rimanere in contatto
/ri.maˈne.re in konˈtat.to/word by word
The English phrase 'keep in touch' is translated into Italian as rimanere in contatto.
The phrase rimanere in contatto is used to express the idea of continuing to communicate with someone over a period of time. You can also use restare in contatto interchangeably to mean the same thing.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the verb rimanere (to remain or stay) and the prepositional phrase in contatto (in contact).
Which one should you use?
While rimanere in contatto is a direct translation of 'keep in touch', Italians often use the reflexive verb sentirsi (literally 'to feel each other') to mean 'to stay in touch' or 'to talk to each other' in more casual contexts.
How does it change in a sentence?
When specifying the person you are keeping in touch with, you must use the preposition con after the phrase, forming rimanere in contatto con.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /ri.maˈne.re in konˈtat.to/. The stress is on the third of six syllables.
Did you know?
- While rimanere in contatto is correct, Italians frequently use sentirsi to say 'let's keep in touch'. This verb literally means 'to feel one another' but refers to hearing from someone via phone or message.
- The verb rimanere is a close relative of the English word 'remain'. Both derive from the Latin remanēre, where re- means 'back' and manēre means 'to stay'.
- The phrase rimanere in contatto can sound slightly formal or professional. In a close friendship, using this exact phrasing might seem unexpectedly distant or cold.
Examples in context
- Tom e Mary hanno convenuto di rimanere in contatto.Tom and Mary agreed to keep in touch.This sentence shows an agreement between two people to maintain communication using rimanere in contatto.Tatoeba #5676727 by dnnywld, translation #5648503 by zumley
- Gentile Signora Rossi, spero che rimanga in contatto. La ringrazio ancora per il suo tempo.Dear Mrs. Rossi, I hope you'll keep in touch. Thank you again for your time.
- Mi ha fatto molto piacere incontrarla durante la conferenza. Si tenga in contatto per eventuali collaborazioni future.It was a pleasure meeting you during the conference. Please keep in touch for any future collaborations.
- È stato un piacere lavorare con lei. Restiamo in contatto per eventuali aggiornamenti sul progetto.It has been a pleasure working with you. Let's stay in touch for any project updates.
- È stato bello incontrarti stamattina! Stiamo in contatto e organizziamo qualcosa insieme.It was great meeting you this morning! Let's keep in touch and plan something together.
- Non vedo l'ora di rivederti. Continuiamo a sentirci per organizzare la nostra prossima avventura!I can't wait to see you again. Let's keep in touch to plan our next adventure!
- Dobbiamo rimanere in contatto dopo l'estate.We must keep in touch after the summer.
- Cercherò di rimanere in contatto con te.I will try to keep in touch with you.
Example conversation
Two friends are saying goodbye at the train station.
- MartinaÈ stato bello vederti, Francesco.It was good to see you, Francesco.
- FrancescoAnche per me, Martina. Dobbiamo rimanere in contatto.For me too, Martina. We must keep in touch.
- MartinaCerto, ti scriverò spesso.Of course, I will write to you often.
- FrancescoVa bene, a presto!Alright, see you soon!
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (rimanere, in, contatto) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries contatto, in, rimanere, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
