How do you say "You'd better keep quiet and behave" in Italian?

"You'd better keep quiet and behave" in Italian is "Vi conviene stare zitti e buoni". This phrase is commonly used in Italy.

What does "Vi conviene stare zitti e buoni" mean in English?

"Vi conviene stare zitti e buoni" means "You'd better keep quiet and behave" in English. Usage tip: Conveys urgency or caution—very Italian in a lively conversation.

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How to Say ‘You'd better keep quiet and behave’ in Italian

Vi conviene stare zitti e buoni

vi konˈvjɛne ˈstaːre ˈtsitːi e ˈbwɔni

[vi konˈvjɛne ˈstaːre ˈtsitːi e ˈbwɔni]

💬 Usage Tip: Conveys urgency or caution—very Italian in a lively conversation.

🇮🇹 In Italy: Expresses a preference for decorum in public spaces, reflecting orderly societal norms.

Phrase Breakdown

Vi conviene

vi konˈvjɛne

Words in this phrase

[vi]

You

Referring to a second person plural.

Example

Vi consiglio di ascoltare.

I advise you to listen.

conviene

[konˈvjɛne]

should

Used to indicate obligation, duty, or correctness.

Example

Ti conviene essere gentile.

You should be kind.

Stare zitti e buoni

ˈstaːre ˈtsitːi e ˈbwɔni

Words in this phrase

stare

[ˈstaːre]

to stay

Remain in the same place.

Example

Puoi stare con noi.

You can stay with us.

zitti

[ˈtsitːi]

silent

Not making or accompanied by any sound.

Example

Zitti, c'è un discorso in corso.

Silent, there is a speech in progress.

[e]

and

Used to connect words of the same part of speech, clauses, or sentences.

Example

Pane e acqua.

Bread and water.

buoni

[ˈbwɔni]

good

To behave or show positive manners.

Example

Essere buoni è importante.

Being good is important.

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