Signification
To avoid contact.
Contexte culturel
Italians often use this phrase to express a lack of trust in institutions or political movements, reflecting a historical skepticism toward power. In regions with strong traditional social codes, 'stare alla larga' can be a serious warning about family honor or avoiding 'malavita' (criminal circles). The phrase is used to navigate the often complex hierarchy and 'office politics' without making enemies. The phrase is a reminder of Italy's history as a maritime power (Venice, Genoa, Pisa, Amalfi). The sea is a constant metaphor in the language.
Use it for advice
It's the perfect phrase when you want to sound like a protective Italian friend.
Don't forget 'DA'
The most common mistake is using 'di'. Always pair it with 'da'.
Signification
To avoid contact.
Use it for advice
It's the perfect phrase when you want to sound like a protective Italian friend.
Don't forget 'DA'
The most common mistake is using 'di'. Always pair it with 'da'.
The 'NE' trick
Use 'Stanne alla larga!' to sound like a native speaker when the context is already known.
Nautical roots
Remember the image of a ship avoiding rocks; it helps you remember the meaning of 'larga'.
Teste-toi
Complete the sentence with the correct form of 'stare alla larga' and the preposition 'da'.
Se non vuoi litigare con lui, (tu - imperative) ________ ________ ________ lui.
The imperative for 'tu' is 'stai', followed by the fixed phrase and the preposition 'da'.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Choose the correct option:
'Da' + 'il' becomes 'dal'. 'Di' is incorrect.
Match the advice to the situation.
Situation: Your friend is starting to hang out with a group of people who use drugs.
This is the most appropriate warning for a social circle that could cause trouble.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'Ti piace il nuovo progetto?' B: 'No, è troppo rischioso. Io ________ ________ ________.'
The particle 'ne' replaces 'dal progetto' (from it).
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesSe non vuoi litigare con lui, (tu - imperative) ________ ________ ________ lui.
The imperative for 'tu' is 'stai', followed by the fixed phrase and the preposition 'da'.
Choose the correct option:
'Da' + 'il' becomes 'dal'. 'Di' is incorrect.
Situation: Your friend is starting to hang out with a group of people who use drugs.
This is the most appropriate warning for a social circle that could cause trouble.
A: 'Ti piace il nuovo progetto?' B: 'No, è troppo rischioso. Io ________ ________ ________.'
The particle 'ne' replaces 'dal progetto' (from it).
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsIt can be. If you say it to someone's face ('Stai alla larga da me!'), it's very aggressive. If used as advice about someone else, it's just protective.
Yes! 'Sto alla larga dai carboidrati' is a common way to say you're on a diet.
'Evitare' is a simple verb (to avoid). 'Stare alla larga' is more descriptive and implies keeping a safe distance.
Yes. 'Sono stato alla larga dai guai' (I stayed away from trouble).
Yes, to advise against risky investments or bad partners.
The verb changes, but the phrase 'alla larga' stays the same. 'Loro stanno alla larga'.
Grammatically, it functions as a noun in this idiom (the wide sea), though it's usually an adjective.
Yes, adding 'molto' or 'ben' (stare ben alla larga) adds emphasis.
Extremely common in crime dramas and thrillers.
Yes, like staying away from a cliff or a fire.
Expressions liées
evitare
synonymTo avoid
girare al largo
similarTo circle at a distance
tenersi a distanza
similarTo keep one's distance
rifuggire da
specialized formTo shun/recoil from
prendere il largo
builds onTo head out to sea / to run away
