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B2 noun 9 min de lecture

percorso

Exemples Notes et astuces percorso en 30 secondes
Explication percorso in your Level:
At the A1 level, a learner should recognize 'percorso' in very simple, concrete contexts. It is most often introduced in the context of transportation or simple directions. A student might see it on a bus map ('percorso della linea 1') or hear a GPS say 'percorso ricalcolato.' At this stage, the focus is on the literal meaning: a line on a map that you follow to get from one place to another. Learners should know it is a masculine noun ('il percorso') and that it is related to the idea of 'going.' They might not use it in their own speech yet, preferring simpler words like 'strada' (road) or 'via' (way), but they should be able to identify it in public signage or basic travel instructions. It is important for A1 learners to distinguish it from 'piccolo' (small) or other words that might sound vaguely similar to an untrained ear. The concept of 'following a path' is the core takeaway here.
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At the A2 level, learners begin to use 'percorso' in slightly more varied ways. They should be able to use it when talking about their daily routine or a simple trip they have taken. For example, 'Il percorso per andare al lavoro è molto trafficato' (The route to go to work is very busy). They start to understand that 'percorso' implies a specific way rather than just any road. At this level, students might also encounter the word in simple sports contexts, like a 'percorso di jogging' in a park. They should be comfortable with the plural 'percorsi' and basic adjectives like 'lungo' (long), 'breve' (short), or 'difficile' (difficult). The grammar focus at A2 involves using 'percorso' with prepositions, especially 'per' (for/to) and 'di' (of), to define what the path is for. They are also introduced to the idea that a 'percorso' has a beginning and an end.
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At the B1 level, the use of 'percorso' shifts from purely physical to more abstract and institutional contexts. A B1 learner should be able to discuss their 'percorso di studi' (educational path) or 'percorso professionale' (career path). They are expected to describe their life experiences as a sequence of steps. For instance, 'Il mio percorso all'università è stato molto interessante.' In this stage, the word becomes essential for talking about processes. B1 students will see 'percorso' in news articles or more complex instructions, such as a 'percorso museale' (museum tour). They should also be familiar with common collocations like 'percorso a ostacoli' (obstacle course), which can be used both literally in sports and figuratively to describe a difficult task. Their vocabulary expands to include verbs like 'seguire,' 'completare,' and 'cambiare' in relation to 'percorso.'
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At the B2 level, where this word is officially categorized, learners must master the metaphorical nuances of 'percorso.' They should use it to describe personal growth, psychological journeys, or complex political and social processes. A B2 student might say, 'Ho intrapreso un percorso di psicoterapia per conoscermi meglio' (I undertook a path of psychotherapy to know myself better). They are expected to understand the difference between 'percorso,' 'tragitto,' and 'itinerario' and choose the most appropriate one for the context. They should be able to use 'percorso' in formal writing to structure an argument, describing the 'percorso logico' (logical path) of their reasoning. At this level, the word is used to express progression, development, and the interconnectedness of different stages in any endeavor. They also start using idiomatic expressions like 'percorso netto' (a clean sweep/perfect run).
At the C1 level, 'percorso' is used with high precision in academic, professional, and literary contexts. A C1 learner understands the philosophical implications of the word, often found in literature or high-level essays discussing the 'percorso dell'anima' (the soul's journey) or the 'percorso storico' of a nation. They can use it to describe intricate scientific processes or the 'percorso evolutivo' of a species. In a professional setting, they might lead a meeting discussing the 'percorso di implementazione' of a new software. Their mastery includes using the word in complex sentence structures with sophisticated adjectives like 'tortuoso' (winding/convoluted), 'lineare' (straightforward), or 'accidentato' (bumpy/difficult). They also recognize its use as the past participle of 'percorrere' in the passive voice or in absolute participial clauses, which is common in formal Italian literature.
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At the C2 level, the learner has a native-like command of 'percorso,' using it with all its subtle connotations and historical weight. They can appreciate its use in Dante's 'Divina Commedia' or modern Italian poetry, where the 'percorso' represents the ultimate human struggle or destiny. A C2 speaker might use the word in a highly abstract sense, such as the 'percorso epistemologico' of a theory or the 'percorso semantico' of a word over centuries. They can manipulate the word for rhetorical effect, perhaps using it ironically or in complex metaphors. They are fully aware of the word's etymological roots and how it relates to other words in the 'correre' (to run) family. At this level, 'percorso' is not just a vocabulary item but a tool for expressing the most nuanced aspects of movement, time, and development in the Italian language.
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Exemples Notes et astuces

percorso en 30 secondes

  • A masculine noun meaning 'route', 'path', or 'course'.
  • Used for physical travel, GPS directions, and sports tracks.
  • Commonly used metaphorically for education, careers, and personal growth.
  • Pairs with verbs like 'seguire' (follow) and 'intraprendere' (undertake).

The Italian word percorso is a versatile masculine noun that primarily translates to 'path,' 'route,' 'course,' or 'journey.' Derived from the Latin percursus, the past participle of percurrere (to run through), it carries an inherent sense of movement from a starting point to a destination. In its most literal sense, it refers to the physical track or way taken by a person, vehicle, or object. For instance, in a city, the percorso dell'autobus defines the specific streets a bus traverses. In sports, particularly athletics or cycling, it refers to the race track or the set route of a stage. However, the true depth of percorso lies in its metaphorical and abstract applications, which are ubiquitous in modern Italian discourse.

Physical Navigation
Refers to the spatial trajectory between two points. Whether you are using a GPS or following a map, the sequence of turns and roads you take constitutes your percorso. It implies a premeditated or defined way rather than a random wandering.

Abbiamo studiato il percorso migliore per evitare il traffico del centro.

Educational and Professional Contexts
In Italy, education is often described as a percorso formativo or percorso di studi. This encompasses the entire curriculum and the sequence of exams and learning experiences a student undergoes. Similarly, a career is seen as a percorso professionale, emphasizing the progression and the steps taken to reach a current professional standing.

Furthermore, percorso is heavily used in administrative and legal contexts. You might hear about a percorso terapeutico in healthcare, which outlines the specific steps of a patient's treatment plan. In institutional settings, a percorso legislativo refers to the journey a bill takes through parliament to become law. The word suggests a process that is not instantaneous but involves several necessary stages. It is also common in the world of wellness, where a percorso benessere (wellness circuit) in a spa refers to a specific sequence of treatments, like sauna followed by a cold plunge.

Il percorso di riabilitazione sarà lungo ma necessario per la tua guarigione.

In summary, while 'strada' refers to the physical road itself (the asphalt), percorso refers to the act of traveling through space or time along a specific line. It is the 'how' and the 'where' of a journey combined. Whether you are talking about the percorso della gara (the race route) or the percorso della vita (the path of life), you are emphasizing the sequence, the obstacles, and the progression inherent in the movement.

Using percorso correctly requires understanding its role as a noun and the common verbs it pairs with. Most frequently, you will see it paired with verbs like fare (to do/make), seguire (to follow), completare (to complete), or intraprendere (to undertake). Each of these combinations changes the nuance of the sentence, moving from simple physical movement to more complex life commitments.

Following a Route
When giving or receiving directions, seguire il percorso is the standard phrase. For example, 'Seguite il percorso indicato dalla segnaletica' (Follow the path indicated by the signs). It implies adherence to a pre-established line.

Durante la maratona, molti atleti hanno sbagliato percorso a causa della pioggia.

Undertaking a Journey
The verb intraprendere is often used for more significant 'percorsi,' such as a career path or a spiritual journey. 'Ha deciso di intraprendere un percorso di crescita personale' (He decided to undertake a path of personal growth).

Another common structure is using percorso to describe distance or time covered. 'Abbiamo fatto un lungo percorso a piedi' (We covered a long distance on foot). Here, it emphasizes the effort and the span of the travel. In more technical settings, you might encounter percorso netto, which comes from equestrian sports but is used metaphorically to mean completing a task perfectly without any errors or 'penalties.'

Il navigatore ha ricalcolato il percorso più veloce per arrivare a destinazione.

In plural form, percorsi often refers to multiple options or a variety of tracks. 'Ci sono diversi percorsi possibili per risolvere questo problema' (There are several possible paths/ways to solve this problem). This shows the shift from physical space to problem-solving logic. Remember that percorso is also the past participle of the verb percorrere, so you might see it used in compound tenses: 'Ho percorso dieci chilometri' (I have covered ten kilometers).

You will encounter percorso in a wide array of daily situations in Italy. One of the most common places is in public transportation. Bus stops often feature a map of the percorso della linea, showing every street and stop the bus makes. Similarly, on trains, the digital displays might show the percorso del treno to keep passengers informed of upcoming stations. If you are driving, your GPS (often called il navigatore) will constantly use this word: 'Il percorso è stato aggiornato' (The route has been updated).

In the Education System
When talking to teachers or professors, they will frequently mention the percorso didattico. This refers to the pedagogical plan for the year. Students might discuss their percorso universitario, referring to their choice of major and the specific exams they have chosen to take.

Il mio percorso accademico mi ha portato a studiare all'estero per un anno.

Sports and Outdoor Activities
If you go hiking in the Dolomites or the Apennines, you will see signs for percorsi escursionistici. In golf, the 18 holes are referred to as the percorso di gara. Even in a simple gym, a trainer might set up a percorso di allenamento, which is a circuit of different exercises to be performed in order.

In the business world, you'll hear about the percorso di crescita of a company, referring to its expansion and development over time. In HR, a percorso di selezione is the multi-step hiring process. Finally, in the arts, a museum might offer a percorso espositivo, which is the curated flow through which visitors are meant to view the artworks. This ensures that the viewer experiences the history or themes in a logical, chronological, or thematic sequence.

English speakers often confuse percorso with other Italian words that translate to 'road,' 'trip,' or 'way.' The most common error is using percorso when they should use strada. While both can refer to a way to get somewhere, strada is the physical infrastructure (the street, the asphalt, the pavement). You walk on a strada, but you follow a percorso. If you say 'Questa strada è lunga,' you mean the physical road is long. If you say 'Questo percorso è lungo,' you mean the journey or the specific route you are taking is long.

Percorso vs. Viaggio
Another frequent mistake is using percorso as a synonym for viaggio (trip/voyage). A viaggio is the overall event of traveling from one city to another, including the stay and the experience. A percorso is strictly the line or the stages of that travel. You wouldn't say 'Ho fatto un bel percorso a Roma' to mean you had a nice trip; you would say 'Ho fatto un bel viaggio.'

Errore: La percorso è chiusa. Corretto: La strada è chiusa. (The road is closed).

Gender and Number Errors
Since 'strada' and 'via' are feminine, learners often mistakenly make percorso feminine too. Remember it is masculine: il percorso, i percorsi. Using 'la percorsa' is a common error stemming from confusion with the feminine past participle of percorrere used in other contexts.

Lastly, avoid using percorso to mean 'a way' in the sense of a 'method' (which is usually modo or maniera). While you can say 'un percorso alternativo' to mean an alternative way of doing something, it usually implies a sequence of steps rather than just a different technique. If you just want to say 'a different way to cook pasta,' use un altro modo, not un altro percorso.

Italian has several words that overlap with percorso, and choosing the right one depends on the specific context—whether it's travel, logistics, or metaphor. Understanding these nuances will make your Italian sound much more natural and precise.

Tragitto
This word is more specific than percorso. It refers to the distance or the stretch between two specific points, often in a daily or routine context. 'Il tragitto casa-lavoro' (the commute from home to work). It focuses on the space covered rather than the complexity of the route.
Itinerario
This is a planned or scheduled route, usually for tourism or travel. An itinerario lists the places you intend to visit and the order in which you will visit them. While a percorso is the line you follow, the itinerario is the plan of that line.

Abbiamo cambiato itinerario all'ultimo momento per visitare anche Siena.

Cammino
This word has a more poetic or spiritual connotation. It literally means 'walk' or 'way.' Think of the 'Cammino di Santiago.' Metaphorically, it refers to a long-term personal or spiritual journey. While percorso can be technical (like a 'percorso di studi'), cammino is more evocative of the human experience.

Other alternatives include via (way/street), passaggio (passage), and traiettoria (trajectory). Traiettoria is used in physics or when talking about a projectile, but can also be used for a career path that is rising quickly. Via is very general and can mean a street or a method ('la via della seta' or 'trovare una via d'uscita'). In summary, choose percorso when you want to emphasize the sequence of stages or the specific line taken from A to B, whether literally or figuratively.

Le savais-tu ?

The root 'correre' (to run) is one of the most productive in Italian, giving us words for everything from 'courier' (corriere) to 'current' (corrente) and 'concourse' (concorso).

Guide de prononciation

UK /perˈkor.so/
US /pɛrˈkɔr.soʊ/
per-CÓR-so
Rime avec
morso (bite) dorso (back) corso (course/run) soccorso (help) trascorso (past) ricorso (appeal) concorso (competition) discorso (speech)
Erreurs fréquentes
  • Pronouncing 'e' like 'ay' in 'pay'. It should be short.
  • Failing to roll the 'r'.
  • Stressing the first syllable instead of the second.
  • Making the 'o' sound like 'uh'.
  • Aspirating the 'p' (adding a puff of air).
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Exemples par niveau

1

Il percorso dell'autobus è corto.

The bus route is short.

Simple noun-adjective agreement (masculine singular).

2

Segui il percorso sulla mappa.

Follow the route on the map.

Imperative verb 'segui' followed by the object.

3

Dov'è il percorso per il parco?

Where is the path to the park?

Use of 'per' to indicate destination.

4

Questo percorso è molto facile.

This path is very easy.

Demonstrative adjective 'questo' agreeing with 'percorso'.

5

Il percorso inizia qui.

The route starts here.

Subject-verb agreement in the present tense.

6

Mi piace questo percorso a piedi.

I like this walking route.

The phrase 'a piedi' means 'on foot'.

7

Il navigatore mostra il percorso.

The GPS shows the route.

The definite article 'il' is used for masculine singular nouns.

8

Un percorso veloce per la stazione.

A fast route to the station.

Indefinite article 'un' used for masculine nouns.

1

Abbiamo fatto un percorso di tre chilometri.

We did a three-kilometer route.

Using 'fare' with 'percorso' to describe an activity.

2

Il percorso è chiuso per lavori.

The route is closed for construction.

Passive construction with 'essere' + past participle.

3

Puoi cambiare percorso se c'è traffico.

You can change route if there is traffic.

Modal verb 'puoi' followed by the infinitive 'cambiare'.

4

Il percorso attraversa il bosco.

The path goes through the woods.

The verb 'attraversare' (to cross/go through).

5

Qual è il percorso più breve?

Which is the shortest route?

Superlative 'più breve' (the shortest).

6

Ci sono molti percorsi per le bici.

There are many routes for bikes.

Plural form 'percorsi' with the adjective 'molti'.

7

Il percorso è segnato bene.

The path is well marked.

Adverb 'bene' modifying the participle 'segnato'.

8

Seguiamo il percorso della maratona.

We follow the marathon route.

First person plural present tense 'seguiamo'.

1

Ho finito il mio percorso di studi.

I finished my course of study.

Metaphorical use of 'percorso' for education.

2

Il percorso professionale di Luca è eccellente.

Luca's professional career path is excellent.

Adjective 'professionale' modifying 'percorso'.

3

Il percorso museale dura un'ora.

The museum tour lasts one hour.

The verb 'durare' (to last).

4

Hanno creato un percorso per i disabili.

They created a path for the disabled.

The preposition 'per' followed by a group of people.

5

Il percorso di riabilitazione è duro.

The rehabilitation path is hard.

Abstract noun 'riabilitazione' used after 'percorso di'.

6

Questo è un percorso a ostacoli.

This is an obstacle course.

The phrase 'a ostacoli' is a common collocation.

7

Dobbiamo pianificare il percorso del viaggio.

We must plan the route of the trip.

Using 'percorso del viaggio' (route of the trip).

8

Il percorso artistico della città è famoso.

The city's artistic itinerary is famous.

Adjective 'artistico' describing 'percorso'.

1

Ha intrapreso un percorso di crescita personale.

He undertook a path of personal growth.

High-level verb 'intraprendere' (to undertake).

2

Il percorso legislativo della riforma è bloccato.

The legislative path of the reform is blocked.

Formal adjective 'legislativo'.

3

Ogni azienda ha il suo percorso di sviluppo.

Every company has its own development path.

Possessive adjective 'suo' agreeing with 'percorso'.

4

Il percorso formativo include stage e laboratori.

The training course includes internships and workshops.

Noun-verb agreement in the third person singular.

5

Seguire un percorso coerente è fondamentale.

Following a consistent path is fundamental.

Infinitive 'seguire' used as a subject.

6

Hanno analizzato il percorso dei clienti sul sito.

They analyzed the customer journey on the site.

Modern technical use for 'customer journey'.

7

Il percorso di integrazione richiede tempo.

The integration process requires time.

Abstract concept 'integrazione'.

8

Ha fatto un percorso netto senza errori.

He made a clean sweep without errors.

Idiomatic expression 'percorso netto'.

1

Il percorso evolutivo del linguaggio è complesso.

The evolutionary path of language is complex.

Scientific/academic context for 'percorso'.

2

Il saggio traccia il percorso della filosofia moderna.

The essay traces the path of modern philosophy.

The verb 'tracciare' (to trace/outline).

3

Il percorso terapeutico deve essere personalizzato.

The therapeutic path must be customized.

Passive construction 'deve essere personalizzato'.

4

Nonostante il percorso tortuoso, ha avuto successo.

Despite the winding path, he was successful.

Adjective 'tortuoso' used metaphorically for difficulties.

5

Hanno rintracciato il percorso del virus.

They tracked the path of the virus.

Using 'percorso' for spread or trajectory.

6

Il percorso narrativo del romanzo è innovativo.

The narrative path of the novel is innovative.

Literary analysis terminology.

7

La ricerca segue un percorso epistemologico rigoroso.

The research follows a rigorous epistemological path.

Highly formal academic language.

8

Il percorso della vita ci riserva sempre sorprese.

The path of life always holds surprises for us.

Poetic/philosophical usage.

1

L'arduo percorso della virtù è descritto dai classici.

The arduous path of virtue is described by the classics.

Archaic/literary tone using 'arduo' and 'virtù'.

2

Il percorso semantico della parola è mutato nei secoli.

The semantic path of the word has changed over the centuries.

Linguistic terminology.

3

Ogni tappa del percorso spirituale è un'iniziazione.

Every stage of the spiritual path is an initiation.

Spiritual/theological nuance.

4

Il percorso della luce attraverso il prisma è affascinante.

The path of light through the prism is fascinating.

Physics context for light trajectory.

5

Si è soffermato sul percorso logico della dimostrazione.

He focused on the logical path of the demonstration.

Analytical focus on logic.

6

Il percorso accidentato della democrazia richiede vigilanza.

The bumpy path of democracy requires vigilance.

Metaphor for political process.

7

L'opera riflette il percorso interiore dell'artista.

The work reflects the artist's inner path.

Psychological/artistic critique.

8

Abbiamo ripercorso il medesimo percorso a ritroso.

We retraced the same path backwards.

Using the prefix 'ri-' (re-) with 'percorrere'.

Collocations courantes

percorso netto
percorso di studi
percorso professionale
percorso benessere
percorso a ostacoli
percorso formativo
percorso terapeutico
percorso espositivo
lungo il percorso
cambiare percorso

Phrases Courantes

Fare un percorso

— To travel along a route or to go through a process.

Abbiamo fatto un lungo percorso per arrivare qui.

Seguire il percorso

— To stay on the designated route or path.

Segui il percorso segnato sulla mappa.

Completare il percorso

— To finish a route or a set of stages.

Ha completato il percorso di studi in tempo.

Intraprendere un percorso

— To start a journey or a significant life process.

Ha deciso di intraprendere un percorso spirituale.

Sbagliare percorso

— To take the wrong turn or follow the wrong route.

Scusa il ritardo, ho sbagliato percorso.

Lungo il percorso

— During the journey or along the way.

Ti spiegherò tutto lungo il percorso.

Il percorso della vita

— The metaphorical journey of a person's life.

Il percorso della vita è pieno di sorprese.

Percorso alternativo

— A different route taken to avoid obstacles.

Il GPS ha trovato un percorso alternativo.

Percorso obbligato

— A route that one is forced to take.

In questo caso, il percorso obbligato è la legge.

Percorso di crescita

— A process of development or improvement.

L'azienda ha iniziato un percorso di crescita.

Expressions idiomatiques

"Percorso netto"

— To complete a task perfectly without any mistakes or penalties.

Ha fatto un percorso netto in tutti i colloqui.

Informal/Professional
"Percorso a ostacoli"

— A situation full of difficulties and challenges to overcome.

Aprire una partita IVA in Italia è un percorso a ostacoli.

Neutral
"Essere a metà percorso"

— To be halfway through a process or journey.

Siamo a metà percorso con il progetto.

Neutral
"Rimanere a metà percorso"

— To fail to complete a journey or process; to stop halfway.

Non possiamo rimanere a metà percorso proprio ora.

Neutral
"Perdere il percorso"

— To lose one's way or lose focus on a goal.

Ha perso il percorso durante la crisi.

Metaphorical
"Tracciare un percorso"

— To set a direction or plan a future course of action.

Il leader deve tracciare un percorso chiaro per il team.

Professional
"Un percorso in salita"

— A difficult journey or process that requires great effort.

La ripresa economica sarà un percorso in salita.

Journalistic
"Percorso accidentato"

— A bumpy or difficult route, often used for political or social progress.

Il percorso accidentato verso la pace continua.

Formal
"Uscire dal percorso"

— To deviate from the plan or the expected behavior.

Non uscire dal percorso stabilito.

Neutral
"Percorso di vita"

— The sum of experiences that define a person's existence.

Ognuno ha il suo percorso di vita unico.

Philosophical

Famille de mots

Noms

percorribilità (feasibility of a route)
percorrenza (travel time/distance)

Verbes

percorrere (to travel through/across)
ripercorrere (to retrace/go over again)

Adjectifs

percorribile (passable/traversable)
impercorribile (impassable)

Apparenté

corsa (run/race)
correre (to run)
corridore (runner)
corsia (lane)
corsivo (italics/cursive)
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Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of 'per' (through) + 'course' (like a golf course or a school course). A 'per-corso' is the route you take 'through a course'.

Association visuelle

Imagine a red line on a map connecting two dots. That line is the 'percorso'.

Word Web

Strada Viaggio Mappa Navigatore Studi Carriera Tragitto Itinerario

Défi

Try to describe your 'percorso di studi' (what you studied) and your 'percorso per arrivare a casa' (how you get home) using the word at least three times.

Origine du mot

From the Latin 'percursus', which is the past participle of the verb 'percurrere'.

Sens originel : 'Per' (through) + 'currere' (to run). It literally meant 'running through' or 'traversing'.

Indo-European (Italic/Romance).

Contexte culturel

English speakers might use 'path' or 'journey' where Italians use 'percorso,' but 'percorso' is often more technical and structured than the English 'way'.

Dante's 'Nel mezzo del cammin di nostra vita' uses 'cammin' but the concept is exactly a 'percorso spirituale'. The 'Percorso Vita' found in many Italian parks (fitness trails). The 'percorsi' of the Giro d'Italia cycling race.
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