SpeeekDownload on the App Store
Back to Job Interview

Italian Phrase

Mantieni un contatto visivo costante con chi ti intervista.

/manˈtjɛːni un konˈtat.to viˈzi.vo koˈstan.te kon ki ti in.terˈvi.sta/
Meaning"Maintain constant eye contact with whoever interviews you."
💡

Meaning

This phrase advises someone to keep steady eye contact during an interview. It emphasizes the importance of non-verbal communication to convey confidence and engagement. The verb 'mantenere' means 'to maintain' or 'to keep'.

🎯

When to use

This phrase is typically used in advice or instructions, especially in professional or formal settings like job interviews, public speaking, or important meetings. It's a common tip given to help someone make a good impression.

✦Grammar Breakdown

Mantieniun contatto visivocostanteconchiti intervista

1

Mantieni (Mantenere)

This is the imperative form of the verb 'mantenere' (to maintain/to keep) for 'tu' (you, singular informal). It's used to give a direct command or advice.

2

un contatto visivo

'Contatto visivo' means 'eye contact'. 'Un' is the indefinite article 'a/an' for masculine singular nouns. This is a common collocation.

3

costante

This adjective means 'constant' or 'steady'. It modifies 'contatto visivo', indicating the quality of the eye contact.

4

con

'Con' is a preposition meaning 'with'. It introduces the person or thing with whom the action is performed.

5

chi

'Chi' means 'who' or 'whoever'. In this context, it acts as a relative pronoun referring to an unspecified person.

6

ti intervista

'Ti' is the direct object pronoun 'you' (singular informal). 'Intervista' is the third-person singular present tense of 'intervistare' (to interview). So, 'chi ti intervista' means 'whoever interviews you'.

🗨In Conversation

A

Ho un colloquio di lavoro domani, sono un po' nervoso.

I have a job interview tomorrow, I'm a bit nervous.

Ricorda: mantieni un contatto visivo costante con chi ti intervista.

Remember: maintain constant eye contact with whoever interviews you.

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • Tieni un contatto visivo costante con chi ti intervista.

    While 'tenere' (tieni) also means 'to hold' or 'to keep', 'mantenere' (mantieni) is more appropriate for 'maintaining' a state or condition like eye contact.

  • Mantieni un contatto visivo costante a chi ti intervista.

    The correct preposition to use with 'contatto' when referring to the person is 'con' (with), not 'a' (to).

↔Alternatives

  • Guarda negli occhi chi ti parla.

    Look in the eyes of whoever speaks to you.

  • Sii sicuro di te e mantieni lo sguardo.

    Be confident and maintain your gaze.

it

Cultural Tip

In Italian culture, maintaining eye contact is generally seen as a sign of sincerity, confidence, and respect, especially in formal interactions like interviews or business meetings. Avoiding eye contact might be interpreted as shyness, dishonesty, or lack of interest. However, staring intensely can be perceived as aggressive, so a balanced and natural gaze is preferred.