Signification
To be watching for something.
Contexte culturel
The phrase is a linguistic relic of the era when Italian city-states like Venice and Genoa ruled the seas. Every ship had a 'vedetta' who was the eyes of the crew. In crowded cities like Naples or Rome, being 'di vedetta' for a parking spot is a common social favor friends do for each other. In some contexts, 'vedetta' refers to lookouts for illegal activities. While the phrase is neutral, in a crime novel or news report, it has this specific meaning. Italian children use this phrase constantly in games like 'Nascondino' (Hide and Seek) or 'Guardie e Ladri' (Cops and Robbers).
Use 'Stare' for Physicality
If you want to emphasize that you are physically standing in a spot (like a balcony), use 'stare di vedetta' instead of 'essere'.
Singular Only
Remember: even if 10 people are watching, they are all 'di vedetta' (singular).
Signification
To be watching for something.
Use 'Stare' for Physicality
If you want to emphasize that you are physically standing in a spot (like a balcony), use 'stare di vedetta' instead of 'essere'.
Singular Only
Remember: even if 10 people are watching, they are all 'di vedetta' (singular).
Playful Tone
Don't be afraid to use this playfully with friends. It makes you sound very native!
Teste-toi
Complete the sentence with the correct preposition and noun.
Mio padre è ___ _______ alla finestra per aspettare il postino.
The standard idiom is 'essere di vedetta'.
In which situation is 'essere di vedetta' appropriate?
Quale situazione è corretta?
It requires an element of watching for an arrival or event.
Fill in the missing line.
A: 'Perché sei in piedi sul balcone?' B: '____________________'
This correctly uses the phrase to explain an anticipatory wait.
🎉 Score : /3
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
3 exercicesMio padre è ___ _______ alla finestra per aspettare il postino.
The standard idiom is 'essere di vedetta'.
Quale situazione è corretta?
It requires an element of watching for an arrival or event.
A: 'Perché sei in piedi sul balcone?' B: '____________________'
This correctly uses the phrase to explain an anticipatory wait.
🎉 Score : /3
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNo, that is 'guardare una partita.' You only use 'di vedetta' if you are watching the gate to see when the players arrive.
Both are correct, but 'di vedetta' is the standard idiomatic form. 'In vedetta' sounds more like you are physically inside a lookout post.
Yes, 'fare la vedetta' is very common, especially when the action is seen as a task or a role in a game.
It is neutral. You can use it with your boss or with your children.
In the phrase 'essere di vedetta,' it doesn't change. 'Noi siamo di vedetta.'
Not necessarily. It usually just implies anticipation or responsibility.
No, use 'cercare le chiavi.' 'Vedetta' is for things that are coming toward you.
Yes, 'fare il palo' is the slang/criminal version for a lookout.
Absolutely! 'Il cane è di vedetta al cancello' is a very natural sentence.
Use the imperfect: 'Ero di vedetta.'
Expressions liées
stare all'erta
similarTo be on high alert
tenere d'occhio
similarTo keep an eye on
fare la guardia
similarTo stand guard
stare in campana
informalTo be alert/careful
