salvacondotto
The English phrase "safe passage" is translated into Italian as salvacondotto.
salvacondotto refers to a formal document or guarantee that allows a person to travel through a dangerous area without being attacked or arrested. Beyond its literal meaning of a physical document, the term is used metaphorically to describe a general guarantee of immunity or protection in various contexts.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of salvacondotto is salvacondotti.
When do people say it?
If you wish to wish someone a safe journey or trip in formal Standard Italian, the most common way is to say Buon viaggio.
Did you know?
- In modern Italian political commentary, calling a deal a salvacondotto often implies that someone is receiving an unfair or secret exemption from justice.
- The word salvacondotto is a literal 'calque' of the French term sauf-conduit, meaning the Italian word was built to mirror the French structure rather than evolving independently from Latin.
- In historical Italian diplomacy, a salvacondotto was not just a piece of paper but could be a physical token or a specifically worded verbal agreement recognized by opposing armies.
Examples in context
- Buon cammino! Che tu possa trovare la pace interiore durante il tuo viaggio.Safe journey! May you find inner peace during your journey.
- Ciao Giulia! Buon viaggio! Guida con prudenza e arriva sana e salva.Hi Giulia! Have a great trip! Drive safely and arrive sound and safe.
- Hanno chiesto un salvacondotto per attraversare il confine.They asked for safe passage to cross the border.
- Senza un salvacondotto, il viaggio è impossibile.Without safe passage, the journey is impossible.
- Il diplomatico ha ottenuto un salvacondotto ufficiale.The diplomat obtained an official safe passage.
Example conversation
Two people are discussing an old historical document.
- SofiaCos'è questo vecchio foglio, Alessandro?What is this old piece of paper, Alessandro?
- AlessandroÈ un antico salvacondotto per il viaggio.It is an ancient safe passage for the journey.
- SofiaQuindi Sofia era al sicuro durante il tragitto?So Sofia was safe during the trip?
- AlessandroSì, grazie a questo documento ufficiale.Yes, thanks to this official document.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries salvacondotto, CC BY-SA 4.0.
