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C1 adjective 10 min de lecture

indiscreto

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces indiscreto en 30 secondes

Explication indiscreto in your Level:

At the A1 level, you can think of 'indiscreto' as a word for someone who is 'too curious' in a bad way. Imagine a person who asks 'How much money do you have?' or 'Why are you sad?' when they don't know you well. That person is 'indiscreto.' It is an adjective, so it changes like other words you know: 'indiscreto' for a boy, 'indiscreta' for a girl. You might use it to say 'Non essere indiscreto!' which means 'Don't be nosy!' It's a useful word to know because it helps you talk about people's behavior. Even at this early stage, remembering that 'in-' often means 'not' can help you see that 'indiscreto' is the opposite of being 'discreto' (careful and private). Think of it as 'not careful with secrets.' You can use it in simple sentences like 'Lui è indiscreto' or 'Lei è indiscreta.' It's a good way to start describing personality traits beyond just 'bravo' or 'cattivo.'

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At the A2 level, you can start using 'indiscreto' to describe specific things like questions or looks. A 'domanda indiscreta' is a question that is too personal. If you see someone looking into your shopping bag, you might think they have an 'indiscreto sguardo.' You are learning more about social situations, and 'indiscreto' is a perfect word for when someone doesn't respect your 'privacy' (which Italians also call 'privacy' or 'riservatezza'). You can also use the plural forms: 'indiscreti' and 'indiscrete.' For example, 'I vicini sono indiscreti' (The neighbors are nosy). This level is about expanding your vocabulary to describe the world around you, and 'indiscreto' is a very common word in Italian daily life. You might hear it in movies or read it in simple stories when a character is trying to find out a secret. It's a step up from just saying 'curioso,' which can be a good thing. 'Indiscreto' is almost always a bit negative.

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At the B1 level, you should understand the nuance of 'indiscreto' compared to other similar words. While an A1 student might just say 'nosy,' a B1 student understands that 'indiscreto' implies a lack of tact or judgment. You can use it in more complex sentence structures, such as 'Spero di non essere indiscreto se ti chiedo...' (I hope I'm not being indiscreet if I ask you...). This is a very polite and common way to open a conversation about a sensitive topic. You will also start to see it used in more abstract ways, like 'una luce indiscreta' (an indiscreet light) that reveals something hidden. At this level, you should also be aware of the adverb 'indiscretamente' (indiscreetly). For example, 'Ha guardato indiscretamente nel mio portafoglio.' You are moving beyond simple descriptions and starting to talk about the way people do things and the social impact of their actions. It's a key word for navigating Italian social norms.

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At the B2 level, you can use 'indiscreto' to discuss more complex social and professional dynamics. You understand that the word carries a weight of social disapproval. You might use it to describe a journalist's behavior or the way a company handles data. 'Un uso indiscreto delle informazioni' is a sophisticated way to talk about a breach of privacy. You can also contrast it with 'discreto' in its various meanings. You know that 'discreto' can mean 'decent' or 'fair,' but 'indiscreto' never means 'not decent' in terms of quality—it only refers to a lack of discretion. You can use it in the conditional and subjunctive moods to express opinions or hypothetical situations: 'Se non fosse così indiscreto, gli avrei già detto tutto' (If he weren't so indiscreet, I would have told him everything already). This level requires you to use the word with precision, recognizing that it's a critique of someone's character and their ability to respect boundaries.

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At the C1 level, you should master the subtle connotations of 'indiscreto' in literature, journalism, and high-level discourse. You can analyze how an 'indiscreto' comment can ruin a diplomatic relationship or how 'indiscrezioni' (the noun form, meaning 'leaks' or 'rumors') can affect the stock market or a political campaign. You understand the word's etymological roots—from the Latin 'indiscretus,' meaning 'not separated' or 'not discerned'—implying a person who cannot distinguish between what should be public and what should be private. You can use the word to describe not just people, but also artistic choices or narrative techniques. For instance, a camera angle in a film might be described as 'indiscreet' if it feels like it's voyeuristically invading a character's space. Your usage should be fluid, incorporating the word into sophisticated arguments about ethics, privacy, and social behavior, and you should be able to distinguish it perfectly from synonyms like 'invadente' or 'impiccione' based on the required register.

At the C2 level, 'indiscreto' is a tool for precise and evocative expression. You can use it to capture the essence of a social faux pas with surgical accuracy. You might explore the philosophical implications of 'indiscrezione' in the digital age, where the boundaries of the self are constantly being challenged. You can use the word in highly formal contexts, such as legal critiques of privacy violations, or in poetic contexts to describe natural elements that seem to 'pry' into human affairs, like 'il vento indiscreto che scuote le tende.' You understand the full historical and cultural context of the word in Italy, including its relation to the concept of 'omertà' (the code of silence) and how 'indiscrezione' is the antithetical behavior to that cultural pillar. Your mastery allows you to use the word and its derivatives (indiscretamente, indiscrezione) with the same ease and nuance as a native speaker, choosing it specifically for its ability to convey a lack of discernment and a breach of the sacred space of the individual.

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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

indiscreto en 30 secondes

Indiscreto means being nosy, intrusive, or lacking tact regarding private matters.
It is the opposite of 'discreto' (discreet) and is almost always negative.
The word agrees in gender and number: indiscreto, indiscreta, indiscreti, indiscrete.
Commonly used to describe people, questions, looks, or unauthorized leaks of information.

The Italian adjective indiscreto is a multifaceted term that primarily translates to 'indiscreet,' 'prying,' or 'intrusive' in English. At its core, it describes a person, an action, or a question that fails to respect the boundaries of privacy, tact, or social propriety. When someone is labeled as indiscreto, it suggests they have crossed a line, often by asking personal questions that are none of their business or by observing something that should have remained private. In Italian culture, where la bella figura (the good impression) and social grace are highly valued, being called indiscreto is a significant critique of one's social intelligence and manners.

The Social Boundary: An indiscreto individual is someone who lacks the 'filter' required to navigate sensitive topics. This might involve asking about a person's salary, their marital troubles, or their health in a public or inappropriate setting. It is not just about being curious; it is about the lack of judgment regarding when that curiosity becomes offensive.

Scusa se ti faccio una domanda così indiscreta, ma quanto hai pagato per questa casa?

Beyond personal interactions, the word can also apply to inanimate things or abstract concepts. For instance, a 'sguardo indiscreto' (an indiscreet look) refers to someone staring or peeking where they shouldn't. In a more modern context, technology can be indiscreta if it collects data without permission or exposes private information. The term is also used in literature and journalism to describe 'unveiling' secrets—often with a negative connotation of gossip (pettegolezzo).

The Nuance of Intrusiveness: While 'curioso' can be positive (meaning inquisitive or interested), indiscreto is almost always negative. It implies an unwanted entry into someone else's personal sphere. If you are 'curioso,' you want to learn; if you are 'indiscreto,' you are poking your nose where it doesn't belong.

Il giornalista ha posto delle domande indiscrete sulla vita privata dell'attore.

Formal vs. Informal: In formal writing, indiscreto is used to describe breaches of confidentiality. In informal speech, it's often directed at that one friend or relative who always wants to know too much about your love life or finances.

Non essere indiscreto, non sono affari tuoi!

Le luci della città filtravano in modo indiscreto attraverso le persiane.

Using indiscreto correctly requires attention to both grammatical agreement and the specific context of the sentence. As an adjective, it must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies. The four forms are indiscreto (masculine singular), indiscreta (feminine singular), indiscreti (masculine plural), and indiscrete (feminine plural). It usually follows the noun it describes, especially when adding a specific quality, but can precede it for stylistic emphasis in literary contexts.

Agreement Patterns: 1. Un uomo indiscreto (A prying man). 2. Una domanda indiscreta (An indiscreet question). 3. Dei commenti indiscreti (Indiscreet comments). 4. Delle osservazioni indiscrete (Indiscreet observations).

È stato molto indiscreto da parte sua rivelare il mio segreto a tutti.

One of the most common ways to use this word is with the verb essere (to be). When you say 'Sei indiscreto,' you are directly accusing someone of being nosy. If you want to soften the blow, you might use the conditional: 'Non vorrei sembrare indiscreto...' (I wouldn't want to seem indiscreet...). This structure is vital for polite conversation in Italian when you are about to ask something that might be considered personal.

Modifying Actions: You can also use the adverbial form indiscretamente to describe how an action is performed. For example: 'Ha sbirciato indiscretamente nel mio diario' (He peeked indiscreetly into my diary). This emphasizes the manner of the action rather than the person's character.

Le sue domande indiscrete mi hanno messo in grande imbarazzo durante la cena.

In a professional or legal setting, indiscreto might refer to the unauthorized disclosure of information. For example, an 'uso indiscreto di dati personali' refers to the improper use of private data. Here, the word takes on a more serious, almost technical tone, moving away from simple 'nosiness' toward a violation of confidentiality protocols.

Common Verb Pairings: Common verbs that precede the adjective include sembrare (to seem), diventare (to become), rivelarsi (to prove to be), and mostrarsi (to show oneself to be).

Non tollero sguardi indiscreti mentre sto lavorando al mio progetto segreto.

Spero di non essere stato indiscreto venendo qui senza preavviso.

You will encounter indiscreto in a variety of real-world Italian scenarios, ranging from high-stakes drama to everyday social friction. One of the most common places is in the world of celebrity gossip and paparazzi. Italian tabloids often talk about 'foto indiscrete' (indiscreet photos) taken of famous people in private moments. In this context, the word carries a flavor of scandal and the violation of the 'private sphere' (sfera privata).

In the Workplace: In an office environment, you might hear a colleague whisper about someone being indiscreto because they were seen looking at someone else's computer screen or eavesdropping on a conversation with the boss. It’s a word used to police the boundaries of professional conduct.

I giornali scandalistici vivono di dettagli indiscreti sulla vita dei VIP.

In literature and film, indiscreto is frequently used to describe a character who is a 'busybody' or a 'meddler.' Think of the classic Italian neighbor archetype—the one who watches everyone from behind a slightly parted curtain. This character is the epitome of being indiscreto. The word often appears in the title of mystery novels or noir films where a 'sguardo indiscreto' leads to the discovery of a crime.

In Polite Society: During a dinner party or a social gathering, the word acts as a social warning. If someone starts talking about a taboo topic, another guest might say 'Non essere indiscreto!' to steer the conversation back to safer ground. It is a tool for maintaining social harmony.

La sua curiosità indiscreta lo ha portato a scoprire cose che avrebbe preferito non sapere.

You will also find this word in legal documents or privacy policies. Phrases like 'divulgazione indiscreta di informazioni' (indiscreet disclosure of information) are used to describe the act of sharing data that should have been kept confidential. Here, the word is stripped of its colloquial 'nosy' vibe and becomes a formal term for a breach of trust.

Regional Variations: While the word is standard Italian, in some southern regions, you might hear more colorful local terms for a nosy person (like 'pettegolo' or 'impiccione'), but indiscreto remains the most sophisticated and universally understood way to describe this behavior.

Evita di fare domande indiscrete durante l'intervista di lavoro.

C'era un silenzio rotto solo dal rumore indiscreto della pioggia sui vetri.

For English speakers, the most common mistake when using indiscreto is confusing it with its positive counterpart, discreto. In English, 'discreet' means being careful or cautious, and 'indiscreet' means the opposite. However, in Italian, discreto has an additional meaning: it can mean 'decent,' 'fair,' or 'satisfactory.' For example, 'un discreto successo' means 'a decent success.' Learners often mistakenly think indiscreto might mean 'bad' or 'unsatisfactory,' which is incorrect. Indiscreto only refers to the lack of tact or privacy.

The 'False Friend' Trap: Do not use indiscreto to mean 'not enough' or 'poor quality.' If a meal was bad, don't say it was 'indiscreto.' Say it was 'scarso' or 'cattivo.' Indiscreto is about behavior and boundaries, not quality.

Sbagliato: Il film era indiscreto. (Wrong: The film was 'indiscreet'—unless the film was literally prying into someone's life).

Another mistake involves the preposition that follows. When you want to say someone is being indiscreet about something, Italians often use the preposition su (on) or riguardo a (regarding). English speakers might try to translate 'about' directly as 'di,' which can sometimes sound awkward. For example: 'È stato indiscreto sui miei affari' (He was indiscreet about my business).

Overusing the Word: Learners sometimes use indiscreto when they actually mean maleducato (rude) or maleducata. While an indiscreet person is often rude, indiscreto specifically refers to the violation of privacy. If someone simply has bad table manners, they are maleducati, not indiscreti.

Corretto: Non voglio essere indiscreto, ma perché hai lasciato il lavoro?

Finally, avoid using indiscreto to describe a person who is simply 'loud' or 'extroverted.' A person can be very loud and outgoing without ever being indiscreto. The word specifically targets the intrusion into the private life or thoughts of others. It’s about the content of the interaction more than the volume of it.

Grammar Tip: Position: While most adjectives in Italian follow the noun, placing indiscreto before the noun (e.g., 'un indiscreto pettegolezzo') can make the sentence sound more literary or emphatic, but for general use, keep it after the noun.

Le sue azioni indiscrete hanno compromesso la trattativa diplomatica.

Non essere così indiscreto con gli ospiti!

To truly master the concept of indiscreto, it helps to understand its neighbors in the Italian lexicon. There are several words that touch upon the idea of being nosy or intrusive, each with its own specific flavor and intensity. Choosing the right one can make your Italian sound much more natural and precise.

Indiscreto vs. Invadente: Invadente (intrusive) is stronger than indiscreto. While an indiscreet person might just ask a question they shouldn't, an invadente person physically or emotionally takes up space where they aren't wanted. If someone comes over to your house without calling every day, they are invadente.

Lui non è solo indiscreto, è proprio invadente!

Another close relative is impiccione. This is a more informal, colloquial term for a 'busybody' or 'nosy parker.' It comes from the verb impicciarsi (to meddle). Use impiccione when talking to friends about a nosy neighbor, but stick to indiscreto in more formal or professional contexts.

Comparison Table

Indiscreto: Lacks tact, asks personal questions (Formal/Neutral).
Impiccione: Meddles in others' affairs (Informal).
Pettegolo: Loves to gossip (Neutral).
Curioso: Just wants to know (Can be positive).
Sfacciato: Bold, cheeky, lacks shame (Negative).

Era un uomo riservato, l'esatto opposto del suo vicino indiscreto.

For more literary or high-level Italian, you might encounter inopportuno (inopportune/inappropriate). While indiscreto focuses on the violation of privacy, inopportuno focuses on the bad timing of an action or comment. If you ask a question at a funeral, you are being both indiscreto and inopportuno.

Synonyms for 'Indiscreet' Behavior: You can also use poco delicato (not very delicate/tactful). This is a common euphemism used to avoid the harsher-sounding indiscreto. 'È stata un'uscita poco delicata' means 'That was a rather tactless remark.'

Smettila di fare il pettegolo e di fare domande indiscrete!

Il suo comportamento impudente è stato giudicato molto indiscreto dai presenti.

How Formal Is It?

Le savais-tu ?

The root 'discretus' also gives us the word 'discernment.' So, an indiscreet person is literally someone who lacks the ability to discern social boundaries.

Guide de prononciation

UK /in.diˈskreː.to/

US /in.diˈskreɪ.toʊ/

The stress is on the third syllable: in-dis-CRE-to.

Rime avec

segreto concreto lieto quieto decreto eto completo alfabeto

Erreurs fréquentes

Pronouncing the 'in' like the English word 'in' (it should be a cleaner Italian 'i').
Using an open 'e' sound in 'skre' (it should be closed).
Putting the stress on the wrong syllable (e.g., in-DIS-cre-to).
Failing to pronounce the final 'o' clearly.
Aspirating the 't' in 'to' (Italian 't' is unaspirated).

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 3/5

Easy to recognize due to the English cognate 'indiscreet'.

Écriture 4/5

Requires correct gender/number agreement.

Expression orale 4/5

Pronunciation of the closed 'e' and stress is important.

Écoute 3/5

Clearly audible in conversation.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

discreto curioso domanda segreto vicino

Apprends ensuite

invadente riservato pettegolezzo confidenziale tatto

Avancé

inopportuno impudente sfacciataggine indiscrezione omertà

Grammaire à connaître

Adjective Agreement

Il ragazzo indiscreto / La ragazza indiscreta.

Position of Adjectives

Una domanda indiscreta (Standard) / Un'indiscreta domanda (Emphatic).

Adverb Formation

Indiscreto + mente = Indiscretamente.

Conditional for Politeness

Non vorrei essere indiscreto...

Subjunctive after verbs of feeling

Mi dà fastidio che tu sia così indiscreto.

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Exemples par niveau

Lui è un ragazzo indiscreto.

He is a nosy boy.

Masculine singular agreement.

Non essere indiscreto!

Don't be nosy!

Imperative with 'essere'.

Lei è molto indiscreta.

She is very nosy.

Feminine singular agreement.

È un gatto indiscreto.

It is a prying cat.

Adjective follows the noun.

I miei amici non sono indiscreti.

My friends are not nosy.

Masculine plural agreement.

Una domanda indiscreta.

A nosy question.

Feminine singular noun phrase.

Sei indiscreto oggi.

You are nosy today.

Present tense of 'essere'.

Le sorelle sono indiscrete.

The sisters are nosy.

Feminine plural agreement.

Ho un vicino molto indiscreto.

I have a very nosy neighbor.

Use of 'molto' as an adverb.

Non fare domande indiscrete alla zia.

Don't ask the aunt nosy questions.

Plural feminine agreement.

È indiscreto guardare nel mio zaino.

It's nosy to look in my backpack.

Impersonal 'è' + adjective.

Il tuo sguardo è indiscreto.

Your look is prying.

Subject-adjective agreement.

Scusa, non volevo essere indiscreto.

Sorry, I didn't want to be nosy.

Imperfect tense of 'volere'.

Loro sono persone indiscrete.

They are nosy people.

Feminine plural because 'persone' is feminine.

Perché fai sempre domande indiscrete?

Why do you always ask nosy questions?

Adverb 'sempre' placement.

Quel ragazzo è troppo indiscreto per me.

That boy is too nosy for me.

Use of 'troppo' (too).

Spero di non essere indiscreto chiedendoti l'età.

I hope I'm not being indiscreet by asking your age.

Gerund 'chiedendo' expressing means.

È stato indiscreto da parte sua leggere la mia lettera.

It was indiscreet of him to read my letter.

Phrase 'da parte di' (on the part of).

Cerca di non essere così indiscreto con i nuovi colleghi.

Try not to be so nosy with the new colleagues.

Imperative 'cerca di'.

Le sue curiosità indiscrete mi danno fastidio.

His nosy curiosities bother me.

Noun-adjective agreement.

Non vorrei sembrare indiscreto, ma dove vai?

I wouldn't want to seem nosy, but where are you going?

Conditional 'vorrei' for politeness.

Quel giornalista è noto per essere molto indiscreto.

That journalist is known for being very nosy.

Passive-like construction 'noto per'.

Ha sbirciato in modo indiscreto tra i miei documenti.

He peeked indiscreetly among my documents.

Adverbial phrase 'in modo indiscreto'.

Non mi piacciono gli sguardi indiscreti della gente.

I don't like the prying eyes of people.

Plural masculine agreement.

Rivelare quel segreto è stato un atto davvero indiscreto.

Revealing that secret was a truly indiscreet act.

Infinitive as a subject.

Si è mostrato indiscreto riguardo alla mia vita privata.

He proved to be indiscreet regarding my private life.

Reflexive verb 'mostrarsi'.

Le indiscrezioni della stampa hanno rovinato la sorpresa.

The press leaks ruined the surprise.

Noun 'indiscrezioni' (leaks/rumors).

È un uomo troppo indiscreto per gestire informazioni riservate.

He is too indiscreet to handle confidential information.

Structure 'troppo... per...'.

Mi scuso se la mia domanda può essere sembrata indiscreta.

I apologize if my question may have seemed indiscreet.

Past conditional 'può essere sembrata'.

Non tollero che qualcuno sia così indiscreto con me.

I don't tolerate anyone being so nosy with me.

Subjunctive mood after 'tollero che'.

Il suo comportamento indiscreto ha messo tutti a disagio.

His indiscreet behavior made everyone uncomfortable.

Adjective modifying 'comportamento'.

Ha agito indiscretamente, ignorando ogni regola di privacy.

He acted indiscreetly, ignoring every privacy rule.

Adverb 'indiscretamente'.

Un'indiscrezione di corridoio ha confermato i nostri sospetti.

A hallway rumor confirmed our suspicions.

Noun 'indiscrezione' used as 'rumor'.

Sarebbe indiscreto da parte mia indagare sulle sue finanze.

It would be indiscreet of me to investigate his finances.

Conditional 'sarebbe' for hypothetical.

La luce del mattino entrava in modo indiscreto dalla finestra.

The morning light entered the window in an intrusive way.

Metaphorical use of 'indiscreto'.

Il saggio critica l'occhio indiscreto dei media moderni.

The essay criticizes the prying eye of modern media.

Formal register.

Nonostante la sua natura indiscreta, stavolta è rimasto in silenzio.

Despite his nosy nature, this time he remained silent.

Concession clause with 'nonostante'.

L'uso indiscreto di tali dati potrebbe portare a sanzioni legali.

The indiscreet use of such data could lead to legal sanctions.

Future/Conditional possibility.

Si sentiva osservata da quegli sguardi indiscreti e giudicanti.

She felt watched by those prying and judging eyes.

Passive sense with 'sentirsi'.

La sua è stata un'intrusione indiscreta in un momento di dolore.

His was an indiscreet intrusion in a moment of grief.

Noun 'intrusione' modified by 'indiscreta'.

L'opera esplora la tensione tra il pudore e l'occhio indiscreto del pubblico.

The work explores the tension between modesty and the public's prying eye.

Abstract philosophical usage.

Qualsiasi indiscrezione in questa fase comprometterebbe l'intero negoziato.

Any leak at this stage would jeopardize the entire negotiation.

Conditional 'comprometterebbe'.

Il romanziere adotta un punto di vista quasi indiscreto sulla psiche dei personaggi.

The novelist adopts an almost intrusive point of view on the characters' psyche.

Literary criticism register.

È un confine sottile quello che separa la legittima curiosità dall'essere indiscreti.

It is a fine line that separates legitimate curiosity from being indiscreet.

Cleft sentence 'È... quello che...'.

L'indiscreta presenza della tecnologia nelle nostre vite solleva dubbi etici.

The intrusive presence of technology in our lives raises ethical doubts.

Adjective preceding the noun for emphasis.

Egli rifuggiva ogni contatto, timoroso di sguardi indiscreti sulla sua miseria.

He shunned all contact, fearful of prying eyes on his misery.

Archaic/Literary 'rifuggiva'.

La fuga di notizie è stata causata da un commento indiscreto di un funzionario.

The news leak was caused by an indiscreet comment from an official.

Passive voice 'è stata causata'.

Non vi è nulla di più indiscreto del tempo che rivela ogni verità nascosta.

There is nothing more indiscreet than time, which reveals every hidden truth.

Comparative 'nulla di più... di...'.

Collocations courantes

domanda indiscreta

sguardo indiscreto

luce indiscreta

presenza indiscreta

uso indiscreto

osservatore indiscreto

curiosità indiscreta

rivelazione indiscreta

orecchio indiscreto

dettaglio indiscreto

Phrases Courantes

Spero di non essere indiscreto

— A polite way to introduce a personal question.

Spero di non essere indiscreto, ma quanto guadagni?

Non essere indiscreto!

— A direct command telling someone to mind their own business.

Non essere indiscreto, sono affari miei!

Domanda indiscreta

— A label for a question that crosses boundaries.

Questa è una domanda un po' indiscreta.

Sguardo indiscreto

— A prying or unwanted look.

Evitava gli sguardi indiscreti dei passanti.

Indiscrezioni di stampa

— Rumors or leaks published by the media.

Le indiscrezioni di stampa parlano di una crisi.

Poco indiscreto

— Used ironically or to mean 'somewhat discreet' (rare).

È un uomo poco indiscreto, per fortuna.

Essere indiscreto come un...

— Used in comparisons (e.g., as nosy as a neighbor).

Sei indiscreto come la portinaia!

Cadere in un'indiscrezione

— To accidentally reveal a secret.

È caduto in un'indiscrezione durante l'intervista.

Fuga indiscreta

— An unauthorized leak.

C'è stata una fuga indiscreta di notizie.

In modo indiscreto

— Doing something without tact.

Ha agito in modo indiscreto rivelando tutto.

Souvent confondu avec

indiscreto vs discreto

Means 'discreet' but also 'decent/fairly good.' Indiscreto ONLY means 'not discreet.'

indiscreto vs curioso

Curioso can be good (wanting to learn), while indiscreto is usually bad (prying).

indiscreto vs invadente

Invadente is more aggressive and physical than indiscreto.

Expressions idiomatiques

"Mettere il naso dove non si deve"

— To poke one's nose where it doesn't belong; to be indiscreet.

Smettila di mettere il naso dove non si deve!

informal

"Farsi i fatti propri"

— To mind one's own business (the opposite of being indiscreto).

Dovresti farti i fatti tuoi ogni tanto.

informal

"Avere le orecchie lunghe"

— To be very curious or nosy (eavesdropping).

Quel bambino ha le orecchie lunghe, sente tutto.

informal

"Cercare il pelo nell'uovo"

— To be overly critical or prying for small details.

Non essere così indiscreto, non cercare il pelo nell'uovo.

neutral

"Andare a parare"

— To see where someone is going with their (often indiscreet) questions.

Ho capito dove vuoi andare a parare con queste domande.

neutral

"Lavare i panni sporchi in famiglia"

— To keep private matters private (to avoid others being indiscreet).

I panni sporchi si lavano in famiglia, non dirlo a nessuno.

neutral

"L'occhio del padrone ingrassa il cavallo"

— While usually about management, can imply a constant, prying presence.

Lui è sempre lì, indiscreto, come se l'occhio del padrone...

proverbial

"Non dire 'quattro' se non l'hai nel sacco"

— Don't reveal something (be indiscreet) until it's certain.

Non essere indiscreto sulla promozione, non dire quattro...

proverbial

"Acqua in bocca"

— Keep it a secret (don't be indiscreet).

Mi raccomando, acqua in bocca su quello che hai visto!

informal

"Sputare il rospo"

— To reveal a secret (often after someone was indiscreet).

Alla fine ha dovuto sputare il rospo.

informal

Facile à confondre

indiscreto vs Discreto

Cognate and opposite.

Discreto can mean 'enough' or 'fair,' indiscreto is only about behavior.

Ho mangiato un discreto pranzo (I ate a decent lunch).

indiscreto vs Impiccione

Similar meaning.

Impiccione is much more informal and slangy.

Quel vecchio è un impiccione.

indiscreto vs Inopportuno

Both imply a mistake in social timing.

Inopportuno is about timing; indiscreto is about privacy.

Un momento inopportuno.

indiscreto vs Maleducato

Both are negative social traits.

Maleducato is general bad manners; indiscreto is specifically about prying.

Non dire parolacce, è maleducato.

indiscreto vs Riservato

It's the antonym.

Riservato is a person who keeps to themselves.

È un tipo molto riservato.

Structures de phrases

Lui/Lei è [adjective].

Lui è indiscreto.

Non essere [adjective]!

Non essere indiscreto!

Spero di non essere [adjective] if...

Spero di non essere indiscreto se chiedo...

È stato [adjective] da parte di [person]...

È stato indiscreto da parte di Marco.

Un'indiscrezione riguardo a [topic]...

Un'indiscrezione riguardo al nuovo progetto.

L'occhio [adjective] di [noun]...

L'occhio indiscreto della società.

In modo [adjective]

Ha guardato in modo indiscreto.

Qualcuno che è [adjective]

Non mi piace chi è indiscreto.

Famille de mots

Noms

indiscrezione (leak, rumor, lack of discretion)

Verbes

discrezionare (rare, technical)

Adjectifs

discreto (discreet, fair)

riservato (reserved)

Apparenté

discrezione

segreto

privacy

riservatezza

pettegolezzo

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Comment l'utiliser

frequency

Common in both spoken and written Italian.

Erreurs courantes

L'hotel era indiscreto. → L'hotel era scarso / non un granché.
You cannot use 'indiscreto' to mean 'bad quality' or 'not decent.'
Lui è un uomo indiscreta. → Lui è un uomo indiscreto.
The adjective must be masculine to match 'uomo'.
Non essere indiscreta! → Non essere indiscreto! (to a male)
Gender agreement is crucial in imperatives.
Ho fatto un'indiscrezione di notizie. → C'è stata una fuga di notizie.
While 'indiscrezione' means leak, 'fuga di notizie' is the standard phrase for a news leak.
Lui è molto curioso, è indiscreto. → Lui è curioso, ma non è indiscreto.
Being curious isn't always bad; being indiscreto always is. Don't use them interchangeably.

Astuces

The Art of Discretion

In Italy, being 'discreto' is a virtue. If you are 'indiscreto,' you are failing at the social dance of 'bella figura.' Always aim for 'riservatezza' in formal settings.

Agreement is Key

Don't forget that adjectives must match the noun. Since 'indiscreto' ends in -o, it follows the standard o/a/i/e pattern. Practice with different nouns!

The Polite Disclaimer

Use 'Spero di non essere indiscreto' whenever you feel you might be overstepping. It's a magic phrase that makes people more willing to answer personal questions.

Beyond Nosy

Think of 'indiscreto' as more than just 'nosy.' It's about a lack of 'discrezione' (discernment). It's a failure to see where you end and others begin.

Newspaper Leaks

When you see 'Indiscrezioni' in a headline, it means 'Rumors' or 'Leaks.' It's a very common term in Italian political and celebrity journalism.

Setting Boundaries

If someone is prying into your life, 'Non essere indiscreto' is a firm but polite way to tell them to stop. It's less aggressive than 'Fatti i fatti tuoi.'

Metaphorical Use

In books, 'indiscreto' can describe things that reveal secrets, like the wind blowing a curtain or a beam of light hitting a hidden object.

Confidentiality

In a job, an 'indiscrezione' can lead to firing. Always be 'discreto' with company secrets to avoid being labeled 'indiscreto'.

False Friend Alert

Remember: 'Discreto' = Decent/Fair. 'Indiscreto' does NOT mean 'Bad quality.' It only refers to a lack of privacy/tact.

Latin Roots

The 'in-' prefix is a negative. 'Discretus' means separated. So 'indiscreto' describes things that aren't properly separated—like your nose in someone else's business!

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of 'IN-DIS-CRETO' as 'IN-this-SECRET-too.' An indiscreet person wants to be 'in' on your 'secret' even when they shouldn't be.

Association visuelle

Imagine a giant nose (representing nosiness) poking through a keyhole into a private room. This is the essence of being 'indiscreto.'

Word Web

privacy secret nosy neighbor question look leak tact

Défi

Try to go through a whole day noticing when people are being 'indiscreti' on TV or in real life. Use the phrase 'Non essere indiscreto!' in your head each time.

Origine du mot

From the Latin 'indiscretus,' which is composed of the prefix 'in-' (not) and 'discretus' (separated, discerned).

Sens originel : Originally, it meant something that was not separated or distinguished. Over time, it evolved to describe a person who cannot distinguish between what is appropriate to say or do and what is not.

Romance (Latin root).

Contexte culturel

Be careful when using this word to describe elders; it can be seen as very disrespectful. It's better to use a softer phrase like 'forse un po' troppo curioso'.

English speakers might find Italians more 'indiscreti' regarding questions about family or health, while Italians might find English speakers 'indiscreti' regarding questions about money or politics. It's a matter of shifting cultural boundaries.

The film 'Lo sguardo indiscreto' (The Indiscreet Look). Italian literature often uses the 'testimone indiscreto' trope. Tabloids like 'Chi' or 'Novella 2000' are the kings of 'indiscrezioni'.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Asking about money

Quanto guadagni?
È una domanda indiscreta?
Non vorrei essere indiscreto.
Sono fatti miei.

Gossip at work

Hai sentito l'ultima?
Non essere indiscreto.
È un'indiscrezione.
Chi te l'ha detto?

Privacy at home

Non entrare in camera mia.
Sei troppo indiscreto.
Rispetta la mia privacy.
Cosa stai guardando?

Journalism

Fonti indiscrete.
Dettagli scottanti.
Rivelazioni shock.
Indiscrezioni di palazzo.

Apologizing

Scusa l'indiscrezione.
Non volevo essere indiscreto.
Spero di non aver disturbato.
Mi scuso per la domanda.

Amorces de conversation

"Ti è mai capitato di avere un vicino di casa veramente indiscreto?"

"Pensi che i social media ci abbiano resi tutti più indiscreti?"

"Qual è la domanda più indiscreta che ti abbiano mai fatto?"

"Come reagisci quando qualcuno è troppo indiscreto con te?"

"Secondo te, un giornalista ha il diritto di essere indiscreto?"

Sujets d'écriture

Descrivi una situazione in cui ti sei sentito a disagio per una domanda indiscreta.

Rifletti sulla differenza tra curiosità positiva e comportamento indiscreto.

Scrivi un breve racconto su un 'testimone indiscreto' che vede qualcosa di strano.

Pensi di essere una persona discreta o a volte sei un po' indiscreto?

Analizza come la tecnologia influisce sulla nostra capacità di essere indiscreti.

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

Yes, in 99% of cases. It implies a lack of judgment or a violation of someone's privacy. Even if used jokingly, it points out a behavior that is technically inappropriate.

No. While 'discreto' can mean a 'decent' meal, 'indiscreto' does not mean a 'bad' one. Use 'scarso' or 'cattivo' instead.

'Indiscreto' is more formal and standard. 'Impiccione' is informal and roughly translates to 'busybody.' You'd use 'indiscreto' in a news article and 'impiccione' with a friend.

The most common way is 'Non essere indiscreto!' or more informally, 'Non fare l'impiccione!' or 'Fatti i fatti tuoi!'

Yes, in journalism, 'un'indiscrezione' is often a leak or a piece of insider information that wasn't supposed to be public yet.

Both. You can have an 'indiscreto sguardo' (prying look) or an 'indiscreta luce' (intrusive light), as well as an 'indiscreto vicino' (nosy neighbor).

Very common. You will hear it in movies, read it in newspapers, and use it in daily life to manage social boundaries.

in-dis-cre-ta-MEN-te. The stress shifts to the 'MEN' syllable, as with all Italian adverbs ending in -mente.

Remember 'DomandA indiscretA' (A-A) and 'UomO discretO' (O-O). The endings must match the noun.

Yes, it is perfectly appropriate for professional settings, especially when discussing privacy, data, or confidentiality breaches.

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