resta te stesso
/ˈrɛs.ta te ˈstes.so/word by word
The English phrase "keep it real" can be translated into Italian as resta te stesso.
This phrase is used to encourage someone to be authentic. While the English equivalent can sometimes carry a connotation of street credibility, resta te stesso focuses more on the psychological concept of being true to one's own character.
Meaning: to be authentic (verb)
How do you pronounce it?
The phrase consists of 4 syllables, with the stress on the 1st syllable: /ˈrɛs.ta te ˈstes.so/.
Did you know?
- In Italian, the concept of being 'real' or 'authentic' is often linked to the word sincero, which shares a root with the Latin 'sine cera' meaning 'without wax'.
- While resta te stesso is a gentle encouragement, telling someone to 'be real' in a more confrontational or slang-heavy way can involve the word spara la verità, which literally means 'shoot the truth'.
- The word stesso is a linguistic hybrid created by merging the Latin words 'istum' meaning 'that' and 'ipsum' meaning 'himself'.
Examples in context
- Non cambiare per gli altri, resta te stesso.Don't change for others, keep being yourself.
- Sii onesto e resta te stesso in ogni situazione.Be honest and keep it real in every situation.
Example conversation
Matteo and Chiara are talking about a new job opportunity.
- MatteoNon devi cercare di compiacere tutti al lavoro.You don't have to try to please everyone at work.
- ChiaraHai ragione, cercherò di essere naturale.You're right, I will try to be natural.
- MatteoEsatto, resta te stesso e vedrai che andrà bene.Exactly, keep it real and you will see it will go well.
- ChiaraGrazie Matteo, apprezzo molto il tuo consiglio.Thanks Matteo, I really appreciate your advice.
