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B1 verb 8 min de lecture

dichiarare

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces dichiarare en 30 secondes

Explication dichiarare in your Level:

At the A1 level, you will rarely need to use 'dichiarare' yourself, but you might see it in very specific, practical situations. Imagine you are at an Italian airport. You will see signs for the 'Dogana' (Customs). The most important phrase here is 'Nulla da dichiarare' (Nothing to declare). This means you don't have anything in your suitcase that you need to pay taxes on, like too much alcohol or cigarettes. You might also hear it in a very simple classroom setting where a teacher says 'Dichiaro aperta la lezione' (I declare the lesson open), though this is very formal. At this level, just remember that 'dichiarare' is like a very serious version of 'to say' or 'to show'. It is used when you are giving information to someone in a uniform or an official position. Don't worry about conjugating it in complex ways yet; just recognize the root 'chiara' which means 'clear'. When you 'dichiarare', you make things 'clear' for the authorities. If you are filling out a form, you might see a section for 'dichiarazioni' (declarations), where you write your name and address. It is a big word for a simple action: telling the truth officially. Even though it's a B1 word, knowing this one 'airport phrase' makes you much more confident when traveling through Italy.

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As an A2 learner, you are starting to handle more social and administrative situations. You might encounter 'dichiarare' when dealing with basic Italian bureaucracy, like registering at a local office or signing a simple contract. You should know that it's a regular '-are' verb, which makes it easy to conjugate: 'io dichiaro', 'tu dichiari', 'lui/lei dichiara'. You might use it to talk about your intentions in a slightly more formal way. For example, 'Dichiaro di voler imparare l'italiano' (I declare that I want to learn Italian). This level is also where you might learn about the 'dichiarazione dei redditi' (tax return) in a cultural lesson about life in Italy. You might also hear it in sports news: 'L'arbitro dichiara la fine della partita' (The referee declares the end of the match). The key for A2 is understanding that 'dichiarare' is used when the person speaking has some kind of authority or is making a formal statement. It’s more than just talking; it’s like making a 'verbal signpost'. If you are at a hotel and they ask for your documents, you are 'dichiarando' your identity. It’s a step up from 'dire' and helps you navigate official Italian life with more precision and less confusion.

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At the B1 level, 'dichiarare' becomes a versatile tool in your vocabulary. This is the stage where you should be able to use the reflexive form 'dichiararsi'. This is most commonly used for romantic declarations ('Si è dichiarato a lei' - He declared his love to her) or for legal admissions ('Si è dichiarato colpevole' - He declared himself guilty). You should also be comfortable using the 'dichiarare che...' structure to report what someone else has said in a formal context. For example, if you are reading a news article, you will see 'Il sindaco ha dichiarato che la città è sicura' (The mayor declared that the city is safe). You are now moving beyond just 'saying' things to 'stating' things. You also start to see the word in common idiomatic expressions like 'dichiarare guerra' (to declare war) or 'dichiarare bancarotta' (to declare bankruptcy). At B1, you should understand the difference between 'dire' and 'dichiarare': use the former for everyday chat and the latter when you want to sound serious, official, or definitive. You will also encounter the noun form 'dichiarazione' frequently in media. Whether it’s a 'dichiarazione d'amore' or a 'dichiarazione politica', you now have the tools to understand the weight and intent behind these words in various social and professional scenarios.

At the B2 level, you should use 'dichiarare' with nuance and stylistic awareness. You understand that this verb carries a certain 'performative' weight. In a business meeting, you might 'dichiarare i tuoi obiettivi' (declare your objectives) to show commitment and professionalism. You are also expected to handle the passive voice more naturally: 'È stato dichiarato lo stato di emergenza' (A state of emergency has been declared). You can distinguish between 'dichiarare' and its synonyms like 'asserire' (to assert) or 'sostenere' (to maintain/claim). While 'dichiarare' emphasizes the public announcement, 'asserire' emphasizes the truth of the claim. You might also use it in more abstract ways, such as 'dichiarare la propria indipendenza' from a family or a tradition. Your grammar should be precise, correctly using 'dichiarare di' + infinitive when the subject is the same ('Ha dichiarato di aver finito il lavoro'). You also begin to recognize its use in literature and high-level journalism, where the word is used to frame the narrative and give authority to the voices being quoted. At this level, 'dichiarare' is not just a verb; it’s a way to structure formal discourse and navigate complex social hierarchies in Italian society.

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By the C1 level, you are exploring the sophisticated and subtle uses of 'dichiarare'. You might use it in legal or philosophical discussions to describe the 'dichiarazione di intenti' (declaration of intent) or the 'valore dichiarativo' (declarative value) of a certain action. You understand the historical weight of the word, such as in the 'Dichiarazione d'Indipendenza' or the 'Dichiarazione Universale dei Diritti Umani'. Your use of the reflexive 'dichiararsi' expands to include more metaphorical or professional contexts, such as 'dichiararsi incompetente' (to declare oneself incompetent/recuse oneself) in a legal or technical matter. You also master the use of the verb in the subjunctive when the context requires a sense of doubt or hypothetical declaration, although 'dichiarare' often pulls the indicative due to its nature of certainty. You can analyze how a politician might 'dichiarare il falso' and the specific legal consequences that follow. Your vocabulary is rich enough to replace 'dichiarare' with even more specific terms like 'notificare', 'palesare', or 'estrinsecare' depending on the exact shade of meaning required. At C1, you are a master of the 'official' register of Italian, and 'dichiarare' is a key instrument in your rhetorical toolbox.

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At the C2 level, you have a near-native grasp of 'dichiarare' and its place in the Italian language's history and legal system. You understand its role in 'atti dichiarativi' (declaratory acts) versus 'atti costitutivi' (constitutive acts) in legal theory—where a declaration merely recognizes an existing state rather than creating a new one. You can use the verb in highly formal, almost archaic styles if necessary, or recognize its ironic use in contemporary literature. You are aware of the subtle differences in tone when a writer chooses 'dichiarare' over 'affermare' or 'asseverare'. You can discuss the nuances of the 'dichiarazione sostitutiva di atto notorio' (self-certification) in Italian administrative law with ease. Your ability to use 'dichiararsi' extends to complex identity politics or high-stakes negotiations where 'dichiararsi pronti al compromesso' (declaring oneself ready for compromise) is a strategic move. You also understand the phonological and etymological connections to other 'clear' words like 'chiarificare' or 'chiaroveggenza'. At this level, the word is fully integrated into your cognitive map of the language, allowing you to use it with total precision, whether you are writing a legal brief, a philosophical essay, or a nuanced piece of literary criticism.

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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

dichiarare en 30 secondes

Dichiarare is a formal Italian verb meaning 'to declare' or 'to state officially'.
It is used in legal, tax, and romantic contexts to make something clear and public.
The reflexive form 'dichiararsi' is essential for proposing or confessing love.
Commonly heard at airports (customs) and in news reports regarding government actions.

The Italian verb dichiarare is a powerhouse of communication, transcending simple speech to enter the realm of officiality, solemnity, and clarity. At its core, it stems from the Latin declarare, which combines the intensive prefix de- with clarare (to make bright or clear). Therefore, when you use this word, you are not just talking; you are bringing something into the light, removing ambiguity, and making a definitive stand. In the Italian linguistic landscape, it occupies a space between 'dire' (to say) and 'proclamare' (to proclaim).

Legal and Official Contexts: This is perhaps the most common domain for the word. Whether you are at the airport customs desk ('Avete qualcosa da dichiarare?') or filing your annual income tax return ('dichiarazione dei redditi'), the verb implies a legal obligation to be truthful and precise. To declare in this sense is to provide information that will be recorded and used as a basis for legal or administrative action.

Il testimone ha dovuto dichiarare il falso sotto giuramento, complicando il processo.

Emotional and Personal Declarations: Beyond the sterile walls of a courtroom, the verb takes on a romantic or deeply personal hue. The reflexive form, dichiararsi, is the standard way to describe 'proposing' or 'confessing one's love' to someone. It suggests a moment of vulnerability where one's internal feelings are made external and 'clear' to the other person.

Furthermore, the word is indispensable in political and international relations. Nations dichiarano guerra (declare war) or dichiarano l'indipendenza (declare independence). In these instances, the act of speaking is the act of creating a new reality. It is a 'performative utterance' where the words themselves change the status of the world. In everyday life, you might hear a referee dichiarare il vincitore (declare the winner) or a doctor dichiarare il decesso (pronounce death). The common thread is authority and finality. When someone in a position of power 'dichiara' something, it is often the final word on the matter, leaving little room for debate or confusion.

Grammatically, dichiarare is a transitive verb, meaning it usually takes a direct object. However, its flexibility allows it to function in several distinct structural patterns that every B1 learner should master. Understanding these patterns is the key to sounding natural and precise in Italian.

Pattern 1: Dichiarare + Direct Object: This is the simplest form. You declare a thing. 'Dichiaro il mio amore' (I declare my love) or 'Il governo ha dichiarato lo stato di emergenza' (The government declared a state of emergency). Here, the focus is entirely on the substance being made public.

Il capitano ha preferito dichiarare la fine delle ostilità prima del tramonto.

Pattern 2: Dichiarare + che + Clause: Used for reported speech or formal statements. 'Il portavoce ha dichiarato che i negoziati sono falliti' (The spokesperson declared that the negotiations failed). This is very common in news reporting and journalism.

Pattern 3: Dichiararsi + Adjective/Noun: The reflexive form is used to define oneself. 'Si è dichiarato colpevole' (He declared himself guilty) or 'Si sono dichiarati favorevoli alla proposta' (They declared themselves in favor of the proposal). This is essential for legal contexts and expressing personal stances.

Dopo anni di amicizia, Marco ha finalmente deciso di dichiararsi a Giulia.

In more advanced usage, you might see dichiarare di + infinitive. For example: 'Ha dichiarato di non aver mai visto quell'uomo' (He declared that he had never seen that man). This is a more concise alternative to the 'che' structure when the subject of both verbs is the same. Mastery of these variations allows you to navigate everything from a simple conversation about your intentions to the complexities of an Italian tax document or a newspaper article about political scandals.

To truly understand dichiarare, one must step into the environments where it naturally flourishes. It is not a word you will hear shouted across a noisy bar while ordering a spritz, but rather in moments of transition, authority, or high emotion.

At the Airport and Customs: As you pass through the 'Dogana' (Customs), signs will ask: 'Nulla da dichiarare?' (Nothing to declare?). This refers to taxable goods, large sums of cash, or restricted items. In this context, the word represents your official testimony to the state.

Signore, deve dichiarare l'importo esatto di contanti che porta con sé.

In News and Media: Open any Italian newspaper like 'Corriere della Sera' or 'La Repubblica'. You will see 'Il Primo Ministro ha dichiarato...' or 'L'azienda ha dichiarato bancarotta'. The word is used to signal that the information following it is an official statement, not just hearsay or a casual comment.

In Legal and Civil Ceremonies: During a wedding, the officiant might say: 'Vi dichiaro uniti in matrimonio' (I declare you joined in marriage). In a courtroom, a judge might say: 'Dichiaro chiusa l'udienza' (I declare the hearing closed). In these settings, the word acts as a gavel, marking the beginning or end of a legal state.

L'arbitro ha dovuto dichiarare il fischio finale a causa della pioggia torrenziale.

Finally, you will encounter it in the 'dichiarazione dei redditi' (tax return) which every Italian adult must deal with annually. It is a word associated with responsibility, bureaucracy, and the public sphere. When you hear it, your 'linguistic ears' should perk up, as it usually precedes information that is intended to be definitive and impactful.

Even at the B1 level, learners often trip over the nuances of dichiarare. The most common errors usually involve using it when a simpler verb is required, or misapplying the reflexive form.

Mistake 1: Using it for Casual Speech: Many learners think 'dichiarare' is just a fancy version of 'dire'. For example, saying 'Ho dichiarato che ho fame' (I declared that I am hungry) sounds incredibly pompous and strange in a casual setting. Unless you are making a joke about how hungry you are, stick to 'Ho detto che ho fame'. Use 'dichiarare' only for formal or emphatic statements.

Errato: Mi ha dichiarato che il caffè era buono. (Correct: Mi ha detto che...)

Mistake 2: Confusing 'Dichiarare' with 'Affermare': While similar, 'affermare' means to assert or claim something is true. 'Dichiarare' is about making that claim public or official. You 'afferma' a fact in a debate, but you 'dichiara' your position to the press. The distinction is subtle but important for achieving a C1/C2 level of precision.

Mistake 3: Misusing the Reflexive 'Dichiararsi': Learners often forget that 'dichiararsi' requires a preposition or an adjective. You don't just 'dichiararsi' someone; you 'ti dichiari A qualcuno' (declare yourself TO someone) or 'ti dichiari colpevole' (declare yourself guilty). If you say 'Mi sono dichiarato Maria', it sounds like you are saying you declared yourself to be Maria, rather than declaring your love to her.

Attenzione: Non dire 'Mi sono dichiarato pronto' se vuoi dire che hai semplicemente finito. Significa che hai fatto un annuncio formale di prontezza.

Lastly, be careful with the passive voice. While 'È stato dichiarato' is common, ensure the subject matches. 'La guerra è stata dichiarata' is correct, but 'L'uomo è stato dichiarato' needs a complement like '...morto' or '...colpevole' to make sense.

To expand your Italian vocabulary, it is helpful to see dichiarare within its family of synonyms and related terms. Each has a slightly different 'flavor' and level of intensity.

Dichiarare vs. Proclamare: 'Proclamare' is even more formal and public than 'dichiarare'. It is used for major historical events or religious announcements. You 'dichiara' a winner, but you 'proclama' a king or a republic. Proclaiming implies a widespread announcement to a large audience.

Il presidente ha voluto proclamare un giorno di festa nazionale dopo la vittoria.

Dichiarare vs. Asserire: 'Asserire' is more about the truth-value of a statement. It means 'to assert' or 'to claim'. If you 'asserisci' something, you are insisting it is true, often in the face of doubt. 'Dichiarare' is more about the act of putting the statement on the record.

Dichiarare vs. Manifestare: 'Manifestare' means to show or express, often through actions or symptoms. You 'manifesti' a symptom of a disease or 'manifesti' your dissent in a protest. 'Dichiarare' is specifically verbal or written.

Non serve dichiarare la tua rabbia se continui a manifestarla con i gesti.

Other alternatives include 'enunciare' (to state clearly and systematically, often used in science or logic) and 'testimoniare' (to bear witness or testify). Choosing the right one depends on whether you want to emphasize the truth (asserire), the publicity (proclamare), the evidence (testimoniare), or the official record (dichiarare). As a B1 learner, stick with 'dichiarare' for most formal needs, but start noticing when Italians use these more specific alternatives in books and news broadcasts.

How Formal Is It?

Le savais-tu ?

The word is a direct cousin of the English 'declare', but in Italian, the reflexive form 'dichiararsi' is much more common for marriage proposals than the English equivalent.

Guide de prononciation

UK /di.kja.'ra.re/

US /di.kjɑ.'rɑ.reɪ/

The primary stress is on the penultimate syllable: di-chia-RA-re.

Rime avec

amare parlare cantare andare mangiare pensare guardare aspettare

Erreurs fréquentes

Pronouncing 'chi' as 'chee' (it should be 'kee').
Forgetting to roll the 'r'.
Stress on the first syllable.
Confusing the spelling with 'dichiarire' (which doesn't exist).
Swallowing the 'i' in 'chia'.

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 3/5

Easy to recognize due to English cognate 'declare'.

Écriture 4/5

Requires knowledge of 'che' vs 'di' structures.

Expression orale 4/5

The 'chi' sound and rolled 'r' can be tricky for beginners.

Écoute 3/5

Usually pronounced clearly in formal contexts.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

dire chiaro parlare vero amore

Apprends ensuite

asserire proclamare notificare giurare sostenere

Avancé

asseverare estrinsecare palesare notificare impugnare

Grammaire à connaître

Use of 'che' with Indicative

Dichiaro che il testimone dice la verità.

Use of 'di' with Infinitive (Same Subject)

Lui dichiara di essere stanco.

Reflexive verb conjugation

Io mi dichiaro, tu ti dichiari, lui si dichiara.

Passive voice with 'essere'

La guerra fu dichiarata nel 1940.

Direct object placement

Lo ha dichiarato ieri.

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Exemples par niveau

Devo dichiarare il mio nome alla polizia.

I must declare my name to the police.

Simple present with 'devo' (must).

Non ho nulla da dichiarare alla dogana.

I have nothing to declare at customs.

Standard travel phrase.

Il professore dichiara l'inizio dell'esame.

The professor declares the start of the exam.

Third person singular present.

Dichiaro che questa è la mia borsa.

I declare that this is my bag.

Use of 'che' to introduce a clause.

Puoi dichiarare il tuo indirizzo qui?

Can you state your address here?

Infinitive after 'puoi'.

Lui dichiara di essere felice.

He declares that he is happy.

'Dichiarare di' + infinitive.

Dichiariamo i nostri voti oggi.

We declare our votes today.

First person plural present.

Lei dichiara il suo amore per l'Italia.

She declares her love for Italy.

Direct object 'il suo amore'.

Il testimone ha dichiarato la verità.

The witness stated the truth.

Passato prossimo.

Dobbiamo dichiarare quanto abbiamo guadagnato.

We must declare how much we earned.

Indirect question after 'dichiarare'.

L'arbitro ha dichiarato il giocatore fuori gioco.

The referee declared the player offside.

Declaring a state/condition.

Mi sono dichiarato a lei ieri sera.

I declared my love to her last night.

Reflexive 'dichiararsi'.

Il governo ha dichiarato un nuovo giorno di festa.

The government declared a new holiday.

Official announcement.

Hanno dichiarato che il ponte è chiuso.

They declared that the bridge is closed.

Reported speech.

L'azienda ha dichiarato fallimento.

The company declared bankruptcy.

Common business collocation.

Dichiaro ufficialmente aperta la mostra.

I officially declare the exhibition open.

Adverb 'ufficialmente' adds weight.

L'imputato si è dichiarato innocente davanti al giudice.

The defendant declared himself innocent before the judge.

Reflexive with adjective.

Il sindaco ha dichiarato lo stato di emergenza per l'alluvione.

The mayor declared a state of emergency for the flood.

Political context.

Non dimenticare di dichiarare tutte le tue entrate.

Don't forget to declare all your income.

Imperative with infinitive.

Si è dichiarato pronto ad assumersi le sue responsabilità.

He declared himself ready to take on his responsibilities.

Formal reflexive usage.

La nazione ha dichiarato guerra al nemico.

The nation declared war on the enemy.

Historical/formal context.

Il medico ha dichiarato il paziente fuori pericolo.

The doctor declared the patient out of danger.

Medical pronouncement.

Hanno dichiarato di non aver ricevuto il pacco.

They declared that they hadn't received the package.

'Dichiarare di' + past infinitive.

La stampa ha dichiarato il film un capolavoro.

The press declared the film a masterpiece.

Subjective but formal declaration.

L'atleta è stato dichiarato idoneo alla competizione.

The athlete was declared fit for the competition.

Passive voice.

Il testimone ha dichiarato il falso, rischiando la prigione.

The witness lied (declared the false), risking prison.

Fixed expression 'dichiarare il falso'.

Si sono dichiarati contrari alla nuova legge urbanistica.

They declared themselves opposed to the new urban planning law.

Reflexive plural.

La commissione ha dichiarato nullo il concorso.

The commission declared the competition null and void.

Administrative nullification.

Dichiarando i propri redditi, si contribuisce alla società.

By declaring one's income, one contributes to society.

Gerund usage.

Il critico ha dichiarato che l'opera manca di originalità.

The critic declared that the work lacks originality.

Formal critique.

L'ONU ha dichiarato l'anno internazionale della pace.

The UN declared the international year of peace.

International institutional context.

Si è dichiarato favorevole a una mediazione diplomatica.

He declared himself in favor of diplomatic mediation.

Formal political stance.

Il tribunale ha dichiarato la decadenza della potestà genitoriale.

The court declared the forfeiture of parental authority.

High-level legal terminology.

L'imprenditore ha dichiarato di voler investire in energie rinnovabili.

The entrepreneur declared his intention to invest in renewable energy.

Strategic business declaration.

Si è dichiarato un fervente sostenitore del libero mercato.

He declared himself a fervent supporter of the free market.

Ideological declaration.

La banca ha dichiarato l'insolvenza del debitore.

The bank declared the debtor's insolvency.

Financial legal context.

Il filosofo dichiara l'insensatezza dell'esistenza moderna.

The philosopher declares the meaninglessness of modern existence.

Philosophical assertion.

Hanno dichiarato guerra alla povertà con nuove riforme.

They declared war on poverty with new reforms.

Metaphorical use of 'dichiarare guerra'.

L'accademia ha dichiarato il vincitore del premio letterario.

The academy declared the winner of the literary prize.

Institutional pronouncement.

Dichiararsi vinti non è mai stata un'opzione per lui.

Declaring himself defeated was never an option for him.

Reflexive infinitive as subject.

La sentenza ha dichiarato l'illegittimità costituzionale della norma.

The sentence declared the constitutional illegitimacy of the rule.

Constitutional law context.

L'autore dichiara apertamente il suo debito verso la tradizione classica.

The author openly declares his debt to classical tradition.

Literary analysis.

Si è dichiarato incompetente a giudicare una materia così complessa.

He declared himself incompetent to judge such a complex matter.

Legal 'astensione' (recusal).

La bolla papale dichiarava l'eresia del movimento.

The papal bull declared the movement's heresy.

Historical/Ecclesiastical context.

Il governo ha dichiarato il decesso clinico dell'accordo di pace.

The government declared the clinical death of the peace agreement.

Highly metaphorical/journalistic.

Dichiarare il proprio fallimento personale richiede grande coraggio.

Declaring one's personal failure requires great courage.

Existential declaration.

L'organismo ha dichiarato la fine della pandemia a livello globale.

The organization declared the end of the pandemic globally.

Global health context.

Si sono dichiarati pronti a qualsiasi sacrificio per la causa.

They declared themselves ready for any sacrifice for the cause.

Rhetorical/Political intensity.

Collocations courantes

dichiarare guerra

dichiarare bancarotta

dichiarare il falso

dichiarare i redditi

dichiarare amore

dichiarare chiusa la seduta

dichiarare nullo

dichiarare colpevole

dichiarare lo stato di emergenza

dichiarare l'indipendenza

Phrases Courantes

Nulla da dichiarare?

— The standard question asked by customs officers to travelers.

Alla dogana mi hanno chiesto: 'Nulla da dichiarare?'

Dichiaro aperta la seduta

— The formal way to begin a meeting or session.

Il giudice ha detto: 'Dichiaro aperta la seduta'.

Dichiararsi vinto

— To admit defeat or give up.

Non mi dichiaro vinto finché non è finita.

Dichiarazione d'intenti

— A formal statement of what one plans to do.

Hanno firmato una dichiarazione d'intenti.

Dichiarazione dei redditi

— The official document for reporting income to the government.

Ho fatto la dichiarazione dei redditi.

Dichiararsi a qualcuno

— To confess your love or propose to someone.

Si è finalmente dichiarato a lei.

Dichiarazione giurata

— A sworn statement or affidavit.

Ha firmato una dichiarazione giurata.

Dichiarare il decesso

— To officially pronounce someone dead.

Il medico ha dichiarato il decesso alle dieci.

Dichiarare fuori gioco

— To call an offside in soccer or to exclude someone.

L'attaccante è stato dichiarato fuori gioco.

Dichiarare guerra a...

— To start a conflict or a campaign against something.

Hanno dichiarato guerra alla plastica.

Souvent confondu avec

dichiarare vs chiarire

Chiarire means 'to clarify' or 'to explain', while dichiarare means 'to state officially'.

dichiarare vs dire

Dire is general 'to say'; dichiarare is formal 'to declare'.

dichiarare vs decidere

Sometimes people confuse making a decision with declaring it.

Expressions idiomatiques

"Dichiarare guerra ai mulini a vento"

— To fight an imaginary or unbeatable enemy (from Don Quixote).

Stai solo dichiarando guerra ai mulini a vento.

literary/metaphorical

"Dichiararsi prigioniero"

— To surrender completely to a situation or person.

Mi dichiaro prigioniero del tuo fascino.

romantic/playful

"Dichiarare forfait"

— To withdraw from a competition or task due to inability to continue.

A causa dell'infortunio, ha dovuto dichiarare forfait.

sporting/informal

"Dichiarare i propri colori"

— To show one's true allegiances or intentions.

È ora che tu dichiari i tuoi colori.

political/metaphorical

"Dichiararsi fuori"

— To opt out of a deal or situation.

Per questo progetto, mi dichiaro fuori.

neutral

"Dichiarare guerra alla noia"

— To actively seek excitement or entertainment.

Stasera dichiariamo guerra alla noia!

informal

"Dichiarazione d'amore"

— The act of telling someone you love them.

Sotto il balcone le ha fatto una dichiarazione d'amore.

romantic

"Dichiarare l'incompetenza"

— To formally state that one does not have the authority or skill for a task.

Il giudice ha dichiarato l'incompetenza del tribunale.

legal/formal

"Dichiarare il fine vita"

— To reach the end of a product's useful life.

La ditta ha dichiarato il fine vita del software.

technical

"Dichiararsi favorevole"

— To take a public stance in support of something.

Molti si sono dichiarati favorevoli al cambiamento.

formal

Facile à confondre

dichiarare vs Chiarire

Both share the root 'chiar-'.

Chiarire is used when there is a misunderstanding to fix. Dichiarare is used to put a statement on the record.

Devo chiarire questo dubbio. / Devo dichiarare i redditi.

dichiarare vs Affermare

Both mean to state something.

Affermare focuses on the truth of the claim. Dichiarare focuses on the act of making it public.

Afferma di essere stato lì. / Ha dichiarato la sua candidatura.

dichiarare vs Proclamare

Both are formal announcements.

Proclamare is for high-level public events (like a king). Dichiarare is more versatile (customs, love, law).

Il re fu proclamato. / Mi sono dichiarato a lei.

dichiarare vs Manifestare

Both involve expressing something.

Manifestare can be through actions or signs. Dichiarare is almost always through words or documents.

Manifesta sintomi di febbre. / Dichiara la sua innocenza.

dichiarare vs Notificare

Both are official communications.

Notificare is a technical legal term for serving a notice. Dichiarare is a broader act of stating.

Gli hanno notificato l'atto. / Ha dichiarato di averlo ricevuto.

Structures de phrases

Io dichiaro [Nome]

Io dichiaro il mio nome.

Lui ha dichiarato che [Frase]

Lui ha dichiarato che viene domani.

Si è dichiarato [Aggettivo]

Si è dichiarato colpevole.

Dichiarare di [Infinito]

Dichiara di non sapere nulla.

Essere dichiarato [Participio]

Il vincitore è stato dichiarato.

Dichiararsi a [Persona]

Si è finalmente dichiarato a lei.

Dichiarare il falso

Non devi mai dichiarare il falso.

Dichiarazione d'intenti

Hanno firmato una dichiarazione d'intenti.

Famille de mots

Noms

dichiarazione (declaration)

dichiarante (declarant/person making the statement)

Verbes

dichiararsi (to declare oneself)

ridichiarare (to redeclare)

Adjectifs

dichiarativo (declarative)

dichiarato (declared/openly admitted)

Apparenté

chiaro

chiarire

chiarificazione

chiaramente

chiarore

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Comment l'utiliser

frequency

Common in media, law, and travel; less common in casual daily chat.

Erreurs courantes

Dichiaro che ho fame. → Ho fame. / Dico che ho fame.
Using 'dichiarare' for simple physical states sounds unnaturally formal and strange.
Mi sono dichiarato Maria. → Mi sono dichiarato a Maria.
You must use the preposition 'a' when declaring yourself to someone in a romantic sense.
Diciaro la verità. → Dichiaro la verità.
Missing the 'h' changes the pronunciation and is a spelling error.
Il giudice ha dichiarato l'uomo. → Il giudice ha dichiarato l'uomo colpevole.
The verb needs a complement (like an adjective) to complete the meaning in this context.
Lui dichiara che ha finito. → Lui dichiara di aver finito.
While 'che' is not strictly wrong, 'di + infinitive' is much more natural when the subject is the same.

Astuces

The 'H' is Key

Never forget the 'h' in 'dichiarare'. In Italian, 'ci' sounds like 'ch' in 'church', but 'chi' sounds like 'k' in 'key'. Without the 'h', you'd be saying it wrong!

Travel Tip

If you are at the Italian border, 'dichiarare' is the only verb you need for customs. Learn 'Ho qualcosa da dichiarare' just in case.

Love Language

If you want to tell someone you love them for the first time in a serious way, use 'Voglio dichiararmi'. It sounds very romantic and classic.

Business Tone

In a formal email, use 'Dichiaro la mia disponibilità' instead of 'Posso venire'. it sounds much more professional and committed.

Legal Weight

Be aware that 'dichiarare' in a legal setting carries the weight of a sworn statement. Use it carefully in official documents.

Family Words

Link 'dichiarare' to 'chiaro' (clear). If you are declaring something, you are making it clear for everyone.

Same Subject Rule

When you declare that YOU did something, use 'di' + infinitive: 'Dichiaro di aver finito'. It's more elegant than using 'che'.

News Watching

Listen for this verb on the Italian news. It's almost always used when a politician is being quoted.

The Gavel

Memorize 'Dichiaro aperta la seduta'. Even if you aren't a judge, it's a great way to jokingly start a meeting with friends.

Not for Pizza

Don't 'dichiarare' that you like pizza. Just 'dire' it. Keep 'dichiarare' for the big moments in life.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of the word 'CLEAR'. When you 'di-CHIAR-are', you make something 'CHIARO' (clear) for everyone to see.

Association visuelle

Imagine a judge hitting a gavel and shouting 'Dichiaro!'. The sound of the gavel makes the situation clear and final.

Word Web

chiaro dogana tasse amore giudice guerra bancarotta verità

Défi

Try to use 'dichiarare' in three different ways today: one for a personal feeling, one for an official fact, and one for a reflexive admission.

Origine du mot

From the Latin 'declarare', which is composed of 'de-' (intensive prefix) and 'clarare' (to make clear).

Sens originel : To make something bright, clear, or evident to the sight or mind.

Romance (Italic)

Contexte culturel

Be careful when declaring someone 'colpevole' or 'pazzo' in conversation; 'dichiarare' makes the statement sound like a final judgment.

While English uses 'declare' for customs and war, it uses 'propose' or 'ask out' for romance, where Italian uses 'dichiararsi'.

Dichiarazione d'Indipendenza degli Stati Uniti (translated in Italian history books). Dichiarazione dei Diritti dell'Uomo e del Cittadino. The song 'Dichiarazione d'amore' by various Italian artists.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

At the Airport

Ho qualcosa da dichiarare.
Non ho nulla da dichiarare.
Cosa devo dichiarare?
Dichiarazione doganale.

Legal/Courtroom

Dichiaro il falso.
Si dichiara innocente.
Dichiarazione giurata.
Il giudice dichiara.

Romance

Dichiararsi a qualcuno.
Una bella dichiarazione.
Mi sono dichiarato.
Dichiarare il proprio amore.

Taxes/Finance

Dichiarare i redditi.
Dichiarazione annuale.
Dichiarare bancarotta.
Dichiarare le spese.

Politics/News

Dichiarare guerra.
Dichiarare l'indipendenza.
Il ministro ha dichiarato.
Dichiarazione ufficiale.

Amorces de conversation

"Hai mai dovuto dichiarare qualcosa di strano alla dogana in aeroporto?"

"Secondo te, è meglio dichiararsi subito o aspettare quando si è innamorati?"

"Cosa dichiareresti se fossi il Primo Ministro per un giorno?"

"Hai già fatto la tua dichiarazione dei redditi quest'anno?"

"In quale situazione è più difficile dichiarare la verità?"

Sujets d'écriture

Descrivi una volta in cui hai dovuto dichiarare i tuoi sentimenti a qualcuno. Com'è andata?

Scrivi un articolo di giornale immaginario dove un leader mondiale dichiara la pace universale.

Rifletti sull'importanza di dichiarare la verità in tribunale. Perché è fondamentale per la giustizia?

Immagina di essere alla dogana con un oggetto magico. Come lo dichiareresti all'ufficiale?

Cosa significa per te 'dichiararsi pronti' per una nuova sfida nella vita?

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

Only if you are being ironic or very dramatic. In normal conversation, it would sound too formal. Use 'dire' or 'pensare' instead.

Dichiarare is transitive (you declare something). Dichiararsi is reflexive (you declare yourself to be something, or you declare your love to someone).

Yes, it is the standard and most official term used in Italy for the annual tax filing process.

Not necessarily, but it is the most common way to describe confessing romantic feelings or proposing. It can also mean declaring oneself guilty in court.

You say 'Nulla da dichiarare'. You will often see this written on green signs at the exit of the baggage claim area.

Yes, it follows the standard pattern for -are verbs: dichiaro, dichiari, dichiara, dichiariamo, dichiarate, dichiarano.

Yes, referees 'dichiarano' a winner or a foul, and players 'dichiarano' their fitness or intentions to the press.

It means to provide false information in an official context, which is a crime in Italy (perjury or false certification).

It is a 'letter of intent' or a formal statement of what a person or company plans to do in the future.

Usually, 'dichiarare' takes the indicative because it expresses a certain fact or official stance. However, it can take the subjunctive in negative sentences or very formal hypothetical clauses.

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