B1 — Intermediateverb
trattenere
to hold back, to keep, to restrain
Synonyms (≈ similar meaning)
fermarebloccarefrenarecontenere
Antonyms (≠ opposite meaning)
lasciare andareliberarerilasciare
Usage note
Irregular (like 'tenere'). 'Trattenersi' = to hold oneself back / to stay: 'Mi sono trattenuto dal ridere.'
Example
"Non riuscivo a trattenere le lacrime."
"I couldn't hold back my tears."
Practice Italian grammar
Free exercises, mini-exams and placement test.