legato
/leˈɡa.to/
The English phrase 'tied up' can be translated into Italian as legato.
Which one should you use?
To describe being busy, you should use Essere impegnato/a for formal situations or Essere preso/a for informal situations.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form legato must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies. Use legata if the object being tied is a feminine noun, legati if the objects are masculine or a mixed group and legate if the objects are a group of feminine nouns. The infinitive verb form meaning 'to tie up' is legare. When using the formal expression for being busy, use impegnato if you are male and impegnata if you are female.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation of legato is /leˈɡa.to/. It has three syllables, with the stress on the second syllable.
Did you know?
- The Latin root lēgātus originally referred to an envoy or ambassador who was 'bound' by a mission to represent their state.
- The word legato is also the past participle of legare, which in a legal context refers to the act of leaving a legacy or bequest in a will.
- In the world of classical music, a legato passage refers to notes that are played smoothly and connected, as if they are tied together.
Examples in context
- Ha legato il suo cavallo.He tied up his horse.This sentence shows how to use the form legato to describe tying up an animal.Tatoeba #13966761 by Guybrush88, translation #13709956 by rul
- Scusa, sono un po' preso/a adesso. Possiamo vederci più tardi?Sorry, I'm a bit tied up right now. Can we meet later?
- Mi dispiace, ma sono impegnato/a in un'altra riunione. Posso rispondere alla tua chiamata tra qualche minuto?I'm sorry, but I am tied up in another meeting. Can I call you back in a few minutes?
- Il pacco è legato con uno spago.The package is tied up with a string.
- Il libro è legato con un nastro rosso.The book is tied up with a red ribbon.
Example conversation
Francesco and Sofia are preparing a gift.
- FrancescoHai legato il nastro del regalo?Did you tie up the gift ribbon?
- SofiaSì, l'ho appena legato.Yes, I just tied it up.
- FrancescoGrazie, Sofia, è bellissimo.Thanks, Sofia, it's beautiful.
- SofiaDi nulla, Francesco!You're welcome, Francesco!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry legato, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries legato, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
