ammirare in 30 Seconds
- Ammirare means to admire or look at with wonder.
- It is used for both physical beauty and moral character.
- It is a regular -are verb and takes a direct object.
- It is more emotional and profound than simply 'liking' something.
The Italian verb ammirare is a cornerstone of the Italian language, deeply embedded in the nation's historical relationship with beauty, art, and human excellence. At its core, it translates to 'to admire,' but the Italian usage often carries a weight of contemplation and aesthetic appreciation that goes beyond the English equivalent. When an Italian speaker uses this word, they are not merely 'liking' something; they are often pausing to give it their full attention, recognizing a quality that is extraordinary. This could be the breathtaking view from a Tuscan hillside, the intricate details of a Bernini sculpture, or the resilience of a friend facing adversity. The word stems from the Latin admirari, composed of ad (to/at) and mirari (to wonder at), which perfectly encapsulates the sense of wonderment inherent in the action.
- Visual Appreciation
- This is perhaps the most common usage. It refers to the physical act of looking at something beautiful with a sense of pleasure. Whether it is a sunset, a dress, or a monument, the focus is on the visual impact.
Siamo rimasti ore ad ammirare il tramonto sulla costiera amalfitana.
Beyond the physical, ammirare is used to express deep respect for a person's character or achievements. This is a moral or intellectual admiration. Unlike 'stimare' (to esteem), which is often more analytical, 'ammirare' retains a spark of emotional warmth or even inspiration. You might admire a scientist for their dedication or a colleague for their patience. In this context, the word bridges the gap between the mind and the heart.
- Moral Respect
- Used when someone's actions or personality traits evoke a sense of high regard and a desire to emulate those qualities.
Tutti lo ammirano per la sua incredibile onestà e integrità.
In a cultural context, Italy being the 'Bel Paese' (Beautiful Country), the act of 'ammirare' is almost a national pastime. From the Renaissance onwards, the ability to appreciate art and nature has been seen as a mark of refinement. Therefore, using this word correctly can help you sound more integrated into the Italian way of life, which values the 'bella figura' and the appreciation of harmony. It is frequently found in literature, art criticism, and everyday conversations about travel and food.
I turisti vengono da tutto il mondo per ammirare i capolavori di Michelangelo.
- Intellectual Wonder
- Sometimes used in a more abstract sense to describe the awe one feels when contemplating a complex theory or a brilliant solution to a problem.
È impossibile non ammirare la precisione di questo meccanismo orologiaio.
Si stava ammirando allo specchio con il suo nuovo abito da sera.
In summary, 'ammirare' is a versatile and emotionally resonant verb. It covers the spectrum from the purely aesthetic to the deeply moral. Understanding its nuances allows you to express not just what you like, but what you truly value and find extraordinary in the world around you. It is a word that invites the speaker to slow down and acknowledge the 'meraviglia' (marvel) of existence.
Using ammirare effectively requires understanding its grammatical structure and the contexts where it shines. As a regular -are verb, its conjugation follows the standard patterns that learners encounter early on. However, its power lies in the objects it takes. Whether you are describing a physical object, a person, or an abstract quality, the verb remains direct. You do not need 'di' or 'a' after the verb when you admire someone or something. This makes it simpler than many other Italian verbs that require specific prepositions.
- Direct Object Usage
- The most straightforward way to use 'ammirare' is followed immediately by the noun representing the person or thing being admired.
Voglio ammirare la tua collezione di francobolli rari.
When using 'ammirare' to describe people, it often implies a long-standing feeling or a reaction to a specific virtuous act. In the present tense, 'ammiro' can sound like a sincere compliment given in the moment. In the past tense (passato prossimo), 'ho ammirato' suggests a completed act of looking or a specific instance of being impressed. The imperfect 'ammiravo' is used for a continuous state of admiration held in the past, such as a childhood hero.
- Tense Nuances
- Choosing between 'ho ammirato' and 'ammiravo' changes the focus from a single event to a lasting sentiment.
Da bambino, ammiravo sempre mio nonno per i suoi racconti di viaggio.
Another common structure involves the infinitive 'ammirare' after verbs of motion or intention. For example, 'andare ad ammirare' (to go to admire) or 'fermarsi ad ammirare' (to stop to admire). This is very common in travel narratives. The preposition 'a' is used here to connect the first verb to 'ammirare', indicating the purpose of the action.
Ci siamo fermati lungo la strada per ammirare il panorama delle colline toscane.
- Reflexive and Reciprocal
- 'Ammirarsi' can mean to admire oneself or, in the plural 'ammirarsi', to admire each other.
Quei due artisti si ammirano reciprocamente da molti anni.
Finally, consider the passive voice. While less common in casual speech, 'essere ammirato' (to be admired) is frequent in formal writing and biographies. It highlights the subject as the recipient of admiration from others, often specifying the reason with the preposition 'per' (for).
Il giovane architetto è molto ammirato per il suo stile innovativo.
If you spend any time in Italy, you will hear ammirare in a variety of settings, ranging from the high-brow halls of the Galleria degli Uffizi to a simple evening walk (the 'passeggiata') in a small village. It is a word that Italians use to express their connection to the world's beauty. In a museum, you might overhear a guide saying, 'Adesso possiamo ammirare la Primavera di Botticelli.' Here, the word acts as an invitation to focus and appreciate the mastery of the artist. It sets a tone of reverence.
- Artistic Contexts
- Commonly used by docents, critics, and art lovers to describe the engagement with a work of art.
In questa sala potete ammirare i dettagli del soffitto affrescato.
In social circles, 'ammirare' is used to pay compliments. When someone shows you their new home or a garden they've spent months tending, saying 'Ammiro molto il lavoro che hai fatto' (I really admire the work you've done) is a powerful way to show genuine appreciation. It is more profound than simply saying 'mi piace' (I like it). It acknowledges the effort and the aesthetic result. You'll also hear it in the media, especially during interviews where celebrities or public figures express their respect for their peers.
- Social Compliments
- Used to validate someone's taste, hard work, or personal qualities in a polite and sincere manner.
Ammiro la tua capacità di rimanere calmo in situazioni difficili.
In literature and cinema, 'ammirare' often sets a romantic or contemplative mood. A character might be described as 'ammirando' their beloved from afar, or a protagonist might reach a mountain peak and stand 'ad ammirare' the vastness of the horizon. It is a verb of stillness. It implies that the person has stopped moving to let the sight wash over them. This 'stare ad ammirare' (to stand/stay admiring) is a very common idiomatic way to describe being lost in a view.
Restò a lungo ad ammirare le onde che si infrangevano sugli scogli.
Finally, you will find it in newspapers and magazines, often in the 'Culture' or 'Travel' sections. Headlines might read 'Dieci borghi da ammirare quest'estate' (Ten villages to admire this summer). Here, it functions as a persuasive verb, suggesting that these places are not just to be visited, but to be truly seen and valued. It elevates the travel experience from mere tourism to aesthetic engagement.
For English speakers, the most frequent mistake when using ammirare is confusing it with other verbs of perception or liking. While 'ammirare' means 'to admire,' learners sometimes use it where 'guardare' (to look at) or 'piacere' (to like) would be more appropriate. If you are just looking at a clock to see the time, you wouldn't say 'ammiro l'orologio' unless the clock is a beautiful antique work of art. Using 'ammirare' for mundane tasks sounds strange and overly dramatic.
- Overuse in Mundane Contexts
- Avoid using 'ammirare' for everyday acts of looking that don't involve a sense of wonder or high regard.
Sbagliato: Ammiro la lista della spesa. (Correct: Guardo la lista della spesa.)
Another common error is the insertion of unnecessary prepositions. In English, we sometimes say 'I admire [someone] for [something].' In Italian, this is 'Ammiro [qualcuno] per [qualcosa].' However, learners often try to add 'di' after the verb, likely influenced by other verbs like 'fidarsi di' or 'pentirsi di.' Remember: ammirare qualcuno, not ammirare di qualcuno.
- Prepositional Errors
- Do not place 'di' between the verb and the object. The relationship is direct.
Sbagliato: Ammiro di te il coraggio. (Correct: Ammiro il tuo coraggio.)
There is also the confusion between 'ammirare' and 'stimalre'. While they are synonyms, 'stimare' is more about an intellectual evaluation of worth, often in a professional or formal context. 'Ammirare' is more emotional and visual. If you say you 'ammiro' a colleague, it sounds warmer than if you 'stimo' them. Using 'stimo' for a beautiful sunset would be incorrect, as sunsets don't have 'worth' in the evaluative sense that 'stimare' implies.
Sbagliato: Stimo questo quadro. (Correct: Ammiro questo quadro.)
Lastly, learners sometimes struggle with the reflexive form 'ammirarsi.' It is important to distinguish between 'ammirarsi' (to admire oneself) and the reciprocal 'ammirarsi' (to admire each other). Context usually clarifies this, but in writing, adding 'a vicenda' or 'reciprocamente' can help avoid ambiguity when you mean 'each other.'
To truly master Italian, you need to know when to use ammirare and when a synonym might better fit the nuance of your thought. Italian is a language rich in synonyms that allow for precise emotional shading. While 'ammirare' is the standard, 'contemplare' is a powerful alternative when the admiration is deep, silent, and prolonged. You 'contemplate' a mystery or a vast landscape, implying a spiritual or philosophical depth.
- Ammirare vs. Contemplare
- 'Ammirare' is active and can be brief; 'Contemplare' is passive, deep, and usually suggests a long duration.
Mentre lui ammirava la statua, lei contemplava l'infinito del mare.
Another important synonym is 'apprezzare' (to appreciate). This is often used when the admiration is based on recognizing the value or quality of something. You might 'apprezzare' a good wine or a gesture of kindness. It is slightly less emotional than 'ammirare' and more grounded in judgment. Then there is 'stimare' (to esteem), which we mentioned before, used primarily for people's professional or moral standing.
- Ammirare vs. Apprezzare
- 'Ammirare' involves wonder; 'Apprezzare' involves recognizing quality or utility.
Apprezzo il tuo aiuto, ma ammiro la tua forza d'animo.
In more informal settings, Italians might use 'rifarsi gli occhi' (to redo one's eyes), an idiom meaning to feast one's eyes on something beautiful. This is a colloquial way to express 'ammirare.' For example, 'Siamo andati in centro a rifarci gli occhi con le vetrine' (We went downtown to feast our eyes on the shop windows). It conveys the same pleasure as 'ammirare' but in a more playful, everyday tone.
Guarda che bel panorama, rifacciamoci gli occhi!
Finally, consider 'osservare' (to observe). While neutral, in an artistic context, 'osservare' can be a precursor to 'ammirare.' You observe the details so that you can later admire the whole. By knowing these distinctions, you can choose the exact word that reflects your level of engagement with the subject.
Examples by Level
Io ammiro il mare.
I admire the sea.
Present tense, 1st person singular.
Tu ammiri i fiori?
Do you admire the flowers?
Interrogative sentence.
Lui ammira la sua macchina nuova.
He admires his new car.
Present tense, 3rd person singular.
Noi ammiriamo il giardino.
We admire the garden.
Present tense, 1st person plural.
Voi ammirate il quadro.
You (plural) admire the painting.
Present tense, 2nd person plural.
Loro ammirano la montagna.
They admire the mountain.
Present tense, 3rd person plural.
Ammiro molto il tuo vestito.
I really admire your dress.
Use of 'molto' as an adverb.
Lei ammira la luna stasera.
She admires the moon tonight.
Present tense.
Ieri ho ammirato un bel tramonto.
Yesterday I admired a beautiful sunset.
Passato prossimo.
Abbiamo ammirato i monumenti di Roma.
We admired the monuments of Rome.
Passato prossimo, 1st person plural.
Hai ammirato la sfilata di moda?
Did you admire the fashion show?
Passato prossimo, question.
Lei ha ammirato il coraggio di Maria.
She admired Maria's courage.
Admiration of a quality.
Si sono ammirati allo specchio per ore.
They admired themselves in the mirror for hours.
Reflexive plural.
Ho sempre ammirato quell'artista.
I have always admired that artist.
Use of 'sempre' with passato prossimo.
Volete ammirare la vista dal balcone?
Do you want to admire the view from the balcony?
Infinitive after 'volere'.
Loro hanno ammirato la nostra casa nuova.
They admired our new house.
Passato prossimo.
Ammiro molto la tua determinazione nel lavoro.
I really admire your determination at work.
Admiration of an abstract noun.
Mentre passeggiavamo, ammiravamo le vetrine dei negozi.
While we were walking, we were admiring the shop windows.
Imperfect tense for continuous action.
Ti ammiro per come hai gestito la situazione.
I admire you for how you handled the situation.
Ammirare [qualcuno] per [qualcosa].
Siamo andati a Firenze per ammirare il David.
We went to Florence to admire the David.
Purpose clause with 'per' + infinitive.
È un uomo molto ammirato da tutti i suoi dipendenti.
He is a man much admired by all his employees.
Passive form used as an adjective.
Non posso fare a meno di ammirare la sua intelligenza.
I can't help but admire her intelligence.
Phrase 'non posso fare a meno di'.
Se fossi in te, ammirerei di più la natura.
If I were you, I would admire nature more.
Conditional tense.
Tutti ammiravano il suo modo di suonare il piano.
Everyone admired his way of playing the piano.
Imperfect tense.
L'opera è stata ammirata da critici di tutto il mondo.
The work was admired by critics from all over the world.
Passive voice in the past.
Bisogna ammirare la coerenza con cui porta avanti le sue idee.
One must admire the consistency with which he carries out his ideas.
Impersonal 'bisogna' + infinitive.
Si ammiravano a vicenda senza dire una parola.
They admired each other without saying a word.
Reciprocal reflexive with 'a vicenda'.
Nonostante le critiche, molti continuano ad ammirarlo.
Despite the criticism, many continue to admire him.
Gerund/Infinitive construction.
Ammirare un'opera d'arte richiede tempo e silenzio.
Admiring a work of art requires time and silence.
Infinitive used as a subject.
Spero che abbiate ammirato la bellezza di questo luogo.
I hope you have admired the beauty of this place.
Past subjunctive.
Lo ammiro sinceramente, sebbene non sia d'accordo con lui.
I sincerely admire him, although I don't agree with him.
Adverb 'sinceramente'.
Restarono estasiati ad ammirare la volta della cappella.
They stood ecstatic, admiring the chapel's vault.
Participle + ad ammirare.
È difficile non ammirare la perizia tecnica di questa scultura.
It is difficult not to admire the technical skill of this sculpture.
Formal construction.
Il suo operato è ammirevole e degno di essere ammirato.
His work is admirable and worthy of being admired.
Use of 'ammirevole' (adjective).
Ammirando il panorama, colse la fragilità dell'esistenza umana.
Admiring the view, he grasped the fragility of human existence.
Gerund for simultaneous action.
La folla si accalcava per ammirare il passaggio del corteo.
The crowd crowded to admire the passing of the procession.
Descriptive narrative.
Si può solo ammirare la dedizione con cui ha servito lo Stato.
One can only admire the dedication with which he served the State.
Impersonal 'si può'.
Egli ammirava in lei non solo la bellezza, ma la nobiltà d'animo.
He admired in her not only beauty, but nobility of soul.
Literary style.
L'architettura gotica invita il fedele ad ammirare l'altezza divina.
Gothic architecture invites the faithful to admire divine height.
Abstract/Symbolic usage.
Sebbene fosse un rivale, non poteva che ammirarne il genio.
Although he was a rival, he could only admire his genius.
Pronominal 'ne' attached to infinitive.
La storiografia moderna tende ad ammirare le riforme di quel sovrano.
Modern historiography tends to admire the reforms of that sovereign.
Academic context.
Si è portati ad ammirare ciò che appare sublime e inarrivabile.
One is inclined to admire what appears sublime and unreachable.
Philosophical observation.
In quell'istante di pura contemplazione, ammirare divenne un atto sacro.
In that moment of pure contemplation, admiring became a sacred act.
High literary register.
Non si tratta di semplice gusto, ma di ammirare l'essenza stessa della forma.
It is not a matter of simple taste, but of admiring the very essence of form.
Conceptual depth.
Il pubblico è rimasto ad ammirare la performance, rapito da tanta grazia.
The audience remained to admire the performance, captivated by such grace.
Sophisticated narrative.
Ammirare la natura significa anche riconoscerne la forza distruttrice.
Admiring nature also means recognizing its destructive force.
Paradoxical usage.
Le sue gesta furono ammirate e cantate dai poeti del tempo.
His deeds were admired and sung by the poets of the time.
Historical/Epic register.
C'è qualcosa di profondamente umano nell'atto di ammirare l'altrui successo.
There is something deeply human in the act of admiring another's success.
Psychological insight.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
— To stay and keep looking at something in awe.
Siamo restati ad ammirare il tramonto.
— Nothing worth looking at (often used ironically).
In questa stanza non c'è niente da ammirare.
— Worthy of being admired because of its quality.
Il suo gesto è degno di essere ammirato.
— To stop one's journey to look at something.
Fermati ad ammirare questo fiore.
— To allow oneself to be seen and appreciated.
La modella si lasciava ammirare dai fotografi.
— To ask someone to look at something beautiful.
Vi invito ad ammirare questi affreschi.
— To come specifically to see something.
Molti vengono ad ammirare la nostra chiesa.
— To stand there just looking (sometimes implies wasting time).
Non stare lì ad ammirare, aiutami!
— To admire from the bottom of one's heart.
Lo ammiro profondamente per la sua bontà.
— To admire while in a state of ecstasy or bliss.
Guardava il soffitto, ammirando estasiato.
Idioms & Expressions
— To feast one's eyes on something very beautiful.
Siamo andati in centro per rifarci gli occhi con le vetrine.
informal— To be so amazed (admiring) that one's mouth stays open.
Sono rimasto a bocca aperta ad ammirare il Colosseo.
informal— To look at something with great desire or admiration (often food or a person).
Ammirava quel dolce mangiandolo con gli occhi.
informal— To be the object of everyone's admiration.
La sua eleganza era l'ammirazione di tutti.
neutral— To lose one's head (often out of excessive admiration/love).
Ha perso la testa ad ammirare quella donna.
informal— To make an impression, leading to admiration.
Il suo discorso ha fatto colpo e tutti lo hanno ammirato.
informal— To be a point of pride that others admire.
Questo museo è il fiore all'occhiello della città.
neutral— To be lost i
Summary
The verb 'ammirare' is essential for expressing appreciation in Italian. Use it when you are moved by beauty or respect, such as 'Ammiro il tuo coraggio' (I admire your courage).
- Ammirare means to admire or look at with wonder.
- It is used for both physical beauty and moral character.
- It is a regular -are verb and takes a direct object.
- It is more emotional and profound than simply 'liking' something.
Related Content
More emotions words
accorgersi
B1To notice or realize something.
acredine
C1Bitterness or sharpness of temper or manner.
aggressivo
B2Aggressive, hostile, or forceful.
agognato
C1Longed for or ardently desired.
allegro
A2cheerful or happy
amare
A1To love
ambivalente
C1having mixed feelings or contradictory ideas about something
ambivalenza
C1the state of having mixed feelings or contradictory ideas.
ambizione
B1A strong desire to do or achieve something.
ammettere
B1To confess to be true or the case.
