy, the form Rilassati is an informal way to say "chill out" used among friends. You may also use the informal phrase stai tranquillo to mean "chill out" or "don't worry" in casual conversation. Another informal expression is Pigliati una pausa, which means "take a break".
How does it change in a sentence?
Both calmarsi and rilassarsi are reflexive verbs, which means the person performing the action is also the one receiving the effect of the calming or relaxation.
How do you pronounce it?
/kalˈmar.si/, with three syllables and the stress on the second syllable.
Did you know?
- While rilassarsi is the standard word for 'relaxing', Italians often use the phrase staccare la spina, which literally means 'to unplug the plug'.
- In many Italian regions, the gesture of waving a hand near the neck or side can accompany stai tranquillo to reinforce the idea of 'don't worry about it'.
- The informal Pigliati una pausa uses the verb pigliare, which is a more colloquial and earthy version of the standard verb prendere for 'to take'.
Examples in context
- È difficile calmarsi quando sei arrabbiato.It is hard to calm down when you are angry.
Example conversation
Sofia and Francesco are arguing about a small mistake.
- SofiaFrancesco, devi calmarsi!Francesco, you need to chill out!
- FrancescoNon posso, sono troppo arrabbiato.I can't, I'm too angry.
- SofiaProva a calmarsi e respira.Try to chill out and breathe.
- FrancescoVa bene, proverò a farlo.Alright, I will try to do that.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “chill out” translations and entries calmarsi, rilassarsi, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
