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tenere un segreto
/ˈtɛː.ne.re un seˈɡreː.to/
keep a secret
Devo tenere un segreto per anni senza dirlo a nessuno.
I had to keep a secret for years without telling anyone.
neutral
To maintain confidentiality about something; to not reveal information that is meant to be private.
Non ti preoccupare, so tenere un segreto.
Don't worry, I can keep a secret.
Ha tenuto un segreto per vent'anni senza mai tradirlo.
He kept a secret for twenty years without ever betraying it.
Commonly used in both personal and professional contexts to emphasize trustworthiness.
Collocations
tenere un segreto al sicuroto keep a secret safenon tenere un segretoto not keep a secret (i.e., to reveal it)saper tenere un segretoto know how to keep a secret
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Common Mistake
Avoid using 'tenere un segreto' to mean 'to have a secret.' For the latter, use 'avere un segreto' (e.g., 'Ho un segreto' = 'I have a secret').
Gold Rule
Trust Context
Use 'tenere un segreto' when emphasizing the act of not revealing information, especially to reassure someone (e.g., 'Puoi fidarti, so tenere un segreto').
Word Origin
From the verb 'tenere' (to hold/keep) + 'un segreto' (a secret). The phrase reflects the physical act of 'holding' information securely, metaphorically extending the idea of possession or control over knowledge.
Usage Notes
Used in both formal and informal contexts. Often appears in reassurances like 'So tenere un segreto' ('I can keep a secret'). The verb 'tenere' implies active maintenance, not just passive silence.
Word Breakdown
tenere
to hold/keep
verbun segreto
a secret
noun phraseDizionario Italiano-Inglese