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A1 adjective 10 min de lecture

tranquillo

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces tranquillo en 30 secondes

Explication tranquillo in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'tranquillo' is one of the first adjectives you learn to describe places and people. You use it to say a street is quiet or a friend is calm. The most important thing at this level is learning the four forms: tranquillo (masculine singular), tranquilla (feminine singular), tranquilli (masculine plural), and tranquille (feminine plural). You will mostly use it with the verb 'essere' (to be). For example: 'Il mio gatto è tranquillo' (My cat is calm). You also learn it as a way to say 'no problem' or 'don't worry' in a very basic social context. It helps you sound polite and relaxed even with a limited vocabulary.

At the A2 level, you start using 'tranquillo' to describe your feelings and states of mind. You might say 'Mi sento tranquillo' (I feel calm) before a test or 'Sono stata tranquilla a casa' (I stayed quietly/peacefully at home). You also begin to use it in the imperative form 'Stai tranquillo' to reassure others. You understand that it can describe a neighborhood (una zona tranquilla) or a vacation. You start to see it paired with adverbs like 'molto' or 'poco'. You also learn the difference between 'tranquillo' (calm/quiet) and 'rumoroso' (noisy).

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At the B1 level, you use 'tranquillo' in more complex sentence structures. You might use it to describe a 'coscienza tranquilla' (clear conscience) or a 'vita tranquilla' (quiet life). You understand the idiomatic use of 'tranquillo' as a response to an apology. You also begin to distinguish it from 'calmo' and 'silenzioso'. You can use it in the past tense (ero tranquillo) or future (sarò tranquillo) to describe changing emotional states. You start to recognize the superlative 'tranquillissimo' and use it to add emphasis to your descriptions of travel destinations or experiences.

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At the B2 level, you master the nuances of 'tranquillo' in professional and social settings. You use it to describe a 'situazione tranquilla' (a stable situation) in business or politics. You understand how to use it to downplay a problem or to negotiate. You might say 'Possiamo parlarne tranquillamente' (We can talk about it calmly/freely), using the adverbial form. You recognize the word in literature and news, where it might describe a 'periodo tranquillo' in history. You are comfortable with the gender and number agreement even in long, complex sentences with multiple clauses.

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At the C1 level, you use 'tranquillo' with stylistic precision. You understand its role in creating 'atmosfera' in writing. You might use it ironically or to describe abstract concepts like 'un animo tranquillo' (a tranquil soul). You are aware of the subtle difference between 'tranquillo' and 'sereno' or 'placido'. You can use the word in formal debates to describe a 'dibattito tranquillo' (a civil/calm debate). You also understand regional variations and how the word might be used differently in various parts of Italy, including its use in certain dialects or very informal youth slang (like 'stai manzo' as a synonym).

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At the C2 level, you have a near-native grasp of 'tranquillo'. You can use it in academic contexts to describe 'acque tranquille' metaphorically in political science or economics. You appreciate the word's etymological roots in Latin 'tranquillus' and how that history informs its modern usage. You can use it in high-level literary analysis to discuss themes of peace and stillness in the works of authors like Leopardi or Montale. You use the word and its derivatives (tranquillità, tranquillizzare) with perfect fluidity, choosing it over synonyms to achieve specific rhetorical effects in both speech and writing.

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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

tranquillo en 30 secondes

Tranquillo is a versatile Italian adjective meaning quiet, calm, or peaceful, used for places, people, and emotional states.
It is frequently used as a standalone interjection ('Tranquillo!') to mean 'don't worry' or 'it's fine' in social situations.
The word must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies: tranquillo, tranquilla, tranquilli, or tranquille.
It is the opposite of 'agitato' (agitated) or 'rumoroso' (noisy) and is essential for basic Italian conversation.

The Italian adjective tranquillo is a cornerstone of daily communication, stretching far beyond its literal English translation of 'quiet' or 'tranquil.' At its core, it describes a state of being free from disturbance, agitation, or noise. However, in the vibrant landscape of Italian social interaction, it functions as a linguistic Swiss Army knife. When you describe a person as tranquillo, you aren't just saying they are silent; you are often implying they are easy-going, reliable, or 'chill.' It is the ultimate antidote to the stereotypical 'stressato' (stressed) lifestyle. Whether you are describing a secluded beach in Sardinia, a sleepy village in the Tuscan hills, or a friend who never gets angry, tranquillo is your go-to descriptor.

The Literal Sense: Used for environments like a library or a forest where there is no noise. 'Un posto tranquillo' is a place where you can hear your own thoughts.
The Emotional State: Refers to a person's internal peace. If someone asks 'Come stai?' and you feel steady and unbothered, you are 'tranquillo'.
The Social 'No Problem': Used as an interjection to mean 'don't worry' or 'it's fine.' If you apologize for being late, an Italian might respond with a simple, reassuring 'Tranquillo!'

Stasera rimaniamo a casa, vogliamo passare una serata tranquilla.

Tonight we're staying home; we want to spend a quiet/peaceful evening.

Understanding the nuance of tranquillo requires looking at the Italian cultural value of 'serenità.' It is not just the absence of noise, but the presence of harmony. A 'mare tranquillo' isn't just a sea that isn't loud; it's a sea with no waves, a flat mirror of blue. Similarly, a 'lavoro tranquillo' isn't necessarily a boring job, but one without the frantic pressure of deadlines and high-stakes conflict. It is a word that invites the listener to take a deep breath and relax. In many ways, it is the verbal equivalent of a slow espresso on a sunny piazza.

Non ti preoccupare per il conto, stai tranquillo, offro io.

Don't worry about the bill, stay calm/don't worry, it's on me.

Agreement Rules: Remember: tranquillo (m.s.), tranquilla (f.s.), tranquilli (m.p.), tranquille (f.p.). 'Le bambine sono tranquille' (The girls are quiet).

In literary contexts, tranquillo can take on a more poetic hue, describing the 'quiet' of the soul or the 'tranquil' flow of a river. It is a word that appears frequently in Italian music and poetry because of its soft, rolling 'l' sounds and the comforting 'o' or 'a' endings. It evokes a sense of safety. If you are 'al tranquillo' (in a quiet place/state), you are safe from the storms of life. It is more than an adjective; it is a philosophy of living that prioritizes balance over chaos.

Mastering tranquillo involves understanding its placement and the verbs it typically pairs with. Unlike some adjectives that change meaning significantly based on whether they precede or follow a noun, tranquillo is relatively stable, though placing it after the noun often emphasizes the state as a defining characteristic. For example, 'una tranquilla strada' (a quiet street) is standard, while 'una strada tranquilla' might be used to contrast it with a previously noisy one. It is most commonly used with the linking verbs essere (to be) and stare (to stay/be).

With 'Essere': Describes a permanent or inherent quality. 'Lui è un tipo tranquillo' (He is a calm guy/type). It defines his personality.
With 'Stare': Describes a temporary state or an instruction. 'Stai tranquillo!' (Stay calm/Don't worry!). This is very common in imperatives.

Dopo la tempesta, il mare è tornato tranquillo.

After the storm, the sea became calm again.

One of the most frequent uses for English speakers to learn is the reflexive context: 'sentirsi tranquillo' (to feel calm). If you have a big exam coming up and you've studied well, you might say, 'Mi sento tranquillo' (I feel confident/calm). Here, it replaces 'confident' because in Italian, being 'tranquillo' implies you have nothing to fear. It also pairs beautifully with adverbs of degree like molto (very), poco (a little), or abbastanza (fairly).

Ho passato delle vacanze molto tranquille in montagna.

I spent some very peaceful holidays in the mountains.

Common Noun Pairings: Vita tranquilla (quiet life), sonno tranquillo (peaceful sleep), zona tranquilla (quiet neighborhood), coscienza tranquilla (clear conscience).

Finally, consider the superlative 'tranquillissimo.' Italians love superlatives. If a place is exceptionally quiet, it's 'tranquillissimo.' This isn't just a grammatical choice; it's an emotional emphasis. When someone tells you a hotel is 'tranquillissimo,' they are promising you a sanctuary. By learning these patterns, you move from just knowing a word to understanding how to paint a picture with it in Italian.

If you walk through the streets of Rome, Milan, or Naples, you will hear tranquillo dozens of times a day, often used as a standalone exclamation. It is the verbal lubricant of Italian society. In a bustling café, if a waiter accidentally bumps into you and apologizes, your response should be a quick 'Tranquillo!'—it signals that no harm was done and there’s no need for further apology. It is much more common and casual than saying 'Non c'è problema' or 'Di niente.'

In the Office: Colleagues use it to lower the temperature of a stressful situation. 'La scadenza è domani, ma siamo tranquilli' (The deadline is tomorrow, but we're cool/on track).
Parenting: Parents constantly tell their children 'Fai il bravo, stai tranquillo' (Be good, stay quiet/calm).

'Scusa per il ritardo!' — 'Tranquillo, sono appena arrivato anche io.'

'Sorry for the delay!' — 'Don't worry, I just got here too.'

You will also hear it in the context of safety and reliability. If you are asking for directions and someone says 'È una zona tranquilla,' they are reassuring you that it is safe to walk there at night. In the world of dating or friendships, describing someone as 'una persona tranquilla' is a high compliment in Italy; it suggests they aren't 'drama-prone' and are pleasant to be around. It is the opposite of 'pazzo' (crazy) or 'esagitato' (over-excited).

Voglio solo vivere una vita tranquilla lontano dal caos della città.

I just want to live a quiet life far from the city's chaos.

Travel & Tourism: Reviews of hotels or restaurants frequently use 'ambiente tranquillo' to mean 'relaxed atmosphere' or 'not too crowded.'

Listen for the intonation. A short, clipped 'Tranquillo' is a dismissal of a problem. A long, drawn-out 'Trannnnquillloooo' is a deep reassurance, often accompanied by a hand gesture (palm down, moving slightly side to side). It is a word that embodies the 'dolce far niente' (the sweetness of doing nothing) culture—it is the sound of a life well-balanced and a mind at ease.

While tranquillo seems straightforward, English speakers often fall into a few traps. The most common is the confusion between tranquillo and zitto. In English, we might say 'Be quiet!' to someone who is talking too much. If you say 'Stai tranquillo!' to someone who is talking, you aren't telling them to shut up; you're telling them to relax or stop being nervous. To tell someone to stop making noise, you must use 'Stai zitto!' or 'Fai silenzio!'

Agreement Errors: Beginners often forget that adjectives must agree with the noun. 'Le strade sono tranquillo' is wrong; it must be 'Le strade sono tranquille'.
Tranquillo vs. Calmo: While often interchangeable, 'calmo' is more about the absence of physical movement or agitation, while 'tranquillo' is more about the absence of noise or worry.

Errore: Stai tranquillo! (to a woman). Corretto: Stai tranquilla!

Common mistake: failing to change the gender when speaking to a female subject.

Another nuance involves the word 'quieto'. While 'quieto' exists in Italian, it is much less common in everyday conversation than tranquillo. 'Quieto' often implies a more profound, almost stagnant stillness, or is used in specific phrases like 'vivere quieto.' If you want to describe a 'quiet person' in a positive way, 'tranquillo' is almost always the better choice. Using 'quieto' can sometimes sound archaic or overly formal.

Non confondere: 'Un bambino tranquillo' (a well-behaved child) vs 'Un bambino silenzioso' (a child who isn't making noise).

Overuse as 'Okay': While 'Tranquillo' can mean 'It's okay,' don't use it to agree to a plan (e.g., 'Do you want pizza?' 'Tranquillo' is a weird answer here; use 'Va bene' instead).

Finally, be careful with the adverbial form. While in English we say 'He walked quietly,' in Italian you wouldn't say 'Lui camminava tranquillo' (though it is grammatically possible as a predicative adjective); you would more likely use 'silenziosamente' or 'con calma.' Using the adjective as an adverb is a colloquialism that can be tricky for learners to get right without sounding unnatural.

To truly enrich your Italian vocabulary, you should know when to swap tranquillo for a more specific synonym. Italian is a language of precision, and while tranquillo is a great 'all-rounder,' these alternatives can help you express specific shades of peace and quiet. Whether you are talking about the weather, your mood, or the volume of a room, there is a word that fits perfectly.

Calmo: Focuses on the absence of agitation. Use it for the sea (mare calmo) or a person who remains composed under pressure. 'Mantieni la calma!' (Keep calm!).
Silenzioso: Focuses purely on the lack of noise. A hybrid car is 'silenziosa,' but it isn't 'tranquilla' (unless you're talking about the ride quality).
Sereno: Used for a clear sky (cielo sereno) or a deep, soulful peace. It implies a higher level of happiness and lack of worry than just being 'tranquillo.'
Pacifico: Means 'peaceful' in the sense of avoiding conflict. 'Una protesta pacifica' (a peaceful protest) or 'un uomo pacifico' (a man who hates fighting).

Nonostante i problemi, lei è rimasta serena.

Despite the problems, she remained serene (deeper than just 'tranquilla').

When comparing these, think of a scale. Silenzioso is about the ears. Calmo is about the body and movement. Tranquillo is about the environment and general state. Sereno is about the heart and the sky. If you are in a library, it is silenzioso. If the librarian is a relaxed person, she is tranquilla. If there is no drama in the library, the atmosphere is pacifica.

Il borgo era così quieto che si sentiva solo il vento.

The village was so still/quiet that only the wind could be heard.

Antonyms to Know: Agitato (agitated/restless), Rumoroso (noisy), Preoccupato (worried), Caotico (chaotic).

Choosing the right word shows you understand the 'vibe' of the situation. If you describe a party as 'tranquilla,' it means it was nice and relaxed. If you describe it as 'silenziosa,' it sounds like a boring or failed party! Use these distinctions to sound more like a native speaker and less like a dictionary.

How Formal Is It?

Le savais-tu ?

The word 'tranquillo' has remained almost unchanged in its spelling and meaning for over two thousand years from Latin to modern Italian.

Guide de prononciation

UK /traŋˈkwil.lo/

US /trɑŋˈkwil.lo/

The stress is on the penultimate syllable: tran-QUIL-lo.

Rime avec

sigillo villo mirtillo grillo squillo codicillo armadillo vacillo

Erreurs fréquentes

Pronouncing the 'qu' like a 'k' (it should be 'kw').
Not doubling the 'l' sound (it should be slightly held).
Misplacing the stress on the first syllable.
Nasalizing the 'an' too much like in French.
Pronouncing the 'o' at the end like 'oh' instead of a pure 'o'.

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 1/5

Very easy to recognize due to English 'tranquil'.

Écriture 2/5

Must remember gender and number agreement.

Expression orale 1/5

Simple pronunciation and very useful in daily life.

Écoute 1/5

Commonly heard and clearly pronounced.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

essere stare molto casa persona

Apprends ensuite

calmo silenzioso agitato rumoroso sereno

Avancé

imperturbabile placido quiete tranquillità

Grammaire à connaître

Adjective Agreement

La ragazza è tranquilla; i ragazzi sono tranquilli.

Essere vs Stare with Adjectives

Lui è tranquillo (personality); Lui sta tranquillo (temporary state).

Superlative Formation

Tranquillo -> Tranquillissimo (very quiet/calm).

Adverbial Suffix -mente

Tranquillo -> Tranquillamente (calmly).

Diminutive Adjectives

Tranquillino (somewhat quiet/calm - rare but used for children).

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Exemples par niveau

Il mio cane è molto tranquillo.

My dog is very calm.

Masculine singular agreement with 'cane'.

Questa strada è tranquilla.

This street is quiet.

Feminine singular agreement with 'strada'.

I bambini sono tranquilli oggi.

The children are quiet today.

Masculine plural agreement with 'bambini'.

Siamo in un posto tranquillo.

We are in a quiet place.

Used after the noun 'posto'.

Tranquillo, non è successo niente!

Don't worry, nothing happened!

Used as an interjection.

La mia casa è tranquilla.

My house is quiet.

Feminine singular agreement with 'casa'.

Mio nonno è una persona tranquilla.

My grandfather is a calm person.

Agrees with 'persona' (feminine), even though the subject is male.

Il mare è tranquillo stasera.

The sea is calm tonight.

Describes a physical state.

Stai tranquillo, arrivo subito.

Stay calm, I'm coming right away.

Imperative with 'stare'.

Abbiamo passato una serata tranquilla.

We spent a quiet evening.

Adjective modifying 'serata'.

Le vacanze sono state tranquille.

The holidays were peaceful.

Feminine plural agreement.

Non essere agitato, sii tranquillo.

Don't be agitated, be calm.

Contrast between 'agitato' and 'tranquillo'.

È un quartiere molto tranquillo per vivere.

It is a very quiet neighborhood to live in.

Describes a location.

Mi sento più tranquillo dopo aver parlato con te.

I feel calmer after talking to you.

Reflexive verb 'sentirsi'.

Le acque del lago sono tranquille.

The lake waters are calm.

Feminine plural agreement.

Dormi tranquillo, la porta è chiusa.

Sleep peacefully, the door is closed.

Adjective used in a predicative sense.

Ho la coscienza tranquilla perché ho detto la verità.

I have a clear conscience because I told the truth.

Idiomatic expression 'coscienza tranquilla'.

Cerca di stare tranquilla durante l'esame.

Try to stay calm during the exam.

Infinitive with 'stare'.

È una zona tranquilla, non c'è molto traffico.

It's a quiet area, there isn't much traffic.

Explains why it is 'tranquilla'.

Siamo tranquilli riguardo al futuro dell'azienda.

We are confident/calm regarding the company's future.

Indicates confidence/lack of worry.

Voglio un lavoro tranquillo senza troppo stress.

I want a quiet job without too much stress.

Describes a lifestyle choice.

La situazione sembra tranquilla per il momento.

The situation seems calm for the moment.

Verb 'sembrare' (to seem).

I miei genitori conducono una vita tranquilla in campagna.

My parents lead a quiet life in the countryside.

Standard phrase 'vita tranquilla'.

Resta tranquillo, troveremo una soluzione.

Stay calm, we will find a solution.

Imperative of 'restare'.

Nonostante il caos intorno, lui rimaneva tranquillo.

Despite the chaos around him, he remained calm.

Contrast using 'nonostante'.

Possiamo procedere, il terreno è tranquillo.

We can proceed, the ground is stable/safe.

Metaphorical use for safety/stability.

È stata una discussione tranquilla e costruttiva.

It was a calm and constructive discussion.

Used with 'costruttiva'.

Mi assicuri che l'investimento è tranquillo?

Can you assure me that the investment is safe/low-risk?

Colloquial use for 'low-risk'.

Hanno vissuto anni tranquilli prima della crisi.

They lived through peaceful years before the crisis.

Historical/temporal description.

Preferisco i colori tranquilli per la camera da letto.

I prefer calm colors for the bedroom.

Describing aesthetic qualities.

Sii tranquillo, ho già sistemato tutto io.

Be at ease, I've already fixed everything.

Reassurance.

È una persona così tranquilla che quasi non si nota.

He is such a quiet person that he is almost unnoticed.

Use of 'così... che' for consequence.

La sua reazione tranquilla mi ha sorpreso molto.

His calm reaction surprised me a lot.

Unexpected adjective placement for emphasis.

Il borgo gode di una posizione tranquilla e isolata.

The village enjoys a quiet and isolated position.

Formal verb 'godere di'.

Non posso dormire sonni tranquilli finché non finisco questo lavoro.

I can't sleep peacefully until I finish this work.

Idiom 'dormire sonni tranquilli'.

Il dibattito si è svolto in un clima tranquillo.

The debate took place in a calm atmosphere.

Abstract use of 'clima'.

Ha un temperamento tranquillo, difficilmente perde la pazienza.

He has a calm temperament; he hardly ever loses his patience.

Noun 'temperamento'.

È necessario mantenere un approccio tranquillo alla questione.

It is necessary to maintain a calm approach to the matter.

Formal 'approccio'.

Le acque sono tornate tranquille dopo le polemiche.

The waters have calmed down after the controversies.

Metaphorical use of 'acque'.

La vecchiaia dovrebbe essere un periodo tranquillo della vita.

Old age should be a peaceful period of life.

Philosophical observation.

Si percepiva una tranquilla rassegnazione nel suo sguardo.

A quiet resignation could be perceived in his gaze.

Nuanced psychological description.

L'autore dipinge un quadro tranquillo della vita rurale.

The author paints a peaceful picture of rural life.

Literary analysis context.

La borsa ha avuto una chiusura tranquilla oggi.

The stock market had a quiet close today.

Technical financial context.

Regna un'aria tranquilla in questo antico monastero.

A quiet air reigns in this ancient monastery.

Poetic verb 'regnare'.

Il paziente ha trascorso una notte tranquilla.

The patient spent a quiet/peaceful night.

Medical reporting context.

Nonostante l'affronto, mantenne un tono tranquillo.

Despite the insult, he maintained a calm tone.

High-level social control.

La transizione verso il nuovo governo è stata tranquilla.

The transition to the new government was peaceful.

Political science context.

Egli anelava a un'esistenza tranquilla e appartata.

He yearned for a quiet and secluded existence.

High literary style using 'anelare'.

Collocations courantes

zona tranquilla

vita tranquilla

coscienza tranquilla

mare tranquillo

serata tranquilla

sonno tranquillo

tipo tranquillo

acque tranquille

lavoro tranquillo

voce tranquilla

Phrases Courantes

Stai tranquillo!

— Don't worry or calm down. Used to reassure someone.

Stai tranquillo, tutto si sistemerà.

Tutto tranquillo?

— Is everything okay? A common informal greeting.

Ehi, tutto tranquillo in ufficio?

Dormire sonni tranquilli

— To sleep soundly or have no worries. Often used regarding a clear conscience.

Ora che ho pagato i debiti, posso dormire sonni tranquilli.

Essere al tranquillo

— To be in a safe or quiet situation.

Qui siamo al tranquillo, nessuno ci disturberà.

Prenderla tranquilla

— To take it easy or not stress out.

Prendila tranquilla, non c'è fretta.

Passare una notte tranquilla

— To have a peaceful night, often used in medical contexts.

Il malato ha passato una notte tranquilla.

Un porto tranquillo

— A safe haven or a stable place/person.

La famiglia è il mio porto tranquillo.

Stare sul tranquillo

— To keep a low profile or stay safe.

In questo periodo preferisco stare sul tranquillo.

Mantenersi tranquillo

— To keep oneself calm.

Cerca di mantenerti tranquillo durante la riunione.

Tranquillo come un olio

— As calm as oil (perfectly still/calm).

Oggi il lago è tranquillo come un olio.

Souvent confondu avec

tranquillo vs zitto

Zitto means 'silent/hushed' as a command. Tranquillo means 'calm/unworried'.

tranquillo vs quieto

Quieto is more formal/literary and implies a deeper stillness.

tranquillo vs calmo

Calmo focuses on lack of agitation; Tranquillo on lack of disturbance.

Expressions idiomatiques

"Dormire sonni tranquilli"

— To have no reason to worry or feel guilty.

Se segui le regole, puoi dormire sonni tranquilli.

neutral

"Acque tranquille"

— A period of stability and lack of conflict.

Speriamo di navigare in acque tranquille quest'anno.

metaphorical

"Tranquillo!"

— A way to say 'No problem' or 'Don't mention it.'

'Grazie per l'aiuto!' 'Tranquillo!'

informal

"Prenderla con tranquillità"

— To approach a situation without stress.

Dobbiamo prenderla con tranquillità, senza correre.

neutral

"Una vita tranquilla"

— A modest, stress-free existence.

Non voglio ricchezza, solo una vita tranquilla.

neutral

"Coscienza tranquilla"

— The feeling of having done the right thing.

Non ho nulla da nascondere, ho la coscienza tranquilla.

neutral

"Posto tranquillo"

— A location where one is safe from noise or danger.

Andiamo in un posto tranquillo a parlare.

neutral

"Stare tranquillo nel proprio guscio"

— To stay quietly in one's own shell/comfort zone.

Gli piace stare tranquillo nel suo guscio.

informal

"Uomo di mare tranquillo"

— A person who is reliable and steady.

È un uomo di mare tranquillo, sa cosa fare.

literary

"Mantenere i nervi tranquilli"

— To keep one's nerves steady.

In emergenza bisogna mantenere i nervi tranquilli.

neutral

Facile à confondre

tranquillo vs zitto

Both relate to silence.

Zitto is 'shut up' or 'be silent'. Tranquillo is 'be calm' or 'relax'. You tell a loud person to be 'zitto', but a nervous person to be 'tranquillo'.

Stai zitto! (Stop talking!) vs Stai tranquillo! (Don't worry!)

tranquillo vs silenzioso

Both describe lack of noise.

Silenzioso is purely about decibels. Tranquillo is about the overall peaceful state of a place.

Un motore silenzioso (a quiet engine) vs Una vita tranquilla (a quiet life).

tranquillo vs sereno

Both mean peaceful.

Sereno is often used for the sky or a deep, happy state of mind. Tranquillo is more everyday.

Cielo sereno (clear sky) vs Posto tranquillo (quiet place).

tranquillo vs placido

Both mean calm.

Placido is more literary and often describes water or a very slow, gentle character.

Il placido fiume (the placid river).

tranquillo vs fermo

Both can mean 'still'.

Fermo means 'not moving'. Tranquillo means 'not disturbed'.

Stai fermo! (Don't move!) vs Stai tranquillo! (Relax!)

Structures de phrases

Il/La [noun] è tranquillo/a.

Il gatto è tranquillo.

Stai tranquillo/a!

Stai tranquilla, mamma!

Mi sento [adverb] tranquillo/a.

Mi sento molto tranquillo.

Un/Una [noun] tranquillo/a.

Una zona tranquilla.

È stato un/una [noun] tranquillo/a.

È stata una giornata tranquilla.

Dormire sonni tranquilli.

Voglio solo dormire sonni tranquilli.

Mantenere un tono/clima tranquillo.

Dobbiamo mantenere un clima tranquillo.

Gode di una [noun] tranquilla.

Gode di una vecchiaia tranquilla.

Famille de mots

Noms

tranquillità

tranquillante

Verbes

tranquillizzare

tranquillizzarsi

Adjectifs

tranquillo

tranquillizzante

Apparenté

quiete

calma

serenità

pace

silenzio

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Comment l'utiliser

frequency

Extremely high in both spoken and written Italian.

Erreurs courantes

Using 'tranquillo' to mean 'shut up'. → Use 'stai zitto' or 'fai silenzio'.
Tranquillo is about calming nerves, not stopping noise from a person's mouth.
Saying 'La strada è tranquillo'. → La strada è tranquilla.
Adjectives must match the feminine gender of 'strada'.
Using 'tranquillo' for a silent machine. → Use 'silenzioso'.
Machines are silent (silenziosi), they don't have the emotional state of being 'tranquillo'.
Responding 'Tranquillo' to 'Vuoi un caffè?'. → Use 'Sì, grazie' or 'No, grazie'.
Tranquillo is for reassurance, not for accepting or declining offers.
Confusing 'tranquillo' with 'quieto' in every context. → Use 'tranquillo' for 90% of cases.
Quieto is very specific and often sounds too formal or old-fashioned for daily use.

Astuces

Master the 'QU'

Ensure you pronounce the 'qu' as 'kw'. Many learners mistakenly say 'k', but the 'w' sound is essential for the word to be recognizable.

The 'Persona' Trap

Remember that 'persona' is always feminine. Even if you are describing a man, you say 'Lui è una persona tranquilla.' The adjective agrees with 'persona,' not 'lui'.

Use it for Apologies

When someone says 'Scusa' (Sorry), responding with 'Tranquillo' is the most natural way to say 'It's okay.' It sounds much more native than 'Prego' in this specific case.

Expand to Adverbs

Learn 'tranquillamente.' It's a great word to use when you want to say you can do something 'easily' or 'without any trouble.' Example: 'Puoi farlo tranquillamente.'

The Italian Vibe

Think of 'tranquillo' as the goal of a good vacation. If you tell an Italian your holiday was 'tranquilla,' they will understand it was a success.

Agreement with Plurals

If you are describing a group of things, like 'strade' (streets), don't forget the 'e' ending: 'tranquille'. Plural agreement is where most mistakes happen.

Clear Conscience

Memorize 'coscienza tranquilla.' It's a powerful phrase to use in discussions about ethics or personal decisions.

Imperative Tone

When saying 'Stai tranquillo,' use a soft, comforting voice. If you shout it, you're being contradictory!

Shortened Slang

In very informal youth speech, you might hear just 'Tranqui.' It's the equivalent of 'Chill' or 'Cool.'

Avoid Repetition

If you've already used 'tranquillo' in a paragraph, try 'calmo' or 'sereno' to keep your writing interesting.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of a 'Tranquil' lake in 'Italy' (tranqu-illo). The 'illo' ending makes it sound like a small, peaceful Italian village.

Association visuelle

Imagine a blue, flat sea with no waves and a person sitting on the shore with a slight smile, saying 'Tranquillo.'

Word Web

Mare Persona Posto Vita Coscienza Sonno Quartiere Serata

Défi

Try to use 'Tranquillo!' as a response to an apology today. If a friend says 'Sorry I'm late,' reply with 'Tranquillo!' and notice how it feels.

Origine du mot

From the Latin 'tranquillus,' which likely meant 'exceedingly calm' or 'quiet.' It is a compound of 'trans-' (beyond/through) and a root related to 'quies' (rest/quiet).

Sens originel : Quiet, calm, still (especially referring to water or weather).

Romance (Italic)

Contexte culturel

Be careful not to use 'tranquillo' to dismiss someone's serious concerns, as it can occasionally sound patronizing if used with the wrong tone.

English speakers often use 'quiet' to mean 'silent,' but in Italian, 'tranquillo' is more about the 'vibe' than just the decibels.

The song 'Tranquillo' by Italian rapper Neffa (a classic of 90s Italian hip hop). Commonly heard in Italian neorealist cinema to describe the life of the common people. Used in travel guides to describe the 'borghi più belli d'Italia' (most beautiful villages).

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

At a Restaurant

Vorremmo un tavolo tranquillo.
È un locale tranquillo?
Tranquillo, il servizio è incluso.
Una cena tranquilla.

Travel

L'albergo è in una zona tranquilla.
Il viaggio è stato tranquillo.
Un borgo tranquillo.
Spiaggia tranquilla.

Work

Oggi in ufficio è tutto tranquillo.
Stai tranquillo per la scadenza.
Un collega tranquillo.
Lavoro tranquillo.

Health/Emotions

Mi sento più tranquillo ora.
Hai passato una notte tranquilla?
Cerca di stare tranquilla.
Respiro tranquillo.

Social Conflict

Tranquillo, non volevo offenderti.
Siamo persone tranquille.
Una discussione tranquilla.
Rimaniamo tranquilli.

Amorces de conversation

"Conosci un posto tranquillo dove possiamo andare a parlare?"

"Ti senti tranquillo per l'esame di domani o sei un po' agitato?"

"Preferisci vivere in una città caotica o in un paese tranquillo?"

"Cosa fai di solito per passare una serata tranquilla a casa?"

"Sei una persona tranquilla o ti arrabbi facilmente?"

Sujets d'écriture

Descrivi il posto più tranquillo che hai mai visitato in vita tua.

Cosa significa per te avere la 'coscienza tranquilla' in una situazione difficile?

Pensi che la tua vita attuale sia troppo frenetica o abbastanza tranquilla?

Descrivi una persona tranquilla che ammiri e spiega perché ti piace il suo carattere.

Quali sono le tre cose che ti rendono immediatamente più tranquillo quando sei stressato?

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

No, that is a common mistake. To tell someone to be silent, use 'stai zitto' or 'fai silenzio.' 'Stai tranquillo' means 'relax' or 'don't worry.' If you say it to someone who is talking, they might think you are telling them they are too nervous, not too loud.

Yes, always. If you are talking to a man, say 'tranquillo.' To a woman, 'tranquilla.' To a group of men or a mixed group, 'tranquilli.' To a group of women, 'tranquille.' This is vital for sounding natural.

They are often synonyms, but 'calmo' is more about the absence of physical movement (like a calm sea) or anger. 'Tranquillo' is broader and includes the absence of noise, worry, and social disturbance.

It is neutral. You can use it with your boss, your grandmother, or your best friend. However, the standalone exclamation 'Tranquillo!' is more common in informal settings.

You can say 'Sono tranquillo' or 'Mi sento tranquillo.' Use 'sono' for a general state and 'mi sento' to emphasize your internal feeling at that moment.

Yes, you can use it to describe 'soft' or 'muted' colors that aren't aggressive, like pastels. 'Colori tranquilli' is a common phrase in interior design.

Yes, the verb is 'tranquillizzare.' For example: 'La musica mi tranquillizza' (Music calms me down).

The most common opposites are 'agitato' (agitated/nervous) for people and 'rumoroso' (noisy) for places.

Yes, in the context of a neighborhood or an investment. 'Una zona tranquilla' usually implies it is safe to walk there.

You can say 'molto tranquillo' or use the superlative form 'tranquillissimo.' Both are very common.

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