Signification
Being alert to surroundings.
Contexte culturel
The gesture of pulling down the lower eyelid with one finger often accompanies the phrase 'Stai attento' or 'Occhio'. It means 'I'm watching' or 'You should watch out'. Teachers use 'State attenti!' as a rhythmic call to order. It is one of the first phrases Italian children learn to react to in a group setting. In regions like Campania, 'stare attento' is often used as a sincere expression of protection among family members, reflecting deep social bonds. In Italy, traffic rules are often seen as 'suggestions'. 'Stare attenti' is a survival strategy for pedestrians and drivers alike, emphasizing situational awareness over strict rule-following.
Agreement is Key
Always check who you are talking to. If it's a woman, use 'attenta'. It shows you really know your grammar!
Don't use 'essere'
Saying 'Sono attento' sounds like you are describing a permanent personality trait. Use 'Sto attento' for the action.
Signification
Being alert to surroundings.
Agreement is Key
Always check who you are talking to. If it's a woman, use 'attenta'. It shows you really know your grammar!
Don't use 'essere'
Saying 'Sono attento' sounds like you are describing a permanent personality trait. Use 'Sto attento' for the action.
Teste-toi
Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'attento'.
Maria, stai ______ quando attraversi la strada!
Maria is feminine singular, so 'attento' becomes 'attenta'.
Choose the correct preposition.
Dobbiamo stare attenti ______ non fare rumore.
'Stare attento' is followed by the preposition 'a'.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'Vado a fare una passeggiata in montagna.' B: 'Va bene, ______!'
'Stai attento' is the correct imperative form for a warning.
🎉 Score : /3
Aides visuelles
When to use 'Stare Attento'
Safety
- • Traffic
- • Wet floors
- • Strangers
Focus
- • Lessons
- • Instructions
- • Details
Banque d exercices
3 exercicesMaria, stai ______ quando attraversi la strada!
Maria is feminine singular, so 'attento' becomes 'attenta'.
Dobbiamo stare attenti ______ non fare rumore.
'Stare attento' is followed by the preposition 'a'.
A: 'Vado a fare una passeggiata in montagna.' B: 'Va bene, ______!'
'Stai attento' is the correct imperative form for a warning.
🎉 Score : /3
Questions fréquentes
3 questionsYes, if you want to emphasize that you are listening carefully. 'Sto attento a quello che dici' means 'I'm paying close attention to what you're saying.'
'Occhio' is much more common in very quick, informal situations (like someone almost tripping). 'Stai attento' is better for general advice.
Yes, if you specify what you are being attentive to. If you just say 'Be careful!', you don't need it.
Expressions liées
fare attenzione
synonymTo pay attention
occhio!
similarWatch out!
prestare attenzione
formalTo lend attention
stare in guardia
specialized formTo be on guard
