guida piano
/ˈɡwi.da ˈpja.no/word by word
The Italian phrase for "drive slowly" is guida piano.
This phrase is a request or command to operate a vehicle at a low speed. You can use the infinitive form guidare piano to express the general concept of driving slowly.
What does it mean word for word?
Guida is the imperative form of the verb guidare (to drive), and piano functions here as an adverb meaning "slowly".
Which one should you use?
While piano is commonly used to mean "slowly" in this context, lentamente is a more formal adverb for "slowly".
How does it change in a sentence?
The form guida piano uses the singular imperative, which is used when addressing one person informally. To address a group of people, use guidate piano instead of guida piano.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation of guida piano is /ˈɡwi.da ˈpja.no/. It has 4 syllables, with the stress on the 1st syllable.
Did you know?
- In Italian, piano can mean a floor of a building, a flat surface or a secret plan. This makes it one of the most versatile words in the phrase.
- In many Italian musical contexts, the instruction piano means to play 'softly' rather than 'slowly'.
- Using piano in a sentence can be a gesture of comfort. When telling someone piano piano, it often means 'take your time' or 'step by step' regardless of whether they are driving.
Examples in context
- Si prega di guidare con cautela in questa zona residenziale.Please drive with caution in this residential area.
- Ricorda, guida piano quando vai a trovare i tuoi amici.Remember, drive slowly when you go to meet your friends.
- Guida lentamente e sarai sicuro sulla strada.Drive slowly, and you'll be safe on the road.
- Guida piano, c'è molta nebbia.Drive slowly, there is a lot of fog.
- Per favore, guida piano in questo parcheggio.Please, drive slowly in this parking lot.
- Guida piano perché la strada è scivolosa.Drive slowly because the road is slippery.
Example conversation
Matteo is driving Sofia through a narrow mountain road during a storm.
- MatteoLa strada è molto stretta.The road is very narrow.
- SofiaSì, guida piano, Matteo.Yes, drive slowly, Matteo.
- MatteoCercherò di fare attenzione.I will try to be careful.
- SofiaGrazie, mi sento più sicura così.Thank you, I feel safer this way.
