Italian Phrase
Stai lontano dalle finestre.
Meaning
This is a direct command telling someone to keep a safe distance from the windows. It can be used as a safety warning (e.g., in a school, laboratory, or during a storm) or as a polite request to avoid looking out.
When to use
Use this phrase when you need to protect someone from a potential hazard near a window—children playing near a balcony, a broken glass situation, or when a strong wind could blow something inside. It’s also appropriate in a more figurative sense, asking someone to stay away from gossip or ‘window‑shopping’ distractions.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Stailontanodallefinestre.
Stai (imperative)
‘Stai’ is the second‑person singular imperative of the verb *stare* (to stay, to be). It is used for direct commands.
lontano (adverb)
‘Lontano’ functions as an adverb meaning ‘far away’ or ‘at a distance’. It modifies the verb phrase.
dalle (preposition + article)
‘Dalle’ is the contraction of *da* + *le* (from the). It introduces the noun phrase that follows.
finestre (plural noun)
‘Finestre’ is the plural of *finestra* (window). In this sentence it is the object of the preposition *da*.
🗨In Conversation
Stai lontano dalle finestre.
Stay away from the windows.
Va bene, starò attento.
Okay, I’ll be careful.
✕Common Mistakes
Stare lontano dalle finestre.
‘Stare’ is the infinitive; you need the imperative ‘Stai’ for a command.
Stai lontano da le finestre.
In standard Italian the preposition and article contract to ‘dalle’. Using the separate words sounds unnatural.
Stai lontana dalle finestre.
‘Lontano’ is an adverb here, not an adjective; it does not agree in gender or number.
↔Alternatives
Non avvicinarti alle finestre.
Don’t get close to the windows.
Mantieni le distanze dalle finestre.
Keep a distance from the windows.
Allontanati dalle finestre.
Move away from the windows.
Cultural Tip
In many Italian homes, especially in older buildings, windows open onto narrow balconies or ‘balconi’. Teachers and parents often remind children ‘stai lontano dalle finestre’ to prevent accidents. The phrase is considered a firm but caring instruction; using a softer tone (e.g., ‘per favore, stai lontano…’) can make it sound more polite.