fermo
/ˈfer.mo/
The Italian word for stationary is fermo.
fermo is an adjective used to describe something that is not moving. A common idiomatic expression is stare fermo, which means to stay still or to keep still.
Meaning: not moving (adj)
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective fermo must agree in both gender and number with the noun it describes. Use ferma for feminine singular nouns, fermi for masculine plural nouns and ferme for feminine plural nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /ˈfer.mo/. It has 2 syllables, with the stress on the 1st syllable.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Do not confuse the Italian fermo (not moving) with the English word 'stationery' (writing paper). The latter is translated in Italian as cancelleria.
Did you know?
- The word fermo is also used in the legal system to describe a short period of police detention, known as a fermo di polizia.
- The word fermo shares a common ancestor with the English word 'firm', both descending from a root meaning 'to hold' or 'to be strong'.
- The word fermo is used to describe stagnant water, as in acqua ferma, which carries a negative connotation of being unpotable or unhealthy.
Examples in context
- Vai alla cartoleria vicino al centro, troverai tutto quello di cui hai bisogno.Go to the stationery store near the city center, you'll find everything you need.
- Non dimenticate di portare il vostro materiale per ufficio.Don't forget to bring your office supplies.
- Il cane è rimasto fermo.The dog stayed still.
- Resta fermo mentre ti fotografo.Stay still while I photograph you.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry fermo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries fermo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
