calmati
The English phrase 'quiet down' can be translated into Italian as calmati.
While calmati can mean 'quiet down', it is more frequently used to mean 'calm down' emotionally.
Meaning: become quieter (verb)
Which one should you use?
Use calmati when speaking to a single person. Use calmatevi when addressing a group of people.
How does it change in a sentence?
calmati is the informal singular imperative of the reflexive verb calmarsi. calmatevi is the informal plural imperative used when addressing a group of people.
Did you know?
- The root of calmati is shared with the English word 'calm', as both derive from the Greek kauma, referring to the midday heat and the resulting stillness of the wind.
- While calmati is a direct command, saying calmati to a stranger can sound condescending or even patronizing in an Italian social context.
- If you want someone to be quiet because they are being too noisy rather than emotional, Italians often use the command stai zitto instead of calmati.
Examples in context
- Silenzio, per favore.Silence, please.
- Scusi, potrebbe abbassare il tono della voce?Excuse me, could you lower your voice?
- Per cortesia, potrebbe fare meno rumore?Please, could you make less noise?
- Stai tranquillo!Stay calm! or Stay quiet!
- Fai meno rumore, per favore.Make less noise, please.
- Abbassa la voce!Lower your voice!
- Non fare rumore.Don't make noise.
- Smettila di parlare così forte.Stop talking so loud.
- Per piacere, potresti essere più silenzioso?Please, could you be quieter?
- Calmati, il bambino sta dormendo.Quiet down, the baby is sleeping.
Example conversation
Lorenzo is very agitated while talking in a library.
- ChiaraLorenzo, per favore calmati.Lorenzo, please quiet down.
- LorenzoScusa, sono solo molto nervoso.Sorry, I am just very nervous.
- ChiaraVa bene, ma non urlare qui.It's okay, but don't shout here.
- LorenzoHai ragione, cercherò di stare tranquillo.You're right, I will try to be calm.
