mantenere il silenzio
/man.teˈne.re il siˈlɛn.t͡sjo/To remain silent or refrain from speaking, often as a rule or expectation.
Il giudice ha ordinato di mantenere il silenzio in aula.
The judge ordered to maintain silence in the courtroom.
In biblioteca si deve mantenere il silenzio.
You must keep quiet in the library.
Commonly used in formal or instructional contexts (e.g., exams, libraries, courtrooms).
Collocations
Related Phrases
💡Pro Tip
Formal vs. Informal
Use *mantenere il silenzio* in formal or instructional contexts (e.g., exams, libraries). For casual situations, *fare silenzio* (to be quiet) is more natural.
⚡Gold Rule
Context Matters
This phrase implies an active choice to stay silent, often due to rules or expectations. It’s not just about being quiet naturally.
📖Word Origin
From Latin *silentium* (silence) via Italian *silenzio*. The verb *mantenere* (to maintain) derives from Latin *manu tenere* (to hold with the hand), metaphorically extended to 'sustaining a state'.
📝Usage Notes
Used in contexts where silence is a requirement (e.g., exams, religious settings) or a social norm (e.g., libraries). Avoid in informal speech; prefer *fare silenzio* for casual contexts.