provare in 30 Seconds
- Provare means 'to try' or 'to attempt' when followed by the preposition 'a'.
- It is used for 'trying on' clothes and 'tasting' food in daily life.
- Unlike English, it is the standard verb for 'feeling' internal emotions.
- It also means 'to rehearse' in artistic contexts and 'to prove' in formal ones.
The Italian verb provare is a linguistic powerhouse, functioning as a primary tool for expressing attempts, tests, sensations, and rehearsals. At its core, it is an -ARE verb, following the standard first-conjugation pattern, which makes it one of the first verbs an English speaker should master. However, its simplicity in form belies a complex semantic range that spans from the mundane act of trying on a pair of shoes to the profound experience of feeling deep human emotions. In everyday Italian life, you will hear this word in almost every setting: the marketplace, the theater, the laboratory, and the home.
- Attempting an Action
- When followed by the preposition 'a' and an infinitive, 'provare' means to try to do something. For example, 'Provo a studiare' (I am trying to study). This is the most common use for beginners.
Devi provare a chiamarlo più tardi.
Beyond mere attempts, 'provare' is the go-to verb for 'trying on' clothing. If you are in a boutique in Milan, you wouldn't ask to 'test' a shirt; you would ask to 'provare' it. This physical interaction with an object to check its fit or quality is a hallmark of the verb's usage. Similarly, in the culinary world, 'provare' is used to taste or sample food, though 'assaggiare' is a more specific synonym. When you 'provi' a dish, you are testing its flavor profile to see if it meets your expectations.
- Experiencing Emotions
- Unlike English, which uses 'to feel' for both physical and emotional sensations, Italian often uses 'provare' specifically for internal emotions like love, shame, or joy.
Lui prova una grande gioia per il tuo successo.
In artistic contexts, 'provare' translates to 'rehearsing.' Actors, musicians, and dancers do not 'practice' (esercitarsi) their show in the collective sense; they 'provare' the scenes or the music. This implies a collaborative test of the performance before the final delivery. Finally, in formal or scientific contexts, 'provare' returns to its Latin root 'probare,' meaning 'to prove' or 'to provide evidence.' This variety makes it an indispensable part of the Italian lexicon.
Using provare correctly involves understanding its syntactic patterns. The most frequent structure for learners is the 'provare a + infinitive' construction. This is used when you are putting effort into achieving a result. For example, 'Provo a riparare la bici' (I am trying to fix the bike). It is important to distinguish this from 'cercare di,' which also means 'to try.' While they are often interchangeable, 'provare' leans more towards the idea of an experiment or a test, whereas 'cercare di' focuses on the effort itself.
- Direct Object Usage
- When 'provare' is followed directly by a noun, it means to test or try out that object. 'Provare una macchina' (To test a car) or 'Provare un nuovo ristorante' (To try a new restaurant).
Posso provare queste scarpe in taglia 42?
When expressing emotions, 'provare' is followed by the emotion noun without a preposition. 'Provare rabbia' (To feel anger), 'Provare dolore' (To feel pain/grief). It is a transitive usage where the emotion is the thing being 'tested' or 'experienced' by the subject. This is a higher-level usage that adds elegance to your Italian. Instead of saying 'Sono triste' (I am sad), saying 'Provo tristezza' (I feel sadness) sounds more literary and focused on the internal state.
Abbiamo provato a convincerlo, ma non ha ascoltato.
Another common pattern is the reflexive form 'provarsi,' though it is much less common in modern spoken Italian than the standard form. Usually, when you want to say 'to try on for oneself,' you simply use 'provare' or the pronominal form 'provarsi qualcosa.' For example, 'Mi provo questa giacca' (I'm trying this jacket on myself). This nuances the action by showing the benefit or the focus is on the subject.
The word provare is ubiquitous in Italian culture, echoing through various social spheres. In the high-fashion districts of Milan or the local markets of Naples, the most frequent phrase you'll hear is 'Posso provarlo?' (Can I try it on?). Shop assistants will guide you to the 'camerino' (fitting room) so you can 'provare' your selection. This usage is so common that it becomes second nature to anyone living in Italy.
- The World of Entertainment
- In theaters and music studios, 'provare' is the verb for rehearsals. 'Andiamo a provare' means 'Let's go rehearse.' The noun 'prova' refers to the rehearsal itself.
Gli attori stanno provando l'ultimo atto della commedia.
In the kitchen, 'provare' is used when experimenting with a new recipe. A grandmother might say, 'Prova questo sugo e dimmi se manca il sale' (Try this sauce and tell me if it lacks salt). Here, it acts as a synonym for 'assaggiare' (to taste), but with the added connotation of evaluation. In sports, a coach might tell a player to 'provare il tiro' (try the shot), encouraging them to attempt a specific move during practice.
Non aver paura di sbagliare, devi solo provare.
In legal dramas or news reports, you will hear 'provare' used to mean 'to prove.' A lawyer might say 'Dobbiamo provare la sua innocenza' (We must prove his innocence). This demonstrates the verb's shift from a casual 'attempt' to a formal 'demonstration of truth.' Whether you are in a courtroom or a kitchen, 'provare' is the word that bridges the gap between potential and reality.
For English speakers, the most common mistake with provare is forgetting the preposition 'a' when it is followed by another verb. In English, we say 'I try to eat,' but in Italian, you cannot say 'Provo mangiare'; it must be 'Provo a mangiare.' This small 'a' is essential for grammatical flow. Another frequent error is confusing 'provare' with 'sentire' when describing emotions.
- Provare vs. Sentire
- 'Sentire' is used for physical senses (hearing, smelling, feeling a physical touch) or general states (feeling sick). 'Provare' is used for deep internal emotions (love, hate, envy).
Sbagliato: Sento amore per lei.
Corretto: Provo amore per lei.
Another pitfall is the confusion between 'provare' and 'assaggiare.' While you can use 'provare' for food, 'assaggiare' is more precise when you are talking about eating a small portion to judge the flavor. If you use 'provare' in a restaurant, it might sound like you are 'testing' the food as if it were a scientific experiment, whereas 'assaggiare' sounds like you are enjoying a culinary experience.
Non provare a mentirmi! (Don't try to lie to me!)
Lastly, learners often forget that 'provare' requires the auxiliary 'avere' in compound tenses. Because it can sometimes feel like a state of being, some might mistakenly use 'essere.' Remember: 'Ho provato' is correct, 'Sono provato' means something entirely different (it means 'I am worn out' or 'I am exhausted').
To enrich your Italian vocabulary, it is helpful to look at words that share a semantic field with provare. Depending on the context, you might choose a more specific verb to sound more like a native speaker. For instance, if you are talking about a difficult attempt, 'tentare' is a strong alternative. 'Tentare' often implies a more formal or desperate attempt than 'provare.'
- Tentare vs. Provare
- 'Provare' is the everyday 'try.' 'Tentare' is more like 'to attempt' or 'to tempt fate.' It is often used in literary or dramatic contexts.
Ha tentato il tutto per tutto per vincere la gara.
In the context of testing machines or technical systems, 'collaudare' is the professional choice. While you can 'provare' a car, a mechanic will 'collaudare' the engine to ensure it meets safety standards. This verb conveys a sense of rigorous, official testing. For food, as mentioned before, 'assaggiare' is the most appropriate verb for tasting a small piece of something to check its flavor.
- Dimostrare
- When 'provare' means 'to prove,' you can also use 'dimostrare' (to demonstrate). 'Dimostrare' is often used for mathematical proofs or logical arguments.
Devi dimostrare che quello che dici è vero.
Finally, for the sense of 'rehearsing,' musicians might also use 'fare le prove' (to do the rehearsals). This uses the noun form and is very common in professional settings. By choosing between 'provare,' 'tentare,' 'assaggiare,' and 'collaudare,' you can express yourself with much greater precision in Italian.
How Formal Is It?
"L'onere di provare l'innocenza spetta alla difesa."
"Vorrei provare questo nuovo software."
"Dai, provaci e basta!"
"Prova a fare un bel disegno!"
"Ci stai provando con lei?"
Fun Fact
The English word 'probe' and 'prove' both share the same Latin root as 'provare'. So when you 'probe' a mystery, you are essentially 'provando' it!
Pronunciation Guide
- Pronouncing the 'r' like an English 'r' (keep it rolled).
- Making the final 'e' silent like in French.
- Aspirating the 'p' at the beginning.
- Stress on the first syllable.
- Pronouncing 'o' like the 'o' in 'hot'.
Difficulty Rating
Very easy to recognize in text as it looks like English 'prove'.
Requires remembering the 'a' preposition for actions.
The rolled 'r' can be tricky for some English speakers.
Clear pronunciation makes it easy to hear in conversation.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Examples by Level
Provo a mangiare la pasta.
I try to eat the pasta.
Uses 'provare a' + infinitive.
Vuoi provare questa maglietta?
Do you want to try on this t-shirt?
Direct object usage for clothing.
Lui prova la zuppa.
He tastes the soup.
Used as a synonym for 'assaggiare'.
Proviamo a cantare insieme.
Let's try to sing together.
First person plural present tense.
Posso provare queste scarpe?
Can I try on these shoes?
Modal verb 'potere' + infinitive 'provare'.
Lei prova a correre veloce.
She tries to run fast.
Third person singular present tense.
Noi proviamo un nuovo gioco.
We are trying a new game.
Present tense with direct object.
Provi a chiamare Maria?
Are you trying to call Maria?
Interrogative form.
Ho provato a scriverti ieri.
I tried to write to you yesterday.
Passato prossimo with 'avere'.
Hai provato il vestito blu?
Did you try on the blue dress?
Passato prossimo, transitive.
Dobbiamo provare per il concerto.
We need to rehearse for the concert.
Meaning 'to rehearse'.
Loro provano a parlare più piano.
They try to speak more quietly.
Present tense plural.
Mi provo questa giacca rossa.
I'm trying on this red jacket.
Pronominal usage 'provarsi'.
Avete provato la pizza di quel posto?
Have you tried the pizza from 그 place?
Passato prossimo plural.
Non ho mai provato a sciare.
I have never tried to ski.
Negative construction in passato prossimo.
Lei provava sempre vestiti nuovi.
She was always trying on new clothes.
Imperfetto tense for habitual action.
Provo una grande tristezza oggi.
I feel a great sadness today.
Expressing internal emotion.
Spero che tu provi a capirmi.
I hope that you try to understand me.
Present subjunctive after 'spero che'.
Lui provava invidia per il suo amico.
He felt envy for his friend.
Imperfetto for an emotional state.
Se avessi tempo, proverei a dipingere.
If I had time, I would try to paint.
Conditional mood.
Abbiamo provato a ripararlo, ma era rotto.
We tried to fix it, but it was broken.
Passato prossimo with contrast.
Cosa provi quando ascolti questa musica?
What do you feel when you listen to this music?
Interrogative about feelings.
Bisogna provare prima di giudicare.
One must try before judging.
Impersonal 'bisogna' + infinitive.
Lei ha provato un senso di sollievo.
She felt a sense of relief.
Noun phrase 'senso di sollievo' as object.
Lo scienziato deve provare la sua teoria.
The scientist must prove his theory.
Meaning 'to prove' or 'demonstrate'.
Hanno provato il nuovo motore per ore.
They tested the new engine for hours.
Meaning 'to test' technically.
Non puoi provare che io fossi lì.
You cannot prove that I was there.
Legal context of 'to prove'.
Mi sento molto provato da questa situazione.
I feel very worn out by this situation.
Past participle 'provato' used as an adjective (worn out).
Proviamo a vedere se il piano funziona.
Let's try to see if the plan works.
Hortatory present tense.
L'accusa non è riuscita a provare il reato.
The prosecution failed to prove the crime.
Formal legal usage.
Stiamo provando l'efficacia del farmaco.
We are testing the effectiveness of the drug.
Progressive tense 'stare + gerund'.
Lui prova rimorso per le sue azioni.
He feels remorse for his actions.
Abstract emotion as direct object.
Il testimone ha provato la veridicità dei fatti.
The witness proved the truthfulness of the facts.
Formal evidence context.
Provando e riprovando, si impara.
By trying and trying again, one learns.
Gerund usage in a proverb-like structure.
Egli provava un viscerale odio per l'ingiustizia.
He felt a visceral hatred for injustice.
Literary register.
La validità del metodo va provata sul campo.
The validity of the method must be proven in the field.
Passive construction with 'andare'.
Nonostante tutto, ha voluto provare l'ebbrezza del volo.
Despite everything, he wanted to experience the thrill of flight.
Idiomatic 'provare l'ebbrezza'.
È difficile provare cosa si sente in quei momenti.
It is difficult to describe/feel what one feels in those moments.
Abstract philosophical usage.
Il regista ha fatto provare la scena dieci volte.
The director made them rehearse the scene ten times.
Causative 'fare' + infinitive.
I fatti provano che avevi ragione fin dall'inizio.
The facts prove that you were right from the start.
Subject is 'I fatti' (The facts).
La sua tesi mira a provare l'indimostrabile.
His thesis aims to prove the unprovable.
Paradoxical usage.
Si è provato in imprese oltre le sue capacità.
He tested himself in undertakings beyond his capabilities.
Reflexive 'provarsi in' meaning to test oneself.
L'animo umano prova abissi di disperazione.
The human soul experiences abysses of despair.
Highly literary/poetic usage.
Occorre provare la sussistenza del dolo.
It is necessary to prove the existence of intent (fraud).
Technical legal jargon.
Egli provò un piacere quasi perverso nel fallimento altrui.
He felt an almost perverse pleasure in others' failure.
Nuanced psychological description.
La stoffa della sua pazienza era duramente provata.
The fabric of his patience was severely tested.
Metaphorical usage of the past participle.
Non v'è chi non provi orrore dinanzi a tale scempio.
There is no one who does not feel horror before such slaughter.
Archaic/Formal 'non v'è chi non' structure.
Provando la penna, scrisse il suo destino.
While testing the pen, he wrote his destiny.
Symbolic usage.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
— Seeing is believing / Try it to believe it.
Questa torta è ottima, provare per credere!
Idioms & Expressions
— To experience something firsthand, often something difficult.
Ho provato sulla mia pelle cosa significa la fame.
informal/emotional— To try a long shot or a risky move.
Voleva provare il colpo della vita.
informal— To take pleasure in doing something (often something mischievous).
Ci prova gusto a farmi arrabbiare.
informal— To challenge oneself.
Mi piace mettermi alla prova con nuove lingue.
neutral— To feel a lump in one's throat (strong emotion).
Ho provato un nodo alla gola durante il film.
literary— To try one's hand at something for the first time.
Voglio provare la mano con la pittura.
neutral— To try something without preparation or warming up.
Non puoi provare a freddo questo esercizio.
technical/sports— To try the impossible.
Abbiamo provato l'impossibile per salvarlo.
neutralWord Family
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
Related
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of 'PROving' something. When you 'provare' a shirt, you are PROving it fits. When you 'provare' a theory, you are PROving it's true.
Visual Association
Imagine yourself in a 'PROva' (fitting) room in Italy, trying on a 'PRO' (professional) suit. You are testing the fit.
Word Web
Challenge
Try to use 'provare' in three different ways today: one for an action, one for an emotion, and one for a physical object.
Word Origin
From the Latin verb 'probare', which means to test, judge, or demonstrate as good.
Original meaning: To verify the quality or truth of something.
Indo-European > Italic > Latin > Romance > Italian.Cultural Context
No specific sensitivities; 'provare' is a neutral and widely used verb.
English speakers often over-use 'sentire' for emotions. Italians use 'provare' to sound more expressive.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Shopping
Summary
The verb 'provare' is essential for expressing effort and experience. Whether you are trying on shoes, tasting a new dish, or feeling joy, 'provare' is the word to use. Remember: 'provare a' + verb for actions, and 'provare' + noun for objects or feelings.
- Provare means 'to try' or 'to attempt' when followed by the preposition 'a'.
- It is used for 'trying on' clothes and 'tasting' food in daily life.
- Unlike English, it is the standard verb for 'feeling' internal emotions.
- It also means 'to rehearse' in artistic contexts and 'to prove' in formal ones.
Related Content
More general words
abbagliare
C1To dazzle or blind with light or beauty
abbaglio
C1A serious mistake or misconception.
abbreviare
B1To make something shorter.
abnegazione
C1Self-sacrifice or renunciation of one's own interests
accadere
B1To happen or occur.
accadimento
B2An event, occurrence, or happening.
accaduto
B1What happened or the event that occurred.
accanito
C1Fierce, persistent, or relentless in pursuit
accantonare
C1To put aside for future use or discard.
accattivante
C1witty, charming, or attractive.
