attento
/atˈtɛn.to/
In Italian, the phrase 'watch out' can be expressed using attento.
The phrase is used to tell someone to proceed with caution. While often used as an exclamation to mean 'watch out!', the word is grammatically an adjective meaning 'careful'. Another common alternative is attenzione!, which is used to warn people to pay attention or to watch out for a general hazard.
Meaning: proceed with caution (intj)
Which one should you use?
attento is an adjective meaning 'careful'. It is used as an exclamation to mean 'watch out!', but it must agree in gender and number with the person being addressed.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
Because attento functions as an adjective, its form changes based on whom you are addressing: attenta is used for a female, attenti is used for a group of men or a mixed-gender group and attente is used for a group of only females.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 3 syllables, with the stress on the 2nd syllable. The IPA transcription is /atˈtɛn.to/.
Did you know?
- Using attenti! in a military or formal context serves as the command 'attention!', signaling a soldier to stand still and straight.
- The word attento shares the same Latin root as the English word 'attention', meaning both words stem from the act of 'stretching' one's mind towards something.
- While attento is a warning, the related phrase stare attento is often used in Italian classrooms to mean 'listen up' or 'pay attention' rather than to avoid physical danger.
Examples in context
- Fai attenzione, il pavimento è scivoloso.Watch out, the floor is slippery.
- Attento, il pavimento è bagnato!Watch out, the floor is wet!
- Devi stare attento quando guidi di notte.You must be careful when you drive at night.
- Attento ai gradini, sono molto scivolosi.Watch out for the steps, they are very slippery.
Example conversation
Sofia and Lorenzo are walking in a park.
- SofiaLorenzo, attento! C'è una buca.Lorenzo, watch out! There is a hole.
- LorenzoGrazie Sofia, non l'avevo vista.Thanks Sofia, I hadn't seen it.
- SofiaDevi guardare dove cammini.You have to watch where you walk.
- LorenzoHai ragione, starò più attento.You are right, I will be more careful.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry attento, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries attento, CC BY-SA 4.0.
