lascialo
The English phrase "leave it" is translated into Italian as lascialo.
lascialo is used as a command to stop touching or disturbing a specific person or object.
What does it mean word for word?
The word lascialo is a combination of the imperative verb lascia (leave) and the masculine singular direct object pronoun lo (it).
Which one should you use?
While lascialo is used to tell someone to physically leave an object alone, the phrase lascia stare is an idiomatic way to say "let it be" or "never mind" in a figurative sense.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form of the word changes depending on the gender and number of the object, or the person being addressed. Use lasciala if the object is feminine, and lasciali to say "leave them" for masculine or mixed-gender objects. If you are commanding a group of people to leave a masculine object, use lasciatelo or lasciatela for a feminine object.
Did you know?
- The root verb lasciare is a linguistic cousin to the English word 'lax', as both derive from the Latin 'laxare' meaning to loosen.
- In some regional dialects, the command to 'leave it' might be replaced by molla, which literally means 'spring' or 'let go' like a released coil.
- Italian uses the same verb lasciare for both 'leaving an object alone' and 'leaving a place' or 'breaking up' with a partner.
Examples in context
- Lascialo dove l'hai trovato.Leave it where you found it.This sentence shows how to say leave it where you found it using lascialo.Tatoeba #1713983 by Guybrush88, translation #42473 by CK
- Lascialo.Leave it.Tatoeba #1996804 by Guybrush88, translation #1954272 by CK
- Lascialo!Leave it!Tatoeba #2715777 by Guybrush88, translation #510858 by wma
- Mi dispiace, ma ti consiglio di lasciar perdere.I'm sorry, but I recommend you leave it.
- Lascia stare, non voglio sapere pettegolezzi.Leave it, I don't want to know gossip.
- Dai, molla, non ne vale la pena.Come on, leave it, it's not worth it.
- 13 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A man is about to touch a delicate souvenir on a shelf.
- SofiaFrancesco, non toccare quel vaso!Francesco, don't touch that vase!
- FrancescoPerché? È molto bello.Why? It's very beautiful.
- SofiaÈ fragile, lascialo stare.It's fragile, leave it alone.
- FrancescoVa bene, non lo tocco più.Alright, I won't touch it anymore.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
