essere attento
/ˈɛs.se.re atˈtɛn.to/To pay close attention to something to avoid mistakes or danger; to be cautious.
È importante essere attenti durante l'esame.
It's important to pay attention during the exam.
Sii attento a non scivolare sul ghiaccio!
Be careful not to slip on the ice!
Used in both literal and figurative contexts, often with prepositions like 'a' (to) or 'con' (with).
Collocations
Antonyms
💡Pro Tip
Common Mistake: 'Essere attento' vs. 'Fare attenzione'
'Essere attento' describes a state of being (e.g., 'He is attentive'), while 'fare attenzione' refers to the action of paying attention (e.g., 'Pay attention!'). They are often interchangeable but have subtle differences in emphasis.
⚡Gold Rule
When to Use 'Essere Attento'
Use 'essere attento' to describe someone's general attentiveness or to give advice to be careful. Example: 'Devi essere attento con quel coltello!' (You must be careful with that knife!).
📖Word Origin
From Latin 'attentus' (attentive), past participle of 'attendere' (to attend to). The phrase 'essere attento' combines the verb 'essere' (to be) with the adjective 'attento' (attentive), forming a common Italian expression.
📝Usage Notes
Common in both spoken and written Italian. Often used in instructions, warnings, or advice. The adjective 'attento' can also stand alone (e.g., 'Lui è attento' = 'He is attentive').