tacere
Lemma: tacere
Translation: to be silent; to keep quiet; to remain silent; to hush; to conceal (verb)
Etymology: From Latin 'tacēre' meaning 'to be silent'. It shares the same root as English words like 'tacit' (understood without being stated) and 'taciturn' (reserved or uncommunicative in speech). The root 'tac-' relates to silence and appears in various Romance languages.
Example Usage
È meglio tacere che dire sciocchezze.
It's better to remain silent than to say foolish things.
Ha taciuto la verità per anni.
He concealed the truth for years.
Taci, per favore, sto cercando di concentrarmi.
Be quiet, please, I'm trying to concentrate.
Tutti tacquero quando entrò il professore.
Everyone fell silent when the professor entered.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'tacit' in English (unspoken, implied) to remember 'tacere' means 'to be silent'
- Imagine a 'taciturn' person who tends to 'tacere' (remain silent) in social situations
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Cultural Context
In Italian culture, 'tacere' can have both positive and negative connotations. While discretion is valued, the proverb 'chi tace acconsente' (silence gives consent) shows that remaining silent can also imply agreement or complicity.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'tacere' means 'to be silent', 'giacere' means 'to lie down, to recline'. They have similar conjugation patterns as both are irregular verbs.
Notes: Both verbs follow similar irregular conjugation patterns in the passato remoto: 'tacqui' (I was silent) vs 'giacqui' (I lay down).
Mnemonic: Remember: 'tacere' starts with 't' for 'talk' (but don't), while 'giacere' starts with 'g' for 'ground' (where you lie).
Explanation: 'Tacere' means 'to be silent' while 'tassare' means 'to tax, to impose a tax'. They look somewhat similar but have completely different meanings.
Confused word:
Il governo ha deciso di tassare i beni di lusso.
The government decided to tax luxury goods.
Notes: 'Tacere' is irregular while 'tassare' follows regular -are verb conjugation patterns.
Mnemonic: Think of the double 's' in 'tassare' as dollar signs ($) to remember it relates to money and taxes.