Italian Phrase
Segui solo i cartelli.
Meaning
The sentence tells someone to obey or pay attention only to the signs that are posted, ignoring any other instructions or distractions. It is a concise directive often heard in contexts where clear guidance is essential, such as on roads, in museums, or at construction sites.
When to use
Use this phrase when you want to emphasize that the only reliable source of information is the posted signage—e.g., giving directions to a tourist, warning a colleague about safety rules, or reminding a child to stay on the marked path in a park.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Seguisoloicartelli
Imperativo di 'seguire'
Segui è la forma imperativa (tu) del verbo 'seguire', usata per dare un ordine o un consiglio diretto.
Avverbio 'solo'
'Solo' significa 'only' e si posiziona prima dell'elemento a cui si riferisce, qui 'i cartelli'.
Articolo determinativo plurale 'i'
L'articolo 'i' concorda in genere e numero con il sostantivo 'cartelli' (maschile plurale).
Sostantivo 'cartelli'
'Cartelli' è il plurale di 'cartello', che indica segnaletica o avvisi scritti.
🗨In Conversation
Non sono sicuro se devo girare a destra o a sinistra.
I'm not sure whether I should turn right or left.
Segui solo i cartelli; il segnale indica di girare a destra.
Just follow the signs; the sign points to turn right.
✕Common Mistakes
Segui i solo cartelli.
Placing 'solo' after the article changes the meaning to 'the signs alone' rather than 'only the signs'. Keep 'solo' before the article.
Segua solo i cartelli.
Use the second‑person singular imperative 'Segui', not the third‑person form 'Segua'.
Segui i cartelli soli.
Do not translate 'solo' as 'alone' here; it means 'only'.
↔Alternatives
Obbedisci solo ai cartelli.
Obey only the signs.
Rispetta soltanto i cartelli.
Respect only the signs.
Fatti guidare dai cartelli.
Let the signs guide you.
Cultural Tip
In Italy, road and public signage follow strict EU standards, using clear symbols and colors. When traveling, locals expect you to respect these signs, especially in historic city centers where traffic rules can be stricter. Ignoring a sign can not only lead to fines but also be seen as disrespectful to local customs. In museums and archaeological sites, 'cartelli' often include important preservation rules, so following them shows cultural sensitivity.