voi stessi
Lemma: voi stessi
Translation: yourselves; you yourselves (pronoun)
Etymology: "Voi stessi" is a reflexive emphatic pronoun composed of "voi" (you, plural) and "stessi" (selves). "Voi" derives from Latin "vos" (you, plural), while "stessi" comes from Latin "iste" (that) + "ipse" (self). The construction emphasizes the subject by adding the reflexive element, similar to how English adds "-selves" to pronouns for emphasis.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'voi' as 'you' and 'stessi' as 'selves' = 'yourselves'
- Remember that 'stessi' sounds a bit like 'stay-see' - you can see yourselves staying together as a group
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Cultural Context
Used in both formal and informal contexts when emphasizing that a group of people (addressed as 'you') are doing something themselves or experiencing something directly. The form 'voi stesse' is used when referring to an exclusively female group.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'voi stessi' is used for mixed or all-male groups, 'voi stesse' is specifically used when addressing an all-female group.
Notes: This gender distinction is important in Italian but doesn't exist in the English translation 'yourselves'.
Mnemonic: Stesse ends with 'e' like 'female' - use for female groups only.
Explanation: 'Voi stessi' refers to 'yourselves' (second person plural), while 'se stessi' means 'themselves' or 'oneself' (third person).
Notes: The reflexive pronoun changes based on the person it refers to.
Mnemonic: V in 'voi' is for 'you', S in 'se' is for 'self/selves' (third person).