What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the imperative smettetela (stop it, addressed to a group), the preposition di (of) and the infinitive litigare (to argue/fight).
Which one should you use?
While smettetela di litigare is an idiomatic way to say stop arguing, the form smettete di litigare is a slightly more neutral version that omits the direct object pronoun la (it). If you want to express "enough fighting" or "stop brawling", you can use Basta risse!
How does it change in a sentence?
The form of the command changes based on how many people you are addressing. If you are telling only one person to stop fighting, you use smettila di litigare instead of smettetela di litigare.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using litigare if you are referring to a physical fight, as that word specifically denotes verbal arguments. To describe physical fighting, you should use terms like combattere or picchiarsi.
Did you know?
- The word litigare is related to the Spanish verb lidiar, which can mean to fight or even to deal with a bull in a bullfight.
- In some regional Italian dialects, words related to litigare can also mean to 'struggle' with a difficult task. This mirrors how English uses 'fight' to describe a hard effort.
- In a very heated moment, instead of the full phrase, an Italian might simply yell Basta!, which means 'Enough!' and effectively ends the conflict.
Examples in context
- Basta litigare! Dobbiamo trovare un accordo pacifico.Stop fighting! We need to find a peaceful agreement.
- Smettete di combattere immediatamente! Vi sta danneggiando entrambi.Stop fighting immediately! It's harming both of you.
- Fermati! Non ha senso litigare per così poco.Stop! It doesn't make sense to fight over something so small.
- Basta risse ragazzi, siamo qui per divertirci!Enough fighting, guys! We're here to have fun!
- Smettetela di litigare! Non siate testardi, troviamo una soluzione insieme.Stop arguing! Don't be stubborn, let's find a solution together.
- Smettetela di litigare subito!Stop fighting immediately!
- Per favore, smettetela di litigare per un momento.Please, stop fighting for a moment.
- Smettetela di litigare, è tardi!Stop fighting, it is late!
Example conversation
Alessandro and Sofia are arguing in front of their parents.
- AlessandroNon è vero, Sofia!That's not true, Sofia!
- SofiaSì che lo è!Yes, it is!
- AlessandroSmettetela di litigare, entrambi!Stop fighting, both of you!
- SofiaVa bene, scusate.Alright, sorry.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries di, litigare, CC BY-SA 4.0.
