Italian Phrase
Non tenerti tutta l'attrezzatura.
Meaning
Literally, “Don’t keep all the equipment for yourself.” It is a warning or request not to monopolise the gear, implying that the equipment should be shared with others.
When to use
Use this phrase when you notice someone hoarding tools, sports gear, or any shared equipment in a workshop, gym, or group activity. It’s a direct but common‑sense reminder to be fair.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Nontenertituttal'attrezzatura
Negazione con Non
In Italian, the word *non* placed before a verb creates a negative statement.
Verbo Tenere + pronome clitico
*Tenere* (to keep) can be followed by a clitic pronoun (ti, mi, lo, la, etc.) to indicate who benefits from keeping something.
Accordo dell'aggettivo
*Tutta* agrees in gender and number with *l'attrezzatura* (feminine singular).
Elisione dell'articolo
The definite article *la* becomes *l'* before a vowel, as in *l'attrezzatura*.
🗨In Conversation
Posso usare la fotocamera per il progetto?
Can I use the camera for the project?
Non tenerti tutta l'attrezzatura, condividila con il resto del gruppo.
Don’t keep all the equipment to yourself, share it with the rest of the group.
✕Common Mistakes
Non tenere tutta l'attrezzatura.
Missing the clitic pronoun changes the meaning; it no longer stresses ‘for yourself’.
Non tenerti tutto l'attrezzatura.
The adjective must agree with the feminine noun *attrezzatura*.
Non tieni tutta l'attrezzatura.
Using the present indicative *tieni* makes the sentence a statement about habit, not a direct request.
↔Alternatives
Non tenere tutta l'attrezzatura per te.
Don’t keep all the equipment for yourself.
Non tenere tutta l'attrezzatura da solo.
Don’t keep all the equipment by yourself.
Condividi l'attrezzatura, non tenerla tutta per te.
Share the equipment, don’t keep it all for yourself.
Cultural Tip
In Italy, sharing tools or sports gear is seen as a sign of teamwork and community spirit. While the phrase is clear, it can sound a bit blunt; adding a softener like *per favore* or *perché* can make it more polite: *Per favore, non tenerti tutta l'attrezzatura*.