controllare
/kon.trolˈla.re/
The English verb 'check' is translated into Italian as controllare.
controllare means to verify something or to compare information against a source. It is also the standard Italian word for 'to control', in the sense of exercising power or command over something.
Meaning: to verify or compare with a source of information (verb)
How does it change in a sentence?
controllare is a regular second-conjugation verb ending in -are. Its past participle is controllato, and the second-person singular present tense form is controlli.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 4 syllables, with the stress on the 3rd syllable: /kon.trolˈla.re/.
Did you know?
- If an Italian says controllati, they are not telling you to verify something but are instead warning you to 'be careful' or 'watch yourself'.
- In Italian, the term for 'checkmate' is scacco matto, where matto means 'mad' or 'crazy'. This reflects the ancient Persian root of the word, implying the king has been defeated or driven insane.
- To mark a 'check' on a form, Italians use barrare or mettere una crocetta. This literally means 'to cross out' or 'to put a little cross', rather than using a tick mark.
Examples in context
- Io andrò a controllare.I'll go check.This example shows how to express the intention to go and check something using controllare.Tatoeba #2555036 by Guybrush88, translation #2247746 by CK
- Andrò a controllare Tom.I'll go and check on Tom.This sentence uses controllare to describe checking on a person.Tatoeba #3859666 by Guybrush88, translation #2545477 by CK
- Deve controllare con lei.He needs to check with her.This sentence demonstrates the use of controllare when checking something with another person.Tatoeba #9010547 by Guybrush88, translation #8531509 by CH
- La prego, mi può portare il conto?Excuse me, can you bring me the check, please?
- Potrebbe portarmi il conto, per favore?Could you bring me the check, please?
- Mi puoi portare il conto?Can you bring me the check?
- Ci porti il conto?Can you bring us the check?
- 121 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Matteo and Martina are planning a trip together.
- MatteoDevo controllare l'orario del treno.I need to check the train schedule.
- MartinaPuoi controllare sul sito web?Can you check on the website?
- MatteoSì, controllo subito.Yes, I'll check right away.
- MartinaGrazie, fammi sapere.Thanks, let me know.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry controllare, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
