Meaning
quietly, in an undertone
- speaking softly or in a quiet voice, in an undertone
In a sentence
Parlavano sottovoce per non svegliare il bambino.
They were speaking in a low voice so as not to wake the child.
Mi ha detto sottovoce che voleva andarsene subito.
She told me quietly that she wanted to leave immediately.
Perché parli sottovoce se siamo soli in casa?
Why are you speaking in a low voice if we are alone in the house?
Usage notes
- Written as one word, formed from 'sotto' + 'voce'.
- Collocates heavily with verbs of speaking: parlare, dire, mormorare.