A1 Collocation 중립

a bassa voce

Quietly

Whispering.

🌍

문화적 배경

Despite the stereotype of loud conversations, Italians value 'discrezione' (discretion). Speaking 'a bassa voce' in public places like trains or elegant restaurants is considered a mark of good education. In Italy, churches are not just places of worship but also community hubs. However, the rule of 'a bassa voce' is strictly enforced to respect those praying. Directors like Visconti or Fellini often used 'a bassa voce' dialogue to create intimacy or tension, contrasting it with the loud, chaotic energy of Italian street life. In large Italian families, 'a bassa voce' is often the way parents communicate 'secret' instructions to children in front of guests without causing a scene.

💡

The 'A' Rule

Always remember the preposition 'a'. Think of it as 'At' a low volume.

⚠️

Gender Agreement

Never say 'basso voce'. Since 'voce' is feminine, 'bassa' must be too.

Whispering.

💡

The 'A' Rule

Always remember the preposition 'a'. Think of it as 'At' a low volume.

⚠️

Gender Agreement

Never say 'basso voce'. Since 'voce' is feminine, 'bassa' must be too.

🎯

Use Sottovoce

If you want to sound more like a native, try using 'sottovoce' occasionally as a synonym.

💬

Library Etiquette

In Italy, if you speak too loudly in a library, someone will definitely say 'A bassa voce, per favore!'

셀프 테스트

Complete the sentence with the correct form of the phrase.

In biblioteca dobbiamo parlare ___ ___ ___.

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: a bassa voce

The correct preposition is 'a' and 'voce' is feminine, so we use 'bassa'.

Which sentence is grammatically correct?

Select the correct option:

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: Lui parla a bassa voce.

'A bassa voce' is the standard idiomatic phrase.

Fill in the missing part of the dialogue.

A: Perché sussurri? B: Perché il bambino dorme e devo parlare ___.

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: a bassa voce

If a baby is sleeping, you must speak quietly (a bassa voce).

Match the situation to the most appropriate use of the phrase.

You are telling a secret to your best friend.

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: Parlo a bassa voce.

Secrets are shared quietly to maintain privacy.

🎉 점수: /4

시각 학습 자료

Where to speak 'a bassa voce'

📍

Places

  • Biblioteca
  • Chiesa
  • Cinema
  • Ospedale

Volume Levels

Ad alta voce
Urlo Scream
A bassa voce
Sussurro Whisper

연습 문제 은행

4 연습 문제
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the phrase. Fill Blank A1

In biblioteca dobbiamo parlare ___ ___ ___.

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: a bassa voce

The correct preposition is 'a' and 'voce' is feminine, so we use 'bassa'.

Which sentence is grammatically correct? Choose A1

Select the correct option:

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: Lui parla a bassa voce.

'A bassa voce' is the standard idiomatic phrase.

Fill in the missing part of the dialogue. dialogue_completion A2

A: Perché sussurri? B: Perché il bambino dorme e devo parlare ___.

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: a bassa voce

If a baby is sleeping, you must speak quietly (a bassa voce).

Match the situation to the most appropriate use of the phrase. situation_matching A1

You are telling a secret to your best friend.

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: Parlo a bassa voce.

Secrets are shared quietly to maintain privacy.

🎉 점수: /4

자주 묻는 질문

12 질문

It is neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend.

It's better not to. While understandable, it's not the idiomatic way Italians say it.

The opposite is 'ad alta voce' (loudly).

Yes, they are synonyms, though 'sottovoce' is a single word.

No, for a deep pitch, use 'voce bassa' or 'voce profonda'.

Yes, for private comments or discreet negotiations.

It's pronounced 'VO-cheh', like the 'ch' in 'church'.

Because 'voce' is a feminine noun in Italian.

Yes, 'leggere a bassa voce' means reading quietly.

Very common, especially in romantic ballads.

No, the article is never used in this fixed phrase.

It is 'a' because 'bassa' starts with a consonant.

관련 표현

🔄

sottovoce

synonym

Under one's breath / quietly

🔗

ad alta voce

contrast

Loudly / out loud

🔗

bisbigliare

similar

To whisper

🔗

parlare piano

similar

To speak slowly/quietly

🔗

a quattr'occhi

builds on

Privately (between four eyes)

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