Signification
Whispering.
Contexte culturel
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.
Signification
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!'
Teste-toi
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the phrase.
In biblioteca dobbiamo parlare ___ ___ ___.
The correct preposition is 'a' and 'voce' is feminine, so we use 'bassa'.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Select the correct option:
'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 ___.
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.
Secrets are shared quietly to maintain privacy.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Where to speak 'a bassa voce'
Places
- • Biblioteca
- • Chiesa
- • Cinema
- • Ospedale
Volume Levels
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesIn biblioteca dobbiamo parlare ___ ___ ___.
The correct preposition is 'a' and 'voce' is feminine, so we use 'bassa'.
Select the correct option:
'A bassa voce' is the standard idiomatic phrase.
A: Perché sussurri? B: Perché il bambino dorme e devo parlare ___.
If a baby is sleeping, you must speak quietly (a bassa voce).
You are telling a secret to your best friend.
Secrets are shared quietly to maintain privacy.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
12 questionsIt 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.
Expressions liées
sottovoce
synonymUnder one's breath / quietly
ad alta voce
contrastLoudly / out loud
bisbigliare
similarTo whisper
parlare piano
similarTo speak slowly/quietly
a quattr'occhi
builds onPrivately (between four eyes)
