Signification
To be careful and watchful.
Contexte culturel
The concept of 'furbizia' is central. Being 'in campana' is the defense against the 'furbi'. It's a survival skill in a society where bureaucracy and social rules can be tricky. In Naples, the phrase is extremely common and often associated with the 'guappo' or street-smart culture. It's used almost as a punctuation mark in warnings. Roman slang uses this frequently in 'noir' contexts. It's a staple of Roman crime cinema (Romanzo Criminale). The phrase is a linguistic trope in 'Poliziottesco' movies. It signals to the audience that a betrayal or an ambush is coming.
Use the Imperative
The most natural way to use this is as a warning: 'Sta' in campana!'
Not for Health
Don't use it to tell someone to 'take care' of their cold. Use 'riguardati'.
Signification
To be careful and watchful.
Use the Imperative
The most natural way to use this is as a warning: 'Sta' in campana!'
Not for Health
Don't use it to tell someone to 'take care' of their cold. Use 'riguardati'.
Regional Flavor
If you are in Rome, dropping the 'i' in 'stai' to make it 'sta'' makes you sound like a local.
Street Smartness
Using this phrase shows you understand the 'furbizia' culture of Italy.
Teste-toi
Complete the sentence with the correct form of 'stare in campana'.
Se vai a quel mercato, ti consiglio di ________ perché ci sono molti borseggiatori.
After 'ti consiglio di', we use the infinitive form.
Which is the most appropriate situation to use 'Sta' in campana!'?
Choose the best scenario:
The phrase is used for alertness regarding danger or suspicion.
Fill in the missing line.
A: 'Ho paura che quel contratto nasconda delle clausole poco chiare.' B: '_________________.'
B is agreeing that caution (staying alert/in campana) is necessary.
Match the advice to the situation.
Situation: You are lending money to someone you don't trust.
'Sta' in campana' is the only one that implies caution and distrust.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Carefulness Levels
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesSe vai a quel mercato, ti consiglio di ________ perché ci sono molti borseggiatori.
After 'ti consiglio di', we use the infinitive form.
Choose the best scenario:
The phrase is used for alertness regarding danger or suspicion.
A: 'Ho paura che quel contratto nasconda delle clausole poco chiare.' B: '_________________.'
B is agreeing that caution (staying alert/in campana) is necessary.
Situation: You are lending money to someone you don't trust.
'Sta' in campana' is the only one that implies caution and distrust.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNo, it's not rude, but it is very informal. It's like saying 'watch your back' in English.
Only if you have a very close, informal relationship. Otherwise, use 'prestare attenzione'.
'Stare attenti' is general. 'Stare in campana' implies a specific threat or the need for street-smarts.
Yes, it is understood everywhere, though it has a stronger tradition in the Center and South.
Yes, but you must use the plural: 'State in campana!'
Only indirectly, as bells were often in church towers, but the idiom is secular.
No, it is almost always used for negative risks or dangers.
Both! It's a very common everyday expression in informal Italian.
Use 'essere' as the auxiliary: 'Sono stato in campana'.
'Essere un fesso' (to be a fool) or 'stare tra le nuvole' (to have your head in the clouds).
Expressions liées
stare all'erta
synonymTo be on the alert
stare in occhio
similarTo keep an eye out
aprire gli occhi
builds onTo open one's eyes
fare attenzione
similarTo pay attention
stare in guardia
synonymTo be on guard
non farsi infinocchiare
specialized formDon't let yourself be fooled
