Restare sveglio
/resˈta.re ˈzveʎ.ʎo/word by word
The English phrase "stay awake" is translated into Italian as Restare sveglio.
This phrase is used to express the act of continuing to be awake and avoiding falling asleep. While Restare sveglio is the default form, Rimani sveglio/a is also a standard way to express this idea in Italian.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the verb restare (to remain/stay) and the adjective sveglio (awake).
Which one should you use?
The form rimanere sveglio is a synonymous alternative to restare sveglio and can be used interchangeably in most contexts.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective must agree in gender and number with the person who is staying awake. Use sveglia if the subject is female. For plural subjects, use svegli for a group of males or a mixed group and use sveglie for a group of females. For example, to say "I have to stay awake", you would say Devo restare sveglio/a depending on your own gender.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /resˈta.re ˈzveʎ.ʎo/. The phrase has 5 syllables and the stress is on the 2nd syllable.
Did you know?
- The concept of staying awake is linguistically tied to veglia, a word used for a funeral vigil or a prayer wake.
- If an Italian describes someone as sveglio, they might be complimenting their intelligence or quick wit rather than their sleep schedule.
- The Italian word sveglia for 'alarm clock' is essentially a command, as it is the noun form of the verb meaning 'to wake up'.
Examples in context
- Tu devi restare sveglio.You need to stay awake.This sentence demonstrates the use of Restare sveglio to express a necessity.Tatoeba #4858894 by Guybrush88, translation #3178325 by CK
- Sto provando a restare sveglio.I'm trying to stay awake.This sentence shows how to use Restare sveglio to describe an ongoing attempt.Tatoeba #6767803 by Guybrush88, translation #2545264 by CK
- Devi cercare di restare sveglio.You have to try to stay awake.This sentence illustrates the phrase Restare sveglio within a directive to try to remain awake.Tatoeba #4572934 by Sirio60, translation #3419769 by CK
- Stai sveglio! Questa festa è fantastica!Stay awake! This party is fantastic!
- Devo rimanere sveglio per finire questo lavoroI have to stay awake to finish this work
- 5 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Martina and Matteo are studying late at night in a library.
- MartinaÈ difficile restare sveglia a quest'ora.It is difficult to stay awake at this hour.
- MatteoHai ragione, io faccio fatica a restare sveglio.You're right, I'm struggling to stay awake.
- MartinaPrendiamo un caffè per riprenderci.Let's get a coffee to recover.
- MatteoOttima idea, ci serve.Great idea, we need it.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (restare, sveglio) and can differ in connected speech.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
