Could you lower your voice, please?
ab-bas-SA-re — stress on third syllable. Double 's' in the middle.
Use politely when someone near you is talking too loudly during the film. The conditional 'potresti' softens the request considerably. Use quietly to avoid confrontation.
Using the conditional mood ('potresti' instead of 'puoi') makes the request much more diplomatic. In Italian culture, direct confrontation in public is generally avoided — this phrasing allows the other person to comply without losing face. Raising your voice to make this request would be counterproductive.
Scusi, c'è silenzio per favore?
Excuse me, could we have quiet please?
Impersonal — not pointing at anyone specifically.
Shhh, per cortesia.
Shh, please.
Non-verbal prompt — least confrontational option.
Mi dispiace, ma non riesco a sentire il film.
I'm sorry, but I can't hear the film.
Explains your reason without accusing — often more effective.
Italians are generally expressive and social, so talking in cinemas does happen. However, once the film begins, the expectation of silence is real — and most Italians will comply politely if asked.