mantieni la calma
The English phrase stay cool can be translated into Italian as mantieni la calma.
In Italian, this expression is used to tell someone to remain calm and composed in a stressful situation. Note that mantieni la calma specifically refers to maintaining emotional composure.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase mantieni la calma literally translates to 'keep the calm'.
Which one should you use?
While mantieni la calma is used for emotional composure, the phrase stai fresco would literally mean to remain physically cool in temperature.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form mantieni la calma uses the singular imperative, which is used when speaking to one person informally. To tell a group of people to stay cool, use the plural imperative mantenete la calma.
Did you know?
- The word calma may originally have been linked to the intense heat of the midday sun rather than a sense of stillness.
- In Italian, the concept of 'keeping' your calm is expressed with the verb mantenere, which is the same verb used for maintaining a building or providing financial support.
- If you are in a very formal setting, such as speaking to a stranger or a superior, you would change mantieni la calma to mantenga la calma.
Examples in context
- Mantieni la calma.Stay cool.This sentence is useful for practicing the phrase mantieni la calma.Tatoeba #1306443 by zhou24, translation #2111514 by CK
- Mantieni la calma durante il colloquio.Stay cool during the interview.
Example conversation
Chiara is feeling very nervous before a big presentation.
- AlessandroChiara, respira profondamente.Chiara, breathe deeply.
- ChiaraSono troppo nervosa, Alessandro!I am too nervous, Alessandro!
- AlessandroMantieni la calma, andrà tutto bene.Stay cool, everything will be fine.
- ChiaraGrazie, cercherò di farlo.Thanks, I will try to do that.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries calma, la, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
