trattieni

Trattieni is the second-person singular present indicative form of the Italian verb trattenere, meaning to hold back, restrain, or retain. As a grammatical form, trattieni is used to address the subject “you” (informal), indicating that the person being spoken to should keep something in check or prevent it from moving forward. The same form can also function as the affirmative informal imperative, giving a direct command: trattieni.

Usage and meaning

Trattenere covers a range of senses, including physical restraint (holding back a movement), emotional control (keeping feelings in check), or prolonging a pause or delay (retaining or delaying an action). In sentences, trattieni is often followed by an object or phrase specifying what is being restrained, such as a body part, words, or impulses. Examples include: Trattieni le mani. (Hold back your hands.) Trattieni le parole. (Hold back your words.) Trattieni le lacrime. (Hold back the tears.)

Language notes

Trattieni is not a noun or a standalone concept; it is a verb form. The verb it derives from, trattenere, originates from the idea of holding back or keeping in check and is used in a wide range of contexts in Italian. Other forms of trattenere include tratteneo, trattieni, trattiene, tratteniamo, trattenete, tratengono, depending on the subject and tense.

See also

Related verbs: trattenere, contenere, rallentare. The form trattieni should be distinguished from non-verbal uses or proper nouns, which are uncommon for this specific word.