in piedi
The English word 'standing' can be translated into Italian as in piedi.
The expression in piedi is a common way to say 'standing' in Italian and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
Meaning: upright (adj)
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, in piedi translates to 'in feet'.
Which one should you use?
While in piedi describes the state of being upright, the adjective seduto is used to describe the state of being seated.
How does it change in a sentence?
in piedi is an adverbial phrase and does not change its form to agree with the gender or number of the subject.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly try to use the verb 'stare' with an adjective for 'standing', but in piedi is the standard way to express the state of being upright.
Did you know?
- While in piedi describes the physical act of standing, the Italian phrase stare in piedi is often used metaphorically to mean 'surviving' or 'holding one's own' during a difficult period.
- The word piedi is a distant relative of the English word 'pedestrian', coming from the same Latin root for 'foot'.
- While you use in piedi to describe the state of standing, if you want to describe the physical act of rising to a standing position, you must use the verb alzarsi.
Examples in context
- Tom è in piedi.Tom is standing.This sentence shows how to use in piedi to say that someone is standing.Tatoeba #3650184 by Guybrush88, translation #2203814 by CK
- Chi è in piedi?Who's standing?This sentence is useful for asking who is currently standing using in piedi.Tatoeba #5334816 by Guybrush88, translation #2203811 by CK
- Io sono in piedi.I'm standing.This sentence demonstrates how to say that you are standing using in piedi.Tatoeba #2593905 by Guybrush88, translation #2203812 by CK
- Per favore, rimani in piedi durante la cerimonia.Please remain standing during the ceremony.
- Il testimone ha dovuto rimanere in stazione eretta per tutta la durata dell'interrogatorio.The witness had to remain standing throughout the entire interrogation.
- Si prega di tenere gli oggetti in posizione verticale durante il trasporto.Please keep the objects standing during transportation.
- Mi raccomando, state tutti in piedi dritti durante l'esibizione!I advise you all to stand up straight during the performance!
- Nelle aule dei tribunali italiani, i testimoni devono rimanere in stazione eretta durante il processo.In Italian courtrooms, witnesses must remain standing during the trial.
- 86 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lorenzo and Sofia are in a crowded bus.
- LorenzoSofia, sei in piedi?Sofia, are you standing?
- SofiaSì, non c'è nessun posto a sedere.Yes, there are no seats available.
- LorenzoVuoi sederti qui accanto a me?Do you want to sit here next to me?
- SofiaGrazie, Lorenzo, sei molto gentile.Thanks, Lorenzo, you are very kind.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry in piedi, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
