Are you interested in learning how to say “ambitious” in Italian? Whether you’re planning a trip to Italy, studying the language, or simply want to expand your vocabulary, it’s always helpful to know how to describe someone who is ambitious. In this guide, we’ll explore the various ways to express ambition in both formal and informal contexts in Italian.
Table of Contents
Formal Expressions
When speaking formally or in professional settings, it’s important to use appropriate language. Here are some formal expressions for describing ambitious individuals:
- Ambizioso/a – This is the most common translation of “ambitious” in Italian. It can be used for both men and women: “Luca è un ragazzo ambizioso” (Luca is an ambitious boy) or “Maria è una donna ambiziosa” (Maria is an ambitious woman).
- Volitivo/a – This adjective emphasizes strong willpower and determination: “Giovanni è una persona volitiva” (Giovanni is a determined person).
- Deciso/a – Although not a direct translation of “ambitious,” this word can be used to describe someone who is ambitious and resolute: “Marco ha una personalità decisa” (Marco has a determined personality).
Informal Expressions
In casual conversations with friends, family, or peers, you might want to use more informal expressions. Here are a few options:
- Grande ambizione – Saying “grande ambizione” literally translates to “great ambition” and can be used when talking about someone who is highly ambitious: “Luca ha sempre avuto una grande ambizione nella vita” (Luca has always had a great ambition in life).
- Pieno di sogni – This phrase means “full of dreams” and can be used to describe someone who is ambitious and driven by their dreams: “Marta è una ragazza piena di sogni” (Marta is a girl full of dreams).
- Carico/a di obiettivi – “Carico/a di obiettivi” translates to “loaded with goals” and is perfect to express someone who is constantly setting and pursuing new goals: “Andrea è carico di obiettivi e vuole raggiungerli tutti” (Andrea is loaded with goals and wants to achieve them all).
Tips and Examples
Here are some additional tips on using these expressions with examples to help you understand their context:
- Be aware of gender agreement: In Italian, adjectives must agree in gender with the noun they modify. For example, “ambizioso” is used for a man, while “ambiziosa” is used for a woman.
- Combine expressions: Feel free to combine the various expressions to better convey the level of ambition. For example, “Lisa è una donna ambiziosa e piena di sogni” (Lisa is an ambitious woman full of dreams).
- Use different verb forms: You can modify these expressions by using different verb forms or tenses. For instance, “Sono ambizioso di diventare un avvocato di successo” (I am ambitious to become a successful lawyer).
- Pay attention to context: As with any language, context is crucial in selecting the most appropriate expression. Consider the situation and the relationship you have with the person you are describing.
Example: Imagine you want to describe your friend Martina, who is highly ambitious and driven. You can say:
“Martina è una persona con una grande ambizione e piena di sogni. È decisa a raggiungere tutti i suoi obiettivi nella vita.” (Martina is a person with great ambition and full of dreams. She is determined to achieve all her goals in life.)
By incorporating these tips and examples into your Italian conversations, you will be able to confidently describe ambitious individuals in both formal and informal situations.
Remember, practice is key to improving your language skills, so don’t hesitate to apply these words and phrases in your everyday conversations. Buona fortuna!
