When you're learning Italian at a B2 level, you're moving beyond basic conversation and starting to express more complex ideas. The verb 'sperimentare' is a great example of this.
It means to experiment, to try something out, or to test. You might use it in a scientific context, like 'sperimentare una nuova formula' (to experiment with a new formula), or in a more general sense, such as 'sperimentare un nuovo ristorante' (to try a new restaurant).
Understanding this verb helps you talk about exploration and discovery, whether it's in a laboratory or in everyday life. It's about actively engaging with new experiences and seeing what happens.
§ What 'sperimentare' means
- Italian Word
- sperimentare (verb)
- Definition
- To perform a scientific procedure or try something new.
Alright, let's break down 'sperimentare'. This Italian verb is super useful and you'll hear it a lot. It generally means 'to experiment' or 'to try out'. Think of it in two main ways: trying something new, or doing a scientific experiment.
§ Experimenting (like a scientist)
The most direct translation of 'sperimentare' is 'to experiment' in a scientific context. If you're talking about labs, research, or testing theories, this is your verb.
Gli scienziati sperimentano nuove medicine.
English hint: The scientists experiment with new medicines.
Dobbiamo sperimentare per trovare la soluzione.
English hint: We need to experiment to find the solution.
§ Trying something new (experience)
This is where 'sperimentare' expands its use. It can also mean 'to try out' or 'to experience' something new, often something that might be a bit unconventional or simply new to you. It carries the nuance of seeing how something works or how it feels.
Mi piace sperimentare nuovi sapori in cucina.
English hint: I like to try out new flavors in the kitchen.
Dovresti sperimentare quel ristorante, è fantastico!
English hint: You should try that restaurant, it's fantastic!
L'artista ama sperimentare con materiali diversi.
English hint: The artist loves to experiment with different materials.
§ Common grammatical constructions
'Sperimentare' is a regular -are verb. Here's a quick look at how it works in a few common tenses:
- Present Tense: Io sperimento, tu sperimenti, lui/lei sperimenta, noi sperimentiamo, voi sperimentate, loro sperimentano.
- Passato Prossimo (Past Tense): Ho sperimentato, hai sperimentato, ecc. (Remember, it uses 'avere' as its auxiliary verb.)
- Future Tense: Sperimenterò, sperimenterai, ecc.
Here's a breakdown of common prepositions you might see with 'sperimentare':
- Sperimentare [something]: This is the most common. The thing you are experimenting with or trying out is the direct object.
Voglio sperimentare una nuova ricetta stasera.
English hint: I want to try a new recipe tonight.
- Sperimentare con [something]: 'Con' means 'with'. Use this when you want to emphasize the tool, method, or ingredient you're using for the experiment or trial.
Devi sperimentare con colori diversi nel tuo dipinto.
English hint: You need to experiment with different colors in your painting.
Keep practicing 'sperimentare' in both contexts, and you'll get comfortable with it in no time. It's a great verb to add to your Italian toolkit for talking about trying new things and exploring new ideas!
§ What 'sperimentare' means
The Italian verb 'sperimentare' (CEFR B2) means two main things:
- Definition
- To perform a scientific procedure or try something new.
Let's break down these two uses.
§ Using 'sperimentare' for scientific procedures
When you're talking about science, research, or testing, 'sperimentare' is the right word. It means to conduct an experiment, to test something in a controlled way, or to observe something scientifically.
Gli scienziati stanno sperimentando una nuova cura per il cancro.
Translation hint: The scientists are experimenting with a new cure for cancer.
Dobbiamo sperimentare diverse ipotesi prima di giungere a una conclusione.
Translation hint: We need to test different hypotheses before reaching a conclusion.
§ Using 'sperimentare' for trying something new
Beyond the laboratory, 'sperimentare' is also used when you try something new, often an experience or an approach. It implies a sense of exploration or venturing into the unknown.
Mi piace sperimentare nuove ricette in cucina.
Translation hint: I like to try new recipes in the kitchen.
Abbiamo deciso di sperimentare un nuovo metodo di insegnamento.
Translation hint: We decided to try a new teaching method.
§ Similar words and when to use them
While 'sperimentare' is quite versatile, there are other Italian verbs that express similar ideas. Knowing the differences will help you choose the best word for your context.
Provare: This is a very common verb and often translates to 'to try'. It's more general than 'sperimentare'.
Devo provare a chiamarlo di nuovo.
Translation hint: I need to try calling him again.
You would use 'provare' when you attempt to do something, test out a piece of clothing, or taste food. It doesn't carry the same scientific or exploratory weight as 'sperimentare'. You can 'provare' a shirt, but you wouldn't 'sperimentare' it.
Vorrei provare questo piatto.
Translation hint: I would like to try this dish.
Testare: This verb is a direct loanword from English 'to test', and it's used very similarly to how we use 'to test' in English, especially in technical or IT contexts.
Dobbiamo testare il nuovo software prima del lancio.
Translation hint: We need to test the new software before the launch.
While 'sperimentare' can imply a broader process of experimentation, 'testare' often refers to a more specific, usually functional, check.
Esperire: This is a more formal and less common verb, often found in legal or philosophical contexts. It means to experience or to undergo.
Il giudice ha deciso di esperire nuove indagini.
Translation hint: The judge decided to conduct new investigations (or undergo new investigations, in a formal sense).
You won't use 'esperire' in everyday conversation as much as 'sperimentare' or 'provare'. It's more about formal experience or carrying out a formal process.
§ When to stick with 'sperimentare'
Use 'sperimentare' when:
- You're talking about scientific experiments or research.
- You're trying out a new method, technique, or approach that involves some degree of innovation or exploration.
- You're emphasizing the act of gaining experience through trial and error.
自分をテスト 12 問
Voglio ___ un nuovo piatto per cena.
To 'try' or 'experiment with' a new dish, 'sperimentare' is the correct verb.
Devi ___ la pazienza con i bambini.
In this context, 'sperimentare' means to experience or try out patience, which fits the sentence.
Gli studenti devono ___ il nuovo software.
To 'try out' or 'experiment with' new software, 'sperimentare' is the appropriate verb.
Mi piace ___ sapori diversi in cucina.
When talking about trying different flavors, 'sperimentare' is used to convey the idea of trying something new.
È importante ___ nuove idee per crescere.
To 'try out' or 'experiment with' new ideas, 'sperimentare' is the correct choice.
Posso ___ il tuo nuovo cappello?
Here, 'sperimentare' can be used in a more informal way to mean 'try on' or 'try out' something new, like a hat.
The correct order forms a sentence meaning 'We must experiment with new ideas for the solution of the problem.'
The correct order forms a sentence meaning 'The chef is experimenting with different cooking techniques.'
The correct order forms a sentence meaning 'The scientists are ready to experiment with the new drug.'
/ 12 correct
Perfect score!
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