Signification
Persistence leads to discovery.
Contexte culturel
In Italy, this proverb is often used by parents to teach children the value of 'pazienza' (patience) and 'impegno' (effort). It's a foundational piece of social wisdom. Because of its biblical origins, the phrase is sometimes used in religious or spiritual discussions in Italy to encourage faith. In Italian workplaces, it's used to praise proactive employees who find solutions to problems without being told exactly what to do. While the standard Italian version is universal, some southern regions might use it with more emphasis on 'scovare' (to ferret out/unearth).
Use it for encouragement
It's the perfect thing to say when a friend is about to give up on a search.
Don't add 'lo'
Avoid saying 'Chi cerca, lo trova'. It sounds less like a proverb and more like a clunky sentence.
Signification
Persistence leads to discovery.
Use it for encouragement
It's the perfect thing to say when a friend is about to give up on a search.
Don't add 'lo'
Avoid saying 'Chi cerca, lo trova'. It sounds less like a proverb and more like a clunky sentence.
The 'Chi' Template
Learn this structure! Many Italian proverbs start with 'Chi' followed by two verbs in the present tense.
Teste-toi
Complete the proverb with the correct verb.
Chi cerca, _______.
The proverb uses the third-person singular present indicative.
In which situation would you say 'Chi cerca, trova'?
Your friend is sad because they lost their dog and want to stop looking.
The proverb is used to motivate someone to persist in their search.
Which of these is the correct meaning of 'Chi cerca, trova'?
What does the proverb imply?
The core message is that effort (searching) results in discovery (finding).
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'Non riesco a trovare un buon ristorante italiano in questa città.' B: 'Continua a girare, ________.'
'Chi cerca, trova' is the most appropriate response for someone looking for something.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesChi cerca, _______.
The proverb uses the third-person singular present indicative.
Your friend is sad because they lost their dog and want to stop looking.
The proverb is used to motivate someone to persist in their search.
What does the proverb imply?
The core message is that effort (searching) results in discovery (finding).
A: 'Non riesco a trovare un buon ristorante italiano in questa città.' B: 'Continua a girare, ________.'
'Chi cerca, trova' is the most appropriate response for someone looking for something.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsIt is neutral. You can use it with your boss, your grandmother, or your best friend.
Yes, you can use it when looking for a person, like a new employee or a romantic partner.
Usually, yes. However, it can be used ironically if someone finds something bad they were 'looking for' (like an argument).
'Cercare' is the action (to look for), and 'trovare' is the result (to find).
Extremely common. Almost every Italian knows it and uses it regularly.
You can, but it's no longer the 'official' proverb. It sounds like a normal promise rather than a piece of wisdom.
Yes, 'La fortuna aiuta gli audaci' (Fortune favors the bold), which is similar but focuses on bravery.
The word 'Chi' includes the subject. It means 'The person who'.
Yes, if you are encouraging a colleague or discussing a successful research project.
Yes, they share the same biblical source (Matthew 7:7).
Expressions liées
Chi la dura la vince
similarHe who endures, wins.
Chi dorme non piglia pesci
similarHe who sleeps catches no fish.
Cercare un ago in un pagliaio
specialized formTo look for a needle in a haystack.
Chi non risica non rosica
similarNothing ventured, nothing gained.
