zitto
quiet
Indica la richiesta di non parlare o di restare in silenzio.
Definition & meaning
Zitto means quiet or silent, especially when someone is not speaking. It can also be used as a command: “Be quiet!” or “Shut up!” Depending on the tone, this can sound rude.
Grammar & Word origin
An adjective that agrees in gender and number: zitto (masculine singular), zitta (feminine singular), zitti (masculine plural), and zitte (feminine plural).
It is probably of expressive origin, imitating a sound used to call for silence.
Synonyms & antonyms
- silenzioso — “silent” or “quiet”; more neutral and can describe people, places, or things.
- muto — “mute” or “speechless”; suggests an inability or failure to speak, rather than simply being quiet.
- loquace — “talkative”; an opposite describing someone who talks a lot.
Common phrases & collocations
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Examples
Il maestro dice agli studenti di stare zitti.adjective
The teacher tells the students to be quiet.
Zitto! Non dire nulla.interjection
Quiet! Don't say anything.
In classe tutti erano zitti e attenti.adjective
In class everyone was quiet and attentive.
I bambini sono zitti nel letto.adjective
The children are quiet in bed.
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