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PhrasesCalling PoliceÈ armato! State attenti!
B1

È armato! State attenti!

He is armed! Be careful!

Pronunciation

ar-MAH-toh — three syllables; the 'ar' is clearly pronounced with a slight roll on the 'r'.

When to use it

Use when calling police to warn them that a suspect is armed before they arrive. This critical information changes the response protocol and could save officers' lives.

What it means

'Armato' is the past participle of 'armare' used as an adjective. 'State attenti' is the plural imperative — appropriate when addressing multiple officers.

Variations

Ha una pistola.

He has a gun.

Names the weapon specifically — the most critical detail.

Ha già sparato.

He has already fired.

Confirms weapon use — maximum urgency.

Non so se è armato, ma è molto violento.

I don't know if he is armed, but he is very violent.

Honest when weapons are not confirmed — still escalates response.

Mini Dialogue

— Gli agenti stanno arrivando? — Sì, sono quasi lì. — È armato! State attenti! Ha mostrato una pistola. — Ricevuto. Attiviamo il protocollo armi. Rimanga lontano dalla zona.

— Are the officers coming? — Yes, they are almost there. — He is armed! Be careful! He showed a gun. — Received. We are activating the weapons protocol. Stay away from the area.

Cultural Note

An armed suspect report may include calling specialised units: GIS for Carabinieri, NOCS for Polizia di Stato.