Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA |
|---|---|
| rimanere | /ri.maˈne.re/ |
| stare | /ˈsta.re/ |
| restare | /resˈta.re/ |
These verbs are used to express the idea of remaining in a particular place. The verb stare is also used to express being in a certain state, such as a location or a state of health, as seen in the common expression stare bene (to feel well).
Which one should you use?
While all three can mean 'to stay', they have different nuances. Stare is often used to mean 'to be' in contexts of location or health. Rimanere focuses on the continuity of a state or the act of remaining, often carrying a sense of staying after others have left. Restare is frequently used as a synonym for both but often implies being left behind or remaining in a specific state.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb stare is irregular in many tenses. For example, its present indicative forms are io sto, tu stai, lui/lei sta, noi stiamo, voi state and loro stanno.
How do you pronounce it?
/ri.maˈne.re/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using stare to describe permanent characteristics or identity. In those cases, use the verb essere instead.
Did you know?
- The phrase stare zitto literally means 'to stay silent', but it is the standard way to tell someone to 'shut up'.
- Italian uses stare to describe how a piece of clothing fits, such as questo vestito ti sta bene, meaning 'this dress stays well on you'.
- The Italian verb stare is a distant cousin of the English word 'state'. Both originate from the Latin verb stāre, which means 'to stand'.
Examples in context
- Tom può stare qui.Tom can stay here.This sentence shows how to use stare to express the ability to stay in a place.Tatoeba #3460102 by Guybrush88, translation #3184891 by CK
- Io devo stare qui.I've got to stay here.This sentence shows how to use stare to express an obligation to stay in a place.Tatoeba #3554031 by Guybrush88, translation #2359770 by CK
- Devo stare a casa.I have to stay home.This sentence shows how to use stare to express the necessity of staying at home.Tatoeba #3975857 by Guybrush88, translation #256482 by CK
- Potresti rimanere un attimo, per favore?Could you stay for a moment, please?
- Vorrei alloggiare nel vostro hotelI would like to stay at your hotel
- Resto in Italia per un annoI'm staying in Italy for a year
- Sta' con meStay with me
- Puoi fermarti qui un attimo?Can you stay here for a moment?
- Quanto tempo rimani in Italia?How long are you staying in Italy?
- Rimaniamo per una settimana.We are staying for one week.
- Resti ancora un po'?Could you stay a little longer?
- Sta' con me stasera.Stay with me tonight.
- 1417 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lorenzo and Chiara are at a café and deciding whether to leave or stay.
- LorenzoVogliamo rimanere ancora un po'?Do we want to stay a bit longer?
- ChiaraSì, vorrei rimanere qui con te.Yes, I would like to stay here with you.
- LorenzoAllora, rimaniamo ancora dieci minuti.Then, let's stay for ten more minutes.
- ChiaraVa bene, Lorenzo, rimaniamo.Okay, Lorenzo, let's stay.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “stay” translations and entries rimanere, stare, restare, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries restare, rimanere, stare, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
