Learn Italian: Non entrare in cantina e non gridare! - Don't go into the cellar and don't shout!

Non entrare in cantina e non gridare!

Don't go into the cellar and don't shout!

Breakdown of Non entrare in cantina e non gridare!

and

non

not

in / made of (material)

entrare

to enter

Questions & Answers about Non entrare in cantina e non gridare!

Why are entrare and gridare in the infinitive form here instead of conjugated like entri or gridi?

This is how you give a negative command to someone you address as tu (informal 'you'). To tell someone not to do something, you just use non followed by the dictionary form (the infinitive) of the verb: non entrare (don't enter) and non gridare (don't shout).

How would this sentence change if I were telling a group of people not to enter and shout?

For voi (plural 'you'), you don't use the infinitive for negative commands. You just use non with the regular conjugated verb. So, to a group, you would say: Non entrate in cantina e non gridate!

Why is it in cantina and not nella cantina?

When talking about specific rooms or areas of a house, Italian usually uses the simple preposition in without combining it with 'the'. Just like you say in cucina (in the kitchen) or in bagno (in the bathroom), you say in cantina (in the cellar).

Does cantina mean 'canteen' or 'cafeteria'?

No, cantina is a false friend! It means 'cellar' or 'basement', especially one where wine or food is stored. If you are looking for a school or workplace cafeteria, you would ask for la mensa.