When you 'provocare' something, you are directly responsible for making it occur, good or bad.
provocare 30秒了解
- cause
- instigate
- trigger
§ Don't confuse 'provocare' with 'provoke' (in all contexts)
The English word 'provoke' can often be translated as 'provocare' in Italian, but not always. This is a common pitfall for English speakers. While 'provocare' means 'to cause a reaction or event,' 'provoke' in English can also mean 'to intentionally annoy or anger someone.' In this specific sense, 'provocare' isn't always the best fit.
§ Using 'provocare' for emotional provocation
If you want to say 'to provoke someone' in the sense of making them angry or upset, 'irritare' (to irritate), 'far arrabbiare' (to make angry), or 'infastidire' (to annoy) are often better choices than 'provocare'. While 'provocare' *can* sometimes imply this, especially in a negative context, it's not its primary or most common usage for directly provoking emotions in people.
Le sue parole hanno provocato una forte reazione. (His words caused a strong reaction.)
Here, 'provocato' works because it refers to a 'reaction' in general. If you wanted to specifically say 'made them angry,' you would likely choose a different verb.
Non cercare di provocare la polizia. (Don't try to provoke the police.)
In this case, 'provocare' works because it implies causing a reaction (e.g., getting arrested, getting a fine) from the police, rather than just making them feel angry. It's about instigating an event or action.
§ Overusing 'provocare' when simpler verbs exist
Sometimes, English speakers default to 'provocare' because it sounds similar to 'provoke.' However, there are often more direct and natural-sounding verbs in Italian depending on the specific situation. For example, instead of saying something like 'ha provocato un danno' (it caused a damage), you might simply say 'ha causato un danno' (it caused a damage) or 'ha fatto un danno' (it did a damage).
- Remember
- While 'provocare' is a useful verb, it's not a one-to-one translation for every instance of 'provoke' in English. Consider the nuances of what you want to express.
§ Common collocations and contexts for 'provocare'
- Provocare un incidente: to cause an accident
- Provocare danni: to cause damage
- Provocare una reazione: to cause a reaction
- Provocare un dibattito: to spark/cause a debate
- Provocare un incendio: to cause a fire
By being mindful of these common mistakes, you'll use 'provocare' more accurately and naturally in your Italian conversations.
趣味小知识
The word 'provocare' in Latin was often used in a military context, meaning 'to challenge to battle' or 'to call out the enemy'.
按水平分级的例句
Il suo comportamento provocò una discussione accesa tra i presenti.
His behavior caused a heated discussion among those present.
La notizia ha provocato un'ondata di panico tra la popolazione.
The news caused a wave of panic among the population.
Non provocare il cane, potrebbe mordere.
Don't provoke the dog, it might bite.
Le sue parole provocarono un profondo senso di ingiustizia.
His words caused a deep sense of injustice.
Un piccolo errore può provocare grandi conseguenze.
A small mistake can cause big consequences.
Il calo delle temperature ha provocato la cancellazione di molti voli.
The drop in temperatures caused the cancellation of many flights.
I suoi continui ritardi hanno provocato l'irritazione del capo.
His continuous delays caused the boss's irritation.
L'inquinamento atmosferico provoca gravi problemi di salute.
Air pollution causes serious health problems.
容易混淆的词
Here, 'provocare' is a good direct translation. Ex: Non lo provocare, è irascibile. (Don't provoke him, he's hot-headed.)
Again, 'provocare' works well. Ex: Ha provocato molti danni. (He caused a lot of damage.)
This is a very common use of 'provocare'. Ex: Le sue parole hanno provocato una forte reazione. (His words triggered a strong reaction.)
容易混淆
Both 'provocare' and 'suscitare' can mean 'to cause' or 'to arouse'. However, 'suscitare' often implies stirring up feelings, emotions, or interest, rather than a direct, physical cause.
Use 'suscitare' for emotions, curiosity, or discussion. Use 'provocare' for a more direct, often negative, cause or to provoke a reaction.
Il discorso ha suscitato grande interesse. (The speech aroused great interest.)
Both mean 'to cause'. 'Causare' is a more general and neutral term for 'to cause'.
'Causare' is a broader synonym for 'to cause'. 'Provocare' often implies a more active or intentional act of causing something, sometimes with a negative connotation.
La pioggia ha causato allagamenti. (The rain caused floods.)
Both can imply leading to an action or state.
'Indurre' means to induce, to persuade, or to lead someone to do something, often through influence or reasoning. 'Provocare' is more about directly triggering a reaction.
L'hanno indotto a cambiare idea. (They induced him to change his mind.)
Both can mean 'to unleash' or 'to trigger' a strong reaction or event.
'Scatenare' has a stronger sense of unleashing something wild, violent, or out of control (like a storm, a war, or a strong emotion). 'Provocare' is broader and can be less intense.
La sua rabbia ha scatenato una discussione. (His anger unleashed a discussion.)
'Provocare' can mean 'to irritate' or 'to annoy'.
'Irritare' specifically refers to making someone annoyed or angry. While 'provocare' can lead to irritation, it has a broader meaning of causing any reaction, not just annoyance.
Il suo comportamento mi irrita. (His behavior irritates me.)
词源
Latin 'provocare'
原始含义： to call forth, challenge
Indo-European (Italic branch)文化背景
The Italian 'provocare' maintains a similar nuance to its English cognate 'to provoke,' but it's important to remember it can also simply mean 'to cause' something to happen, without necessarily implying negative intent. It's less exclusively tied to emotional reactions than the English 'provoke.'
自我测试 18 个问题
This sentence means 'Smoking can cause health problems.'
This sentence means 'I don't want to cause problems with this.'
This sentence means 'His/Her words caused a strong reaction.'
What should you not do to the dog?
What did her words cause?
What can this noise cause?
Read this aloud:
Non provocare guai.
Focus: provocare
你说的：
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Read this aloud:
Il fumo può provocare tosse.
Focus: provocare
你说的：
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Read this aloud:
Cosa può provocare un sorriso?
Focus: provocare
你说的：
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Choose the best translation for "provocare una discussione."
"Provocare" means to cause or instigate. So, "provocare una discussione" means to start or cause an argument.
Quale parola è un sinonimo di "provocare" in questo contesto: "Il suo comportamento ha provocato la rabbia di tutti."
In this sentence, "provocare" means to cause. "Causare" is a direct synonym.
Which of the following situations would NOT typically involve the use of "provocare"?
"Provocare" implies causing a reaction, often a negative or strong one. Politely asking for help does not fit this meaning.
If something "provoca" a laugh, it means it makes someone laugh.
Yes, "provocare" can be used to mean 'to cause' or 'to elicit' a reaction, including laughter.
The phrase "provocare pace" (to cause peace) is a common and natural way to use the verb "provocare" in Italian.
While grammatically possible, "provocare" often has a connotation of causing something negative or disruptive. It's less common to use it for positive outcomes like 'peace'.
If a situation "provoca" stress, it means the situation alleviates stress.
No, if a situation "provoca" stress, it means it causes or generates stress, not alleviates it.
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Summary
When you 'provocare' something, you are directly responsible for making it occur, good or bad.
- cause
- instigate
- trigger
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