discreto
/disˈkre.to/
The English phrase 'discreet' translates to Italian as discreto.
discreto is used to describe someone or something that is respectful of privacy or secrecy, quiet or diplomatic.
Meaning: respectful of privacy or secrecy, quiet, diplomatic (adj)
Which one should you use?
While the English 'discreet' focuses on privacy, the Italian discreto has the additional meaning of being moderate or decent.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies. Use the feminine singular form discreta for feminine subjects, the feminine plural form discrete for groups of women or feminine nouns and the masculine plural form discreti for groups of men or mixed-gender groups.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 3 syllables, with the stress on the 2nd syllable: /disˈkre.to/.
When do people say it?
If you want to informally say 'Don't worry!' (literally 'Be calm!'), you can use the expression Tranquillo/a!
Did you know?
- The word discreto shares its Latin root with the English 'discrete', but in Italian, the two concepts are merged into one single word.
- The word discreto is frequently used in Italian to describe a modest or understated fashion style, often implying an elegant lack of flashiness.
- In Italy, if a waiter tells you the quality of a dish is discreto, they are likely giving it a mediocre or average grade rather than a compliment.
Examples in context
- Tom è molto discreto.Tom is very discreet.This sentence shows how to use discreto to describe a person.Tatoeba #5562055 by Guybrush88, translation #3424346 by CK
- Io ero molto discreto.I was very discreet.This sentence shows the past tense usage of discreto.Tatoeba #7018447 by Guybrush88, translation #6357516 by CK
- Io sarò molto discreto.I'll be very discreet.This sentence shows the future tense usage of discreto.Tatoeba #2041907 by Guybrush88, translation #1890879 by CK
- La mia relazione con lui è molto riservata.My relationship with him is very discreet.
- Vi prego di mantenere queste informazioni riservate.Please keep this information discreet.
- La mia famiglia è sempre stata molto riservata riguardo ai loro problemi.My family has always been discreet about their problems.
- 35 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Matteo asks Sofia for help with a secret surprise.
- MatteoPuoi aiutarmi con una sorpresa? Sii discreto.Can you help me with a surprise? Be discreet.
- SofiaCerto, Matteo, sarò molto discreto.Of course, Matteo, I will be very discreet.
- MatteoGrazie, Sofia, preferisco che rimanga un segreto.Thanks, Sofia, I prefer that it remains a secret.
- SofiaNon preoccuparti, sono sempre discreto.Don't worry, I am always discreet.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “discreet” translations and entries discreto, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries discreto, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
