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ostare

to be an obstacle

verb ohs-TAH-reh Rare
Grammar & Structure Particles

Origin: Latin obstare (to stand in the way).

Also means

to hinder

Usage Note

Ostare is a formal and largely bureaucratic verb used in negative constructions: nulla osta ('nothing prevents it') — the compound noun nullaosta (clearance, permit) is far more common than the verb itself. In everyday speech impedire or ostacolare are preferred.

Examples

"Nulla osta alla tua partenza domani."

Natural Translation

Nothing prevents your departure tomorrow.

Literal Translation

Nothing stands-in-the-way to your departure tomorrow.

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