indicare en 30 segundos
- Indicare is a B1 level Italian verb meaning to point out, show, or specify.
- It is used for physical gestures, giving directions, and providing information on forms.
- Grammatically, it is a regular -are verb but requires an 'h' in certain forms like 'indichi'.
- It can also mean 'to be suitable' or 'recommended' in medical or practical contexts.
The Italian verb indicare is a versatile and essential word that every learner should master as they transition from basic to intermediate fluency. At its most fundamental level, it means 'to point out' or 'to show.' However, its application extends far beyond the simple physical act of using one's finger to point at an object. It encompasses the conceptual act of providing information, specifying details, suggesting a course of action, or serving as a sign or symptom of something else. When you are in Italy and someone asks you for directions, they might say, 'Può indicarmi la strada?' (Can you show me the way?). Here, the verb suggests a helpful gesture of guidance. In a more formal or bureaucratic setting, indicare is used to mean 'to state' or 'to specify.' For instance, on an official form, you might see the instruction 'Indicare il nome e il cognome' (State your first and last name). This move from physical gesture to abstract specification is what makes the word so common in both daily conversation and formal writing.
- Physical Action
- The act of pointing with a finger or a tool to draw attention to a specific object or direction. Example: Il bambino indica l'aereo nel cielo.
- Informational Specification
- Providing specific data or facts required in a context. Example: Si prega di indicare la preferenza alimentare.
- Symbolic Representation
- When an object or event serves as a sign or indicator of a condition. Example: Questi sintomi indicano un'influenza.
In social contexts, indicare is often used when giving advice or making recommendations. A doctor might 'indicate' a specific treatment, or a critic might 'indicate' a book as the best of the year. In these cases, it carries a weight of authority and precision. It is also a key word in scientific and statistical contexts, where data 'indicates' a trend or a result. For example, 'I dati indicano un aumento della temperatura' (The data indicates a temperature increase). Understanding the nuance between 'showing' (mostrare) and 'indicating' (indicare) is crucial: mostrare is often more visual and passive, while indicare is more precise and directional.
Per favore, potrebbe indicare sulla mappa dove si trova l'ufficio postale?
Il cartello stradale serve a indicare la direzione per Roma.
L'ago della bussola continua a indicare il nord.
Il professore ha voluto indicare le fonti bibliografiche alla fine del testo.
Le luci rosse indicano che il sistema è in sovraccarico.
- Synonym: Segnalare
- More often used for reporting an issue or flagging something important. Ti segnalo questo errore.
- Synonym: Mostrare
- To show or display, often visually. Mostrami le tue foto.
Mastering the usage of indicare involves understanding its syntactic patterns. As a transitive verb, it usually takes a direct object—the thing being pointed out or specified. However, it can also introduce a subordinate clause, typically using the conjunction che (that). For example, 'Il termometro indica che fa freddo' (The thermometer indicates that it is cold). In this structure, indicare functions as a bridge between a sign and a conclusion. It is also frequently found in the passive voice in formal contexts, such as 'È indicato nel manuale' (It is indicated/stated in the manual), or as a past participle used as an adjective: 'Il prezzo indicato è comprensivo di IVA' (The indicated price includes VAT).
- Direct Object Usage
- The most common way to use the verb. Indica il colpevole! (Point out the culprit!).
- With Indirect Object Pronouns
- When you point something out *to* someone. Mi indichi la strada? (Will you show me the way?).
- Subordinate Clauses (Che...)
- Used to explain what a sign or piece of data implies. I risultati indicano che abbiamo vinto.
Another important aspect is the use of indicare in the imperative mood, which is very common in instructions. Whether you are following a recipe ('Indicate le dosi esatte') or filling out a government form, the imperative provides a clear command to provide information. In medical or dietary contexts, you will often hear the word indicato (suitable/indicated). For example, 'Questo farmaco non è indicato per i bambini' (This medicine is not indicated/suitable for children). This usage shifts the meaning slightly toward 'recommended' or 'appropriate,' which is a key B1-B2 level nuance.
Lo studio indica una chiara correlazione tra fumo e malattie respiratorie.
Devi indicare chiaramente il motivo della tua richiesta sul modulo.
Il testimone ha saputo indicare l'auto della fuga con precisione.
- Reflexive Form?
- Rarely used as 'indicarsi' (to point to oneself). Usually, it remains transitive.
The word indicare is ubiquitous in Italian life, appearing in varied environments from the street to the laboratory. If you are traveling through Italy, you will see it on road signs and in GPS instructions. A GPS might say, 'L'indicatore di direzione mostra la svolta'—while 'indicatore' is the noun, the action of the GPS is to indicare the path. In museums, signs will indicare the exit (indicare l'uscita) or the direction of the next gallery. In these physical spaces, the word is synonymous with guidance and navigation.
Switching to a professional environment, indicare is the standard verb for data analysis and reporting. During a business presentation, a speaker might use a laser pointer to indicare a specific point on a graph: 'Come indicato in questo grafico, le vendite sono in crescita' (As indicated in this graph, sales are growing). In the world of medicine, doctors use it to describe symptoms that point toward a diagnosis. If a patient has a high fever, the doctor might say, 'Questo indica un'infezione'. This diagnostic use is very common in Italian medical dramas and real-life healthcare settings.
Nelle istruzioni di montaggio, i disegni indicano dove inserire le viti.
Al ristorante, il cameriere indica il tavolo prenotato per noi.
Finally, you will encounter indicare in legal and administrative contexts. A contract will indicare the terms of agreement, and a judge will indicare the law that has been violated. It implies a formal declaration of fact. Even in simple everyday tasks like ordering a coffee, if there's a selection of pastries, the barista might ask, 'Mi indichi quale desidera?' (Can you point out which one you want?). It is a word that bridges the gap between a silent gesture and a formal statement, making it indispensable for clear communication in Italy.
One of the most frequent errors English speakers make is confusing indicare with other verbs like mostrare (to show) or segnare (to mark/score). While they are related, they are not interchangeable. Indicare is specifically about 'pointing out' or 'specifying.' If you say 'Mi mostri la strada,' it sounds like you want to see a map of the road. If you say 'Mi indichi la strada,' it sounds like you want the person to point you in the right direction. Another common pitfall is the conjugation of the hard 'c.' Because it is an -are verb, learners often forget to add the 'h' in indichi (you indicate) and indichiamo (we indicate). Without the 'h,' the pronunciation would change to a 'ch' sound (like 'church'), which is incorrect; it must remain a hard 'k' sound.
- Mistake: Using 'segnare' instead
- 'Segnare' means to mark or to score a goal. Don't say 'Segna il colpevole' if you mean 'Point out the culprit.'
- Mistake: Misplacing the 'H'
- Writing indici instead of indichi. Indici is actually the plural of 'indice' (index), not the verb conjugation.
Another mistake involves the preposition that follows the verb. Indicare is transitive, so it does not usually take a preposition before its object. You indichi qualcosa, you don't indichi a qualcosa. However, if you are pointing something out *to* someone, you use the indirect object pronoun or 'a' + person. For example, 'Indica la strada a lui' (Point out the road to him). Learners often get confused when 'indicare' is used in the sense of 'being suitable' (essere indicato). In this specific case, it is often followed by per: 'Questo è indicato per te' (This is suitable for you). Mixing up these structures can lead to sentences that sound unnatural to native ears.
Errato: Tu indici la direzione.
Corretto: Tu indichi la direzione.
While indicare is a great all-purpose verb, using synonyms can make your Italian sound more sophisticated and precise. Depending on the context, you might choose segnalare, mostrare, designare, or precisare. Each carries a slightly different shade of meaning. Segnalare is perfect for bringing something to someone's attention, especially a problem or a highlight. Mostrare is strictly about making something visible. Designare is more formal and often used when appointing someone to a role or specifying a purpose. Precisare is used when you want to indicate something with extreme detail or to clarify a point. Understanding these differences allows you to tailor your speech to the situation at hand.
- Indicare vs. Segnalare
- Indicare: To point out a fact or object.
Segnalare: To report or flag something (e.g., a traffic accident or a good book). - Indicare vs. Mostrare
- Indicare: Directional/Specific (pointing with a finger).
Mostrare: Visual/Exhibition (showing a painting). - Indicare vs. Designare
- Indicare: General pointing.
Designare: Formal appointment or specific naming of a successor.
In literary contexts, you might find additare, which literally means 'to point with the finger' (from dito - finger). It is often used figuratively to mean 'to single out' someone, often for criticism or praise. For example, 'Venne additato come il responsabile' (He was singled out as the one responsible). Another alternative is accennare, which means 'to hint at' or 'to indicate briefly.' If you don't want to point something out directly but just mention it, accennare is the better choice. By expanding your vocabulary with these alternatives, you can express yourself with the same nuance as a native speaker.
Il cartello segnala un pericolo imminente sulla strada.
Il direttore ha voluto designare il suo successore durante la riunione.
Guía de pronunciación
- Pronouncing the 'c' as 'ch' in 'indichi' (it should be 'k').
- Putting the stress on the first syllable.
- Failing to roll the 'r' at the end.
- Pronouncing 'in' as 'een' (it should be a short 'i').
- Making the 'a' too flat like in 'cat'.
Ejemplos por nivel
Io indico la mela rossa.
I point to the red apple.
Present tense, 1st person singular.
Per favore, indica la tua casa sulla mappa.
Please, point to your house on the map.
Imperative (informal 'tu').
Il bambino indica il cane.
The child points to the dog.
Present tense, 3rd person singular.
Indica il colore blu.
Point to the blue color.
Imperative.
Mi indichi il bagno?
Can you show me the bathroom?
Present tense used as a polite request.
Lui indica il libro sul tavolo.
He points to the book on the table.
Subject + Verb + Object.
Indichiamo la strada per la scuola.
We show the way to the school.
1st person plural (note the 'h').
Indicate la risposta giusta.
Point out the right answer.
Imperative (plural 'voi').
Il cartello indica che il museo è chiuso.
The sign indicates that the museum is closed.
Verb + 'che' subordinate clause.
Devi indicare il tuo nome sul foglio.
You must state your name on the paper.
Modal verb 'dovere' + infinitive.
L'orologio indica mezzogiorno.
The clock shows noon.
Inanimate subject performing the action.
Mi ha indicato un buon ristorante.
He pointed out a good restaurant to me.
Passato prossimo with indirect object pronoun.
La freccia indica la direzione per il centro.
The arrow indicates the direction to the center.
Common road vocabulary.
Potete indicarmi dove si trova la stazione?
Can you (plural) show me where the station is?
Polite question with 'potere'.
Indica quanti fratelli hai.
State how many brothers you have.
Use of 'indicare' as 'to state'.
Il termometro indica trenta gradi.
The thermometer indicates thirty degrees.
Measurement context.
Questi sintomi indicano una forte allergia.
These symptoms indicate a strong allergy.
Abstract indication (symptoms).
Il medico ha indicato una dieta povera di grassi.
The doctor recommended a low-fat diet.
Meaning 'to recommend/prescribe'.
I risultati del test indicano che hai superato l'esame.
The test results indicate that you passed the exam.
Logical conclusion.
Non è indicato fumare in presenza di bambini.
It is not advisable to smoke in the presence of children.
Passive use meaning 'advisable'.
Il navigatore indica di svoltare tra cento metri.
The GPS indicates to turn in one hundred meters.
Instructions from technology.
Il professore ci ha indicato i capitoli da studiare.
The professor pointed out the chapters to study for us.
Specifying information.
L'uso di questo prodotto è indicato per pelli secche.
The use of this product is indicated for dry skin.
Medical/Cosmetic suitability.
I prezzi indicati sono validi fino a domani.
The indicated prices are valid until tomorrow.
Past participle as an adjective.
Le statistiche indicano una diminuzione della disoccupazione.
Statistics indicate a decrease in unemployment.
Data analysis context.
Il manuale indica chiaramente come montare il mobile.
The manual clearly indicates how to assemble the furniture.
Technical instruction.
Nulla indica che ci sia stato un furto.
Nothing indicates that there has been a theft.
Negative construction with 'nulla'.
Il testimone ha saputo indicare l'ora esatta del delitto.
The witness was able to state the exact time of the crime.
Precision in testimony.
L'azienda ha indicato i suoi obiettivi per il prossimo anno.
The company has outlined its goals for the next year.
Professional planning.
Il colore delle foglie indica l'arrivo dell'autunno.
The color of the leaves indicates the arrival of autumn.
Natural signs.
È necessario indicare le fonti in ogni ricerca accademica.
It is necessary to cite sources in every academic research.
Academic requirement.
La bussola indica il nord magnetico.
The compass points to magnetic north.
Scientific fact.
Il suo silenzio indica un tacito assenso.
His silence indicates a tacit agreement.
Abstract psychological interpretation.
Le prove indicano inequivocabilmente la sua colpevolezza.
The evidence unequivocally indicates his guilt.
Legal certainty.
L'autore sembra indicare una soluzione spirituale alla crisi.
The author seems to suggest a spiritual solution to the crisis.
Literary analysis.
Le fluttuazioni del mercato indicano una forte instabilità.
Market fluctuations indicate strong instability.
Economic complexity.
Venne additato come l'esempio da seguire.
He was singled out as the example to follow.
Use of the related verb 'additare'.
I reperti indicano che il sito risale all'epoca romana.
The artifacts indicate that the site dates back to the Roman era.
Historical deduction.
Si indichi la modalità di pagamento preferita.
Please specify the preferred payment method.
Impersonal 'si' construction.
Il tono della lettera indica una certa urgenza.
The tone of the letter indicates a certain urgency.
Inferring meaning from style.
La complessità del testo indica una profonda erudizione.
The complexity of the text indicates deep erudition.
High-level intellectual attribution.
Tali discrepanze indicano una falla nel sistema di sicurezza.
Such discrepancies indicate a flaw in the security system.
Technical/Systemic analysis.
Il filosofo intende indicare la via verso la verità assoluta.
The philosopher intends to show the way toward absolute truth.
Metaphysical usage.
Le direttive europee indicano parametri molto severi.
European directives specify very strict parameters.
Legislative specification.
L'opera d'arte sembra indicare il declino della civiltà moderna.
The artwork seems to point to the decline of modern civilization.
Critique and symbolism.
È stato indicato come il principale artefice del successo.
He was identified as the main architect of the success.
Formal attribution of merit.
Questi dati indicano la necessità di una riforma strutturale.
These data indicate the need for a structural reform.
Political necessity.
Il sentiero era indicato solo da piccole pietre bianche.
The path was marked only by small white stones.
Subtle physical marking.
Colocaciones comunes
Frases Comunes
— As stated or shown previously in a text. Used in formal writing.
Seguite le istruzioni come indicato sopra.
— Unless otherwise specified. Common in rules and regulations.
Il prezzo è fisso, salvo diversa indicazione.
— Pick or point out the right answer. Standard test instruction.
Indica la risposta corretta tra le quattro opzioni.
— It is suitable or recommended for a specific purpose.
Questo shampoo è indicato per capelli grassi.
— Without giving a reason. Used when someone acts without explanation.
Se n'è andato senza indicare il motivo.
— To set or show the course, usually for a ship or plane.
Il comandante deve indicare la rotta.
— To write down or state the date.
Non dimenticare di indicare la data sul contratto.
— To specify a deadline or a specific word.
Dobbiamo indicare un termine per la consegna.
— To show the way out, physically or metaphorically.
L'hostess indica la via d'uscita di emergenza.
— To show the path or the way forward in life.
I maestri ci indicano il cammino.
Modismos y expresiones
— To focus on the insignificant detail rather than the important point being shown. Missing the big picture.
Ti sto parlando di economia e tu ti lamenti del mio tono; stai indicando la luna e guardando il dito.
informal/proverbial— To point out exactly where the problem is (related to 'indicare' via the noun 'indice').
Ha messo l'indice sul vero problema dell'azienda.
neutral— To be a clear sign that something is happening.
L'aumento dei prezzi è un indicatore dell'inflazione.
formal— To blame someone (similar to 'indicare' but with a negative accusatory tone).
È facile puntare il dito contro gli altri.
neutral— Signs that suggest something is about to happen.
Ci sono molti segni che indicano una tempesta.
neutral— As a rough guide or for information only, not binding.
Questo prezzo è solo a titolo indicativo.
formal— The turn signal of a car (the blinker).
Usa l'indicatore di direzione prima di girare.
neutral— Approval rating or popularity index.
L'indice di gradimento del sindaco è calato.
formal— To make a gesture to show something.
Ha fatto un cenno per indicare che era pronto.
neutralFamilia de palabras
Sustantivos
Verbos
Summary
The verb 'indicare' is essential for clarity in Italian; it bridges the gap between a physical gesture and formal specification, used everywhere from street signs to scientific data. Example: 'Indica la via' (Show the way).
- Indicare is a B1 level Italian verb meaning to point out, show, or specify.
- It is used for physical gestures, giving directions, and providing information on forms.
- Grammatically, it is a regular -are verb but requires an 'h' in certain forms like 'indichi'.
- It can also mean 'to be suitable' or 'recommended' in medical or practical contexts.
Contenido relacionado
Más palabras de general
abbagliare
C1To dazzle or blind with light or beauty
abbaglio
C1Un error grave o una equivocación. 'Cometió un abbaglio al confiar en él.'
abbreviare
B1To make something shorter.
abnegazione
C1La abnegación es el sacrificio espontáneo de los propios intereses.
accadere
B1To happen or occur.
accadimento
B2Un acontecimiento o suceso. Se utiliza en contextos formales para describir algo que ha ocurrido.
accaduto
B1Lo ocurrido.
accanito
C1Fierce, persistent, or relentless in pursuit
accantonare
C1To put aside for future use or discard.
accattivante
C1Atractivo o cautivador, algo que gana la simpatía o la atención de los demás.
