tranquillo

Tranquillo is an Italian adjective meaning calm, tranquil, or quiet. Its etymology traces to Latin tranquilus or tranquillus, meaning free from disturbance. In Italian, the form changes for gender and number: tranquillo (masculine singular), tranquilla (feminine singular), tranquilli (masculine plural), tranquille (feminine plural).

In music notation, tranquillo is an expression marking that instructs performers to play in a tranquil, peaceful manner. It conveys mood rather than a precise tempo and is often used with tempo indications, for example andante tranquillo, to guide character. As a common Italian term in classical scores, it appears across periods from Baroque to Romantic and beyond, signaling a serene, gentle style.

In ordinary Italian usage, tranquillo describes people, places, or things that are calm or serene. Phrases such as "un lago tranquillo" (a calm lake) and "stare tranquillo" (to stay at ease) are typical. It is closely related to synonyms like sereno, calmo, and pacato, and it can also convey a sense of safety or security.

Outside Italian-speaking contexts, tranquillo is primarily encountered as a borrowed musical term or in discussions of Italian-language sources on music. When translated, it is usually rendered as tranquil or calm.