Bedeutung
Determination overcomes obstacles.
Kultureller Hintergrund
The phrase is a legacy of the 'Risorgimento' (Unification) period, representing the birth of a modern, meritocratic Italian identity. Teachers frequently use this to encourage students before the 'Maturità' (high school exit exam). It is often cited by athletes in post-match interviews to explain how they overcame physical pain or setbacks. In the growing Italian tech scene, it's used to counter the 'pessimismo' often found in traditional bureaucracy.
The Accent Matters
Always write 'è' with the accent. Without it, 'e' means 'and', which changes the meaning to 'Wanting and power', which is just a list.
Social Media Usage
Use #volereèpotere on Instagram or TikTok when posting about your Italian language progress—it's a very popular hashtag!
Bedeutung
Determination overcomes obstacles.
The Accent Matters
Always write 'è' with the accent. Without it, 'e' means 'and', which changes the meaning to 'Wanting and power', which is just a list.
Social Media Usage
Use #volereèpotere on Instagram or TikTok when posting about your Italian language progress—it's a very popular hashtag!
Don't Overuse
While positive, using it too much can make you sound like a motivational poster. Use it when someone actually needs a boost.
Teste dich selbst
Complete the proverb with the missing verb.
Volere è _______.
The standard proverb uses 'potere' (to be able to).
In which situation would you use 'Volere è potere'?
Your friend is sad because their cat died.
You shouldn't use motivational proverbs for grief.
Choose the best response.
A: 'Non credo di farcela a finire il progetto.' B: '________'
This is the appropriate motivational response to someone doubting their ability.
Which sentence is grammatically correct for the proverb?
Select the correct form:
The proverb uses infinitives and the accented 'è'.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Visuelle Lernhilfen
Aufgabensammlung
4 AufgabenVolere è _______.
The standard proverb uses 'potere' (to be able to).
Your friend is sad because their cat died.
You shouldn't use motivational proverbs for grief.
A: 'Non credo di farcela a finire il progetto.' B: '________'
This is the appropriate motivational response to someone doubting their ability.
Select the correct form:
The proverb uses infinitives and the accented 'è'.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 FragenNot at all! While it's an old proverb, it is used daily in modern Italy, from sports commentary to office talk.
Technically yes, but it sounds unnatural. Proverbs usually omit articles to be more punchy.
Yes, they are perfect equivalents in terms of meaning and situational usage.
Usually, it's positive. You wouldn't say it about someone wanting to do something illegal, as it implies a noble effort.
No. In this proverb, 'Volere' and 'Potere' stay in the infinitive form.
It's neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend.
There isn't a direct 'anti-proverb', but one might say 'Contro la sorte non vale forza' (Against fate, strength is useless).
He was an Italian writer who popularized the phrase in his 1867 book to encourage the Italian people.
Yes! It's very common to text 'Dai, volere è potere!' to a friend who is studying.
Only if your tone is aggressive. Usually, it's meant to be encouraging and supportive.
Verwandte Redewendungen
Chi la dura la vince
similarHe who perseveres, wins.
Mettercela tutta
builds onTo give it one's all.
Prendere il toro per le corna
similarTo take the bull by the horns.
Non c'è peggior sordo di chi non vuol sentire
contrastThere is no one more deaf than he who does not want to hear.
