Italian Phrase
Segui i cartelli.
Meaning
A direct instruction meaning ‘Follow the signs.’ It is commonly used when giving directions in public spaces such as airports, museums, or city streets.
When to use
Use this phrase when you want to tell someone, in an informal way, to look at and obey the posted signs that point the way. It works well in travel, navigation, or any situation where signage guides the route.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Seguiicartelli
Segui (imperative)
‘Segui’ is the second‑person singular (tu) imperative of the verb ‘seguire’ (to follow). It is used for informal commands.
i (definite article)
‘i’ is the masculine plural definite article, equivalent to ‘the’ in English.
cartelli (noun)
‘cartelli’ is the plural form of ‘cartello’, meaning ‘sign, signboard, or placard’.
🗨In Conversation
Scusa, come arrivo alla stazione?
Excuse me, how do I get to the train station?
Segui i cartelli.
Follow the signs.
✕Common Mistakes
Segua i cartelli.
‘Segua’ is the formal imperative (Lei). Use it only with people you address formally; otherwise stick with ‘Segui’.
Segui i cartello.
The noun ‘cartello’ is masculine singular; the correct plural article is ‘i’ with ‘cartelli’. Use ‘il cartello’ for singular.
Segui i cartelli!
Adding an exclamation mark is fine in writing, but learners sometimes over‑emphasize the verb with ‘per favore’ (please) – the correct polite form is ‘Per favore, segui i cartelli.’
↔Alternatives
Segui le indicazioni.
Follow the directions.
Segui la segnaletica.
Follow the signage.
Segui i segnali.
Follow the signals.
Cultural Tip
Italian signage is usually clear but often only in Italian, especially outside major tourist hubs. When speaking to strangers you may want to use the formal imperative ‘Segua i cartelli’ to show politeness. In the north, you’ll also see bilingual signs (Italian‑German or Italian‑French) in border regions.