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C1 verb 10 Min. Lesezeit

esibire

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Erklärung esibire in your Level:

At the A1 level, you don't need to worry about the complex uses of 'esibire'. You will mostly encounter it in very specific, practical situations, especially when traveling. The most important thing to remember is the phrase 'esibire il passaporto' (to show your passport) or 'esibire il biglietto' (to show your ticket). You will see these words on signs at the airport or hear them from a train conductor. At this stage, just think of 'esibire' as a very formal way to say 'show' that you use with people in uniforms. You don't need to conjugate it perfectly yet; just recognize it as a command or an instruction. For example, 'Per favore, esibire il documento' is a common sentence you might hear. It is much more formal than 'Mostrami', which you would use with friends. Focus on the physical act of holding out a paper or a card for someone to look at. This will help you navigate public transport and border controls in Italy without confusion. Remember, if a police officer asks you for something, they are being professional, not rude, when they use this word.

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By A2, you can start to understand that 'esibire' is a regular verb ending in -ire (like 'finire' or 'dormire', though it follows the 'dormire' pattern without the -isc- infix: esibisco, esibisci, esibisce). You should be able to use it in simple sentences about travel and documents. For instance, 'Devo esibire la carta d'identità' (I must show my ID card). You might also start to see the reflexive form 'esibirsi' in the context of music or sports. If you go to a small concert, you might say 'Il cantante si esibisce stasera' (The singer is performing tonight). At this level, focus on the difference between showing something (esibire) and performing (esibirsi). It is a good word to add to your 'travel vocabulary' because it makes you sound more polite and aware of Italian social norms. When you are at a museum, you might see the word 'esibizione' (exhibition), which is the noun form. Try to make the connection between the verb and the noun. If you see an 'esibizione di quadri', it means a show of paintings. Keep it simple and focus on these practical applications.

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At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using 'esibire' in both its transitive and reflexive forms. You can now use it to describe more than just documents. For example, you might talk about a museum 'esibendo' (showing) ancient artifacts or a person 'esibendo' (showing off) a new car. You should also be able to use the past tense correctly. Remember that 'esibire' uses 'avere' (Ho esibito il biglietto), but 'esibirsi' uses 'essere' (Mi sono esibito sul palco). This is a common test for B1 learners. You can also start using 'esibire' to describe abstract qualities, like 'esibire coraggio' (to show courage), although 'mostrare' is still more common for this. You should begin to notice the word in newspapers and on TV news. For example, a journalist might say that a politician 'esibisce' a certain attitude. Start to pay attention to the *tone* of the word. Does it sound formal? Is it slightly critical? Understanding the social weight of the word is a key part of moving toward the B2 level. You can also use it to talk about your own hobbies: 'Mi piace esibirmi in pubblico' (I like to perform in public).

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At the B2 level, you are expected to use 'esibire' with precision and to understand its nuances compared to 'mostrare' and 'ostentare'. You should be able to use it in professional settings, such as during a job interview or a presentation. For example, 'Posso esibire le mie referenze' (I can show my references). You should also be aware of the noun 'esibizionismo', which refers to someone who loves to be the center of attention (often in a negative way). At this level, you can use 'esibire' to describe social phenomena, such as 'esibire il proprio status sociale' (to display one's social status). You should also be comfortable with all the moods and tenses, including the subjunctive: 'È necessario che lei esibisca il permesso di soggiorno' (It is necessary that you show your residence permit). You can also start using the word in its more metaphorical senses, such as 'esibire un sorriso smagliante' (to flash a dazzling smile). The key at B2 is to stop using 'mostrare' for everything and start using 'esibire' when the context is public, formal, or intentional. It shows a higher level of linguistic sophistication and a better grasp of Italian 'bella figura' culture.

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As a C1 learner, you should master the subtle psychological and social implications of 'esibire'. You understand that the word often carries a sense of 'intentional projection'. It’s not just about showing; it’s about how one presents themselves to the world. You can use it to analyze literature or film, discussing how a character 'esibisce' certain traits to hide their true nature. You are also proficient in using the verb in legal and administrative contexts without hesitation. You know that 'esibire' is the standard term in the 'Codice Civile' or 'Codice Penale' when referring to the production of evidence. You can distinguish between 'esibire' (to present), 'esporre' (to exhibit/explain), and 'sfoggiare' (to flaunt with pride). For example, you might say: 'Nonostante la crisi, l'azienda continua a esibire una facciata di stabilità' (Despite the crisis, the company continues to display a facade of stability). Your use of the reflexive 'esibirsi' should also be nuanced, perhaps using it to describe an intellectual performance: 'Si è esibito in una lezione magistrale' (He gave a masterly lecture). At this level, 'esibire' is a tool for precision, allowing you to describe the intersection of public appearance and private reality.

At the C2 level, 'esibire' is a versatile instrument in your vocabulary. You can use it with the ease of a native speaker, often employing it in ironic or highly formal ways. You might use it in a philosophical discussion about the 'società dello spettacolo', where everything is 'esibito' and nothing is authentic. You understand the etymological roots deeply and can see how they influence the word's current usage. You might use the verb in rare or archaic constructions in literary writing, or use its derivative forms like 'esibitività' with confidence. You can navigate the fine line between 'esibire' as a neutral administrative act and 'esibire' as a tool of social posturing. In a high-level debate, you might say: 'La tendenza contemporanea a esibire ogni istante della propria esistenza sta svuotando di significato l'intimità stessa' (The contemporary tendency to display every moment of one's existence is emptying intimacy itself of meaning). You are also aware of the technical uses in fields like art history or law, where 'esibire' has very specific procedural meanings. For you, the word is no longer just a translation of 'show'; it is a concept that encapsulates the Italian tension between public persona and private identity.

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esibire in 30 Sekunden

Used primarily for formal document presentation like passports or tickets.
Means 'to perform' in public when used reflexively (esibirsi).
Can imply 'showing off' or ostentation in social contexts.
Crucial for official interactions with Italian authorities.

The Italian verb esibire is a sophisticated and multifaceted term that translates most directly to 'to show', 'to display', or 'to exhibit'. While it shares common ground with the more ubiquitous 'mostrare', esibire carries a weight of formality, intentionality, and often public visibility that its simpler counterparts lack. At its core, the verb stems from the Latin exhibere, which literally means 'to hold out' or 'to present'. In modern Italian, this 'holding out' has evolved into several distinct semantic branches ranging from legal requirements to artistic performances.

Formal Documentation: This is perhaps the most common daily encounter with the word. When an authority figure, such as a police officer (carabiniere) or a ticket inspector on a train, asks for your identification or ticket, they will use the verb esibire. It implies a formal presentation of proof or authorization. For example, 'Esibire il passaporto' is the standard instruction at border control. It isn't just 'showing' the passport; it is the act of presenting it for official verification.

I passeggeri sono pregati di esibire il titolo di viaggio al personale di controllo.

Artistic and Public Display: In the world of art and museums, esibire refers to the public display of works. A gallery might 'esibire' a new collection of sculptures. Here, the word suggests a curated, intentional presentation designed for public consumption and critique. It differs from 'mostrare' because it implies that the object is being put on a pedestal, both literally and figuratively.

Furthermore, the reflexive form esibirsi shifts the focus from an object to the person. To 'esibirsi' means to perform in front of an audience, whether it's a singer on stage, a gymnast in a competition, or even someone 'showing off' their skills in a social setting. This nuance of 'performing' is crucial for C1 learners, as it captures the performative nature of public life in Italy. The word can also take on a slightly negative connotation of 'showing off' or ostentation, similar to the English 'to parade'. If someone 'esibisce' their wealth, they are doing so in a way that is meant to impress or intimidate others.

Il giovane pianista si è esibito in un concerto straordinario alla Scala.

Metaphorical Use: Beyond physical objects and performances, esibire can be used for abstract qualities like patience, courage, or indifference. When a politician 'esibisce' a calm demeanor under pressure, they are deliberately projecting that quality to the public. It suggests a conscious management of one's image or emotional state.

Using esibire correctly requires an understanding of its transitive nature and its reflexive counterpart. As a transitive verb, it always takes a direct object—the thing being shown. As a reflexive verb (esibirsi), the subject is also the object of the performance. Let's break down the grammatical patterns and contextual nuances that define its usage.

Transitive Usage (To Show Something): In its primary form, the structure is [Subject] + [Conjugated Esibire] + [Direct Object]. This is most common in administrative, legal, and formal contexts.

Example: 'Il testimone deve esibire le prove in tribunale' (The witness must present the evidence in court). Note how 'esibire' here implies a legal obligation. In everyday life, you might hear: 'Per favore, esibisca il suo documento' (Please show your ID). The use of the formal 'lei' form (esibisca) often accompanies this verb.

Alla frontiera, mi hanno chiesto di esibire il visto d'ingresso.

Reflexive Usage (To Perform): When the verb becomes esibirsi, it means to perform or to show oneself. The auxiliary verb for compound tenses changes to essere.

Example: 'L'artista si è esibito per oltre due ore' (The artist performed for over two hours). This is the standard way to talk about actors, musicians, or athletes in action. If you use it in a social context, like 'Non ti esibire troppo!' (Don't show off too much!), it takes on a colloquial, slightly critical tone regarding someone's behavior.

Another sophisticated use involves the 'esibizione' (the noun form) of emotions or traits. One might 'esibire una finta sicurezza' (display a fake confidence). In this case, 'esibire' suggests a mask or a deliberate projection, making it a very useful verb for psychological descriptions or literary analysis.

Non c'è bisogno di esibire la tua ricchezza in questo modo volgare.

Common Prepositions: While 'esibire' itself is transitive, the reflexive 'esibirsi' often takes the preposition in or davanti a.

'Esibirsi in un numero acrobatico' (To perform an acrobatic act).
'Esibirsi davanti a una folla' (To perform in front of a crowd).
'Esibirsi con maestria' (To perform with mastery).

Understanding where esibire fits into Italian life helps you grasp its social register. It is not a word you would typically use with close friends to show them a new pair of shoes (you'd use 'guarda' or 'mostrare'), but it is everywhere in the public sphere. Let's look at the specific domains where esibire is the protagonist.

Public Administration and Law Enforcement: If you are driving in Italy and get pulled over for a routine check, the officer will likely say: 'Patente e libretto, per favore. Li deve esibire.' (License and registration, please. You must show them). In this context, 'esibire' is the professional standard. You will also see it on signs at airports, banks, or government offices: 'È obbligatorio esibire un documento d'identità valido'. Hearing this word should immediately trigger a sense of 'official business'.

Al controllo di sicurezza, mi è stato chiesto di esibire il contenuto dello zaino.

The World of Entertainment and Media: In television programs, especially talent shows like 'X Factor Italia' or 'Amici', the host will introduce contestants by saying they are about to 'esibirsi'. 'Stasera si esibirà per noi il giovane Marco.' (Tonight, young Marco will perform for us). In newspapers (il Corriere della Sera, La Repubblica), you will read about artists who 'esibiscono' their latest works in major cities. It elevates the act of showing from a simple action to a cultural event.

In the business world, esibire is used in presentations and reports. A CEO might 'esibire i risultati del trimestre' (show the quarterly results). It implies that the results are being presented for scrutiny and celebration. In academic settings, a researcher might 'esibire i dati' to support a thesis. The word carries a sense of 'here is the evidence for you to see'.

Durante la conferenza, lo scienziato ha esibito grafici molto convincenti.

Social Media and the 'Selfie' Culture: Modern Italian social commentary often uses 'esibire' to describe the tendency of people to display their private lives online. 'Esibire la propria vita privata sui social' (To display one's private life on social media) is a common topic of debate, often associated with 'esibizionismo' (exhibitionism). This usage highlights the shift of the word into the realm of psychology and social behavior.

While esibire is a powerful verb, it is easy for English speakers to misuse it by over-applying it or confusing it with its synonyms. Because the English 'exhibit' is often academic or formal, learners sometimes forget that in Italian, esibire is the *only* correct choice for showing documents, yet it's *too* formal for many other situations.

Mistake 1: Using 'Esibire' for Casual 'Showing': If you are showing a friend a photo on your phone, do NOT say 'Ti esibisco la foto'. This sounds incredibly stiff and bizarre, like you are presenting a legal piece of evidence to your friend. Use 'Ti mostro la foto' or simply 'Guarda questa foto'. Esibire requires a level of ceremony or public intent.

Incorrect: Vieni qui, ti esibisco il mio nuovo gatto.
Correct: Vieni qui, ti mostro il mio nuovo gatto.

Mistake 2: Confusing 'Esibire' with 'Dimostrare': 'Dimostrare' means 'to demonstrate' or 'to prove' in a logical sense. While 'esibire' can be used to show proof (like a document), 'dimostrare' is used for the logic behind an argument.

Example: To prove a mathematical theorem, you 'dimostri' it. To show the ID that proves who you are, you 'esibisci' it. Don't say 'Ho esibito che ho ragione' (I exhibited that I am right); say 'Ho dimostrato di avere ragione'.

Another common pitfall is the conjugation of the reflexive form esibirsi in compound tenses. English speakers often forget to use 'essere'. 'Lui ha esibito' (He showed [something]) vs 'Lui si è esibito' (He performed). Using 'ha' for the reflexive 'si è esibito' is a frequent error that marks a speaker as a beginner.

Incorrect: Il cantante si ha esibito ieri sera.
Correct: Il cantante si è esibito ieri sera.

Mistake 3: Overlooking the Negative Connotation: Be careful when using 'esibire' regarding people's qualities. Saying 'Lui esibisce la sua intelligenza' can sound like a compliment in English (He displays his intelligence), but in Italian, it often implies he is being arrogant or showing off. If you mean it positively, use 'mostrare' or 'dare prova di'.

To truly master esibire, you must understand its neighbors in the Italian lexicon. Italian is a language of nuances, and choosing the right 'show' verb can change the entire meaning of your sentence. Here is a comparison of esibire with its most common alternatives.

Mostrare vs. Esibire: Mostrare is the general-purpose verb. It is neutral and can be used for anything from showing a wound to a doctor to showing a friend a path. Esibire is specific: it implies a formal context, a public display, or a requirement.

Example: 'Mostrami la mano' (Show me your hand) vs 'Esibire il biglietto' (Present the ticket).

Mentre mostrare è quotidiano, esibire è cerimoniale o ufficiale.

Ostentare vs. Esibire: Ostentare is the 'evil twin' of esibire. It always has a negative connotation of vanity or boasting. While you can 'esibire' wealth neutrally (e.g., in a tax return), 'ostentare ricchezza' means you are flaunting it to make others feel inferior.

Example: 'Ostenta i suoi successi con chiunque' (He flaunts his successes with everyone).

For artistic contexts, esporre is frequently used. While 'esibire' focuses on the act of showing, 'esporre' focuses on the placement or the exhibition itself. A painter 'espone' his paintings in a gallery. If he 'esibisce' them, it sounds more like he is physically holding them up for someone to see.

L'artista ha deciso di esporre le sue opere a Venezia, dove si esibirà anche in una performance live.

Presentare vs. Esibire: Presentare is used for introductions (people, ideas, books). You 'presenti' a friend or a project. You 'esibisci' a document that proves who you are. The difference is between 'introducing' something new and 'displaying' something that already exists for verification.

How Formal Is It?

Wusstest du?

In ancient Roman law, 'exhibere' was a technical term for producing a person or object in court, which is why we still use it for documents today!

Aussprachehilfe

UK /e.ziˈbi.re/

US /e.ziˈbi.re/

e-zi-BI-re

Reimt sich auf

dire sentire partire capire fruire colpire unire venire

Häufige Fehler

Pronouncing the 's' as a sharp 's' instead of a voiced 'z'.
Stressing the first or second syllable instead of the third.
Making the 'e' at the end silent like in English 'fire'.

Schwierigkeitsgrad

Lesen 3/5

Common in signs and news, easy to recognize if you know 'exhibit'.

Schreiben 4/5

Requires knowing when to use it vs 'mostrare'.

Sprechen 4/5

The reflexive 'esibirsi' and its auxiliary 'essere' can be tricky.

Hören 3/5

Clearly articulated in formal announcements.

Was du als Nächstes lernen solltest

Voraussetzungen

Mostrare Guardare Documento Biglietto Palco

Als Nächstes lernen

Ostentare Sfoggiare Esporre Manifestazione Rappresentazione

Fortgeschritten

Evidenziare Palesare Argomentare Dissimulare

Wichtige Grammatik

Reflexive Verbs in Past Tense

Mi sono esibito (I performed).

Transitive vs Intransitive

Ho esibito il passaporto (Transitive) vs Si è esibito (Intransitive/Reflexive).

Subjunctive with Impersonal Expressions

È bene che tu esibisca i documenti.

Agreement of Past Participle with Reflexive Pronouns

Maria si è esibita (Agreement with 'Maria').

Formal Imperative

Esibisca pure il suo biglietto, signore.

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Beispiele nach Niveau

Per favore, esibire il biglietto.

Please show the ticket.

Imperative use of the infinitive.

Devi esibire il passaporto qui.

You must show the passport here.

Modal verb 'dovere' + infinitive.

Esibire i documenti alla polizia.

Show the documents to the police.

Direct object 'documenti'.

Posso esibire la mia carta?

Can I show my card?

Interrogative form.

Non esibire il denaro in strada.

Do not show money in the street.

Negative imperative.

Lui esibisce il suo zaino.

He shows his backpack.

Third person singular present.

Noi esibiamo i fiori.

We show the flowers.

First person plural present.

Voglio esibire il mio disegno.

I want to show my drawing.

Verb 'volere' + infinitive.

Il cantante si esibisce stasera alle otto.

The singer performs tonight at eight.

Reflexive verb 'esibirsi'.

Abbiamo esibito i nostri inviti all'ingresso.

We showed our invitations at the entrance.

Passato prossimo with 'avere'.

Si è esibita molto bene al pianoforte.

She performed very well on the piano.

Reflexive passato prossimo with 'essere'.

È vietato esibire merce senza permesso.

It is forbidden to display goods without a permit.

Impersonal construction 'è vietato'.

I bambini si esibiscono a scuola domani.

The children are performing at school tomorrow.

Reflexive present plural.

L'atleta esibisce i suoi muscoli.

The athlete displays his muscles.

Transitive use.

Perché non esibisci il tuo talento?

Why don't you show your talent?

Second person singular present.

Hanno esibito un cartello di protesta.

They displayed a protest sign.

Direct object 'cartello'.

Il testimone ha esibito una prova schiacciante.

The witness presented overwhelming evidence.

Formal/Legal context.

Mi sono esibito davanti a cento persone.

I performed in front of a hundred people.

Reflexive with preposition 'davanti a'.

Non dovresti esibire la tua ricchezza così.

You shouldn't show off your wealth like that.

Conditional mood.

Il museo esibisce opere del Rinascimento.

The museum exhibits Renaissance works.

Context of art display.

Si esibivano ogni domenica in piazza.

They used to perform every Sunday in the square.

Imperfect tense for habitual actions.

Il capitano esibisce con orgoglio la medaglia.

The captain displays the medal with pride.

Adverbial phrase 'con orgoglio'.

Dobbiamo esibire il modulo compilato.

We must show the completed form.

Administrative context.

L'attore si è esibito in un monologo tragico.

The actor performed in a tragic monologue.

Reflexive with preposition 'in'.

Nonostante la timidezza, si è esibita con grazia.

Despite her shyness, she performed with grace.

Concessive clause 'nonostante'.

L'azienda ha esibito i nuovi prototipi alla fiera.

The company displayed the new prototypes at the fair.

Business context.

È necessario che ogni candidato esibisca il proprio CV.

It is necessary that each candidate shows their CV.

Subjunctive present.

Il politico esibisce una sicurezza che non prova.

The politician displays a confidence he doesn't feel.

Metaphorical use for emotions.

Si è esibito in una serie di scuse poco credibili.

He performed a series of unconvincing excuses.

Figurative use of 'esibirsi'.

Gli studenti devono esibire il tesserino universitario.

Students must show their university ID card.

Institutional context.

L'atleta ha esibito una forma fisica invidiabile.

The athlete displayed an enviable physical condition.

Descriptive use.

Non esibire i tuoi sentimenti in modo così plateale.

Don't display your feelings in such a theatrical way.

Adverb 'plateale'.

Il saggio esibisce una profonda conoscenza della materia.

The essay displays a deep knowledge of the subject.

Academic context.

Si sono esibiti in un dibattito di alto livello.

They engaged in a high-level debate.

Intellectual performance.

La legge impone di esibire l'autorizzazione originale.

The law requires the original authorization to be shown.

Legal imperative 'impone di'.

L'imputato esibiva un'indifferenza quasi irritante.

The defendant displayed an almost irritating indifference.

Psychological description.

Non c'è bisogno di esibire la propria erudizione.

There is no need to show off one's erudition.

Social critique.

L'orchestra si è esibita magistralmente sotto la pioggia.

The orchestra performed masterfully in the rain.

Adverb 'magistralmente'.

Egli esibisce i segni di una lunga sofferenza.

He displays the signs of long suffering.

Literary use.

Il progetto esibisce alcune lacune strutturali.

The project displays some structural flaws.

Technical critique.

La retorica del potere esibisce spesso simboli vuoti.

The rhetoric of power often displays empty symbols.

Philosophical/Political context.

Si è esibito in un'arrampicata sugli specchi per giustificarsi.

He engaged in a desperate attempt to justify himself.

Idiomatic use (arrampicata sugli specchi).

L'opera esibisce una complessa stratificazione semantica.

The work displays a complex semantic layering.

High-level art criticism.

Esibire la propria vulnerabilità è un atto di coraggio.

Displaying one's vulnerability is an act of courage.

Abstract subject.

Il testo esibisce un'eleganza formale senza pari.

The text displays an unparalleled formal elegance.

Stylistic analysis.

L'autorità non deve solo esistere, deve esibirsi.

Authority must not only exist, it must manifest itself.

Conceptual/Philosophical.

Egli si esibisce in un solipsismo intellettuale estremo.

He performs an extreme intellectual solipsism.

Complex psychological term.

La natura esibisce qui i suoi aspetti più selvaggi.

Nature displays its wildest aspects here.

Personification of nature.

Häufige Kollokationen

Esibire il passaporto

Esibire un documento

Esibire la merce

Esibirsi in pubblico

Esibire con orgoglio

Esibire le prove

Esibirsi sul palco

Esibire un sorriso

Esibire indifferenza

Esibire il biglietto

Häufige Phrasen

Mettersi in mostra

— To show off or try to get attention.

Gli piace mettersi in mostra.

Fare un'esibizione

— To give a performance.

Hanno fatto un'esibizione incredibile.

Esibire i muscoli

— To show strength, literally or figuratively.

Il governo sta esibendo i muscoli.

Senza esibire

— Without showing or making a fuss.

Ha aiutato tutti senza esibire la sua carità.

Esibire la dentatura

— To show one's teeth (often aggressively).

Il cane ha esibito la dentatura.

Obbligo di esibire

— Legal requirement to show something.

C'è l'obbligo di esibire la ricevuta.

Esibirsi in scuse

— To make a lot of excuses.

Si è esibito in mille scuse inutili.

Esibire un titolo

— To show a qualification or a ticket.

Deve esibire un titolo di studio valido.

Esibire la bandiera

— To display the flag.

Hanno esibito la bandiera dal balcone.

Esibirsi in acrobazie

— To perform stunts (literally or figuratively).

Si è esibito in acrobazie verbali.

Wird oft verwechselt mit

esibire vs Mostrare

Mostrare is for any kind of showing; esibire is for formal or public showing.

esibire vs Esporre

Esporre is for exhibitions in a gallery; esibire is for the act of presenting or performing.

esibire vs Ostentare

Ostentare is always negative (showing off); esibire can be neutral or positive.

Redewendungen & Ausdrücke

"Fare scena"

— To make a scene or put on a show to impress.

Gli piace fare scena con la sua auto nuova.

Informal

"Darsi delle arie"

— To put on airs or show off.

Non darti troppe arie solo perché hai vinto.

Informal

"Mettere in vetrina"

— To put on display for everyone to see.

Mette sempre in vetrina i suoi successi.

Neutral

"Far vedere di che pasta si è fatti"

— To show what one is made of.

È il momento di far vedere di che pasta sei fatto.

Neutral

"Arrampicarsi sugli specchi"

— To perform desperate verbal maneuvers to justify oneself.

Si sta arrampicando sugli specchi per non ammettere l'errore.

Informal

"Dare spettacolo"

— To cause a scene or perform impressively.

Ha dato spettacolo con la sua bravata.

Neutral

"Fare la ruota"

— To show off (like a peacock).

Guarda come fa la ruota davanti alle ragazze.

Informal

"Mettersi in ghingheri"

— To dress up to show off.

Si è messa in ghingheri per la festa.

Informal

"Far squillare le trombe"

— To announce something with great fanfare.

Hanno fatto squillare le trombe per il nuovo progetto.

Literary

"Far parlar di sé"

— To do something to get public attention.

Vuole sempre far parlar di sé.

Neutral

Leicht verwechselbar

esibire vs Mostrare

Both mean 'to show'.

Mostrare is general. Esibire is for documents or performances.

Mostrami il braccio (show me your arm) vs Esibire il passaporto (show the passport).

esibire vs Dimostrare

Sounds like 'demonstrate'.

Dimostrare is for logical proof; esibire is for physical proof/display.

Dimostra il teorema (prove the theorem) vs Esibisci la prova (show the evidence).

esibire vs Sfoggiare

Both involve showing off.

Sfoggiare is showing something you are proud of (clothes, skills); esibire is more formal or public.

Sfoggia un bel vestito vs Si esibisce a teatro.

esibire vs Esibire vs Esporre

Both used in art.

Esporre is 'to exhibit' (static); esibire is 'to present' or 'to perform' (active).

Espone quadri vs Si esibisce in una danza.

esibire vs Apparire

Both involve being seen.

Apparire is 'to appear' (passive/state); esibire is 'to show' (active).

Appare stanco vs Esibisce stanchezza.

Satzmuster

Esibire + [Object]

Esibire il biglietto.

[Subject] + si esibisce

Il musicista si esibisce.

Ho esibito + [Object]

Ho esibito la patente.

Non + [Reflexive] + esibire

Non ti esibire troppo.

Esibire + [Abstract Noun]

Esibire una calma apparente.

[Gerund] + esibendo

Pur esibendo sicurezza, era nervoso.

Si è esibito + in + [Noun]

Si è esibito in un ballo.

È necessario che + [Subjunctive]

È necessario che lei esibisca il visto.

Wortfamilie

Substantive

Esibizione (Performance/Exhibition)

Esibizionista (Exhibitionist)

Esibizionismo (Exhibitionism)

Esibitore (Exhibitor)

Verben

Esibirsi (To perform/show oneself)

Riesibire (To show again)

Adjektive

Esibito (Exhibited/Shown)

Esibizionistico (Exhibitionistic)

Verwandt

Mostra

Spettacolo

Documento

Palcoscenico

Prova

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So verwendest du es

frequency

Common in administrative, artistic, and legal domains. Rare in casual conversation except when used reflexively.

Häufige Fehler

Using 'ha' for reflexive → Si è esibito
Reflexive verbs always use 'essere' as the auxiliary verb.
Using it for casual showing → Ti mostro la mia casa
'Esibire' is too formal for showing your house to a friend.
Confusing with 'dimostrare' → Ha dimostrato di avere ragione
'Dimostrare' is for logic, 'esibire' is for physical display.
Incorrect stress → e-zi-BI-re
Don't stress the 'e' or 'zi'; the stress is on 'bi'.
Using 'mostrare' in legal contexts → Esibire la patente
While 'mostrare' is understood, 'esibire' is the professional standard for documents.

Tipps

Reflexive Agreement

When using 'esibirsi', remember to change the ending of the past participle: Lui si è esibito, Lei si è esibita.

Bella Figura

Using 'esibire' correctly shows you understand Italian social hierarchies and the importance of formal presentation.

Official Contexts

Always use 'esibire' when talking to police, carabinieri, or train staff to sound polite and educated.

The Voiced S

The 's' in esibire is between two vowels, so it should be pronounced like a 'z'. Practice 'e-zee-bee-re'.

Formal Documents

In a formal letter, use 'Allego ed esibisco...' to say 'I attach and present...'.

Don't be an 'Esibizionista'

Use this word carefully; it's quite a strong criticism for someone who shows off too much.

The 'Exhibit' Link

Link 'esibire' to the English 'exhibit' to remember its formal and public nature.

Train Travel

Keep 'esibire' in your mind whenever you are on an Italian train; the inspector will ask for your 'titolo di viaggio'.

Performance

'Esibirsi' is the go-to verb for any artistic performance on a stage.

Evidence

In legal contexts, 'esibire' means to produce a document as evidence.

Einprägen

Eselsbrücke

Think of an 'EXHIBIT' in a museum. You need to 'ESIBIRE' (exhibit) your pass to see the 'EXHIBIT'.

Visuelle Assoziation

Imagine a person holding out a shiny gold badge to a guard. The action of holding it out is 'esibire'.

Word Web

Documenti Passaporto Teatro Palco Mostra Polizia Talento Vetrina

Herausforderung

Try to use 'esibire' instead of 'mostrare' three times today in formal contexts (writing an email, talking about a document, or discussing a show).

Wortherkunft

From the Latin verb 'exhibere', composed of 'ex-' (out) and 'habere' (to have/hold).

Ursprüngliche Bedeutung: To hold out, to present, or to deliver.

Romance (Italic)

Kultureller Kontext

Be careful using 'esibizionista' as it can refer to someone who exposes themselves indecently, just like in English.

English speakers often use 'exhibit' only for museums or law. In Italian, 'esibire' is much more common for daily documents.

The 'Festival di Sanremo' where singers 'si esibiscono'. Legal dramas where lawyers shout 'Esibisco la prova A!'. The 'Biennale di Venezia' where world art is 'esibita'.

Im Alltag üben

Kontexte aus dem Alltag

Public Transport

Esibire il biglietto
Controllo documenti
Titolo di viaggio
Esibire all'ingresso

Art & Culture

Esibizione artistica
Esibirsi sul palco
Mostra di quadri
Performance dal vivo

Police/Security

Esibire la patente
Libretto di circolazione
Documento d'identità
Esibire il contenuto

Social Situations

Non esibirti
Mettersi in mostra
Esibire ricchezza
Fare scena

Business/Legal

Esibire le prove
Esibire i risultati
Esibire il contratto
Presentazione dati

Gesprächseinstiege

"Ti sei mai esibito in pubblico? Com'è andata?"

"Pensi che le persone esibiscano troppo la loro vita sui social?"

"Qual è l'ultima mostra in cui hanno esibito opere che ti sono piaciute?"

"Ti è mai capitato di dover esibire i documenti in una situazione strana?"

"Quale talento vorresti esibire se fossi su un palco?"

Tagebuch-Impulse

Descrivi una volta in cui ti sei dovuto esibire davanti a molte persone e come ti sei sentito.

Cosa pensi della necessità di esibire sempre la 'bella figura' nella società moderna?

Scrivi un dialogo tra un poliziotto e un cittadino che deve esibire i suoi documenti.

Rifletti sulla differenza tra mostrare qualcosa a un amico ed esibirlo pubblicamente.

Quali sono le qualità che preferisci esibire agli altri e quali preferisci nascondere?

Häufig gestellte Fragen

10 Fragen

Technically yes, but it sounds very strange and overly formal. Use 'mostrare' or 'far vedere' instead. 'Esibire' is best kept for officials or public stages.

Not necessarily. While it usually refers to a professional performance, saying someone is 'esibendosi' in a social setting often implies they are being annoying or trying too hard to be noticed.

An 'esibizione' is usually a live performance (concert, dance). A 'mostra' is usually a static exhibition (art, museum objects).

Use 'avere' for the active form (Ho esibito il biglietto) and 'essere' for the reflexive form (Mi sono esibito).

You can use 'esibirsi' (in a negative tone), 'mettersi in mostra', or 'ostentare'.

Yes, it is the standard verb for presenting evidence or documents in a legal proceeding.

Yes, for example, 'Il pavone esibisce le sue piume' (The peacock displays its feathers).

It can mean a performer, but more commonly it refers to someone who likes to show off, or in a psychological sense, an exhibitionist.

Yes, but it implies you are intentionally letting others see them, often as a 'performance' of that emotion.

Undoubtedly 'esibire il passaporto' or 'esibire il biglietto'.

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