Signification
Hidden.
Contexte culturel
In many Italian families, 'di nascosto' is how children (and sometimes adults) navigate the strict rules of the 'mamma' or 'nonna'. It's often used affectionately. The concept of 'di nascosto' is a staple in Italian comedy (Commedia all'italiana), where characters often find themselves in absurd situations because they were trying to do something secretly. Italians value 'fare bella figura'. If you have to do something that might be judged, you do it 'di nascosto' to preserve your public image. Historically, certain religious or political groups in Italy had to practice their beliefs 'di nascosto' during times of persecution or strict state control.
The 'Action' Rule
Always use 'di nascosto' with a verb. If there is no verb, you probably just need 'nascosto'.
No 'In'!
English speakers always want to say 'in nascosto'. Resist the urge! It's always 'di'.
Signification
Hidden.
The 'Action' Rule
Always use 'di nascosto' with a verb. If there is no verb, you probably just need 'nascosto'.
No 'In'!
English speakers always want to say 'in nascosto'. Resist the urge! It's always 'di'.
Surprise Parties
This is the most common positive way to use the phrase. 'Organizzare di nascosto' is a very useful collocation.
The Grandmother Effect
In Italy, grandmothers are the queens of doing things 'di nascosto' for their grandkids.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing preposition to complete the phrase.
Marco mangia la cioccolata ___ nascosto.
The correct fixed phrase is 'di nascosto'.
Which sentence is correct?
Choose the correct usage:
'Di nascosto' describes the action of entering, not the cat itself.
Match the action to the phrase.
If you are planning a surprise party, you are doing it...
Surprises require secrecy, which is 'di nascosto'.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Perché cammini così piano? B: Perché voglio uscire ___.
Walking quietly suggests you want to leave without being seen.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Common Verbs with 'Di Nascosto'
Actions
- • Uscire
- • Entrare
- • Andare
Consumption
- • Mangiare
- • Bere
- • Prendere
Senses
- • Guardare
- • Ascoltare
- • Leggere
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesMarco mangia la cioccolata ___ nascosto.
The correct fixed phrase is 'di nascosto'.
Choose the correct usage:
'Di nascosto' describes the action of entering, not the cat itself.
If you are planning a surprise party, you are doing it...
Surprises require secrecy, which is 'di nascosto'.
A: Perché cammini così piano? B: Perché voglio uscire ___.
Walking quietly suggests you want to leave without being seen.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNo! It can be used for surprises, secret gifts, or just wanting privacy. It's about the secrecy, not necessarily the morality.
You can, but you shouldn't. It sounds very formal and unnatural in 99% of conversations.
No, it is an invariable phrase. 'Loro lo fanno di nascosto' is correct.
'Di nascosto' is more about the physical act of sneaking or hiding an action. 'In segreto' is more about keeping information or plans private.
No, for objects use the adjective 'nascosto'. Example: 'Il tesoro è nascosto'.
You can say 'alle mie spalle', but 'di nascosto da me' is also very common.
It's neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend.
Fare, guardare, mangiare, uscire, and entrare are the most common.
Only if the quietness is to hide something. If you just want someone to lower their voice, use 'piano' or 'a bassa voce'.
Yes, 'aumm aumm' is a fun, southern Italian slang way to imply something is being done secretly.
Expressions liées
in segreto
synonymin secret
alla chetichella
similaron the quiet
nascondere
builds onto hide
sottobanco
specialized formunder the table
allo scoperto
contrastout in the open
