coltivare
/kol.tiˈva.re/
To cultivate in Italian is coltivare.
The verb coltivare means to grow plants, notably crops. Like in English, 'coltivare' is used figuratively to describe the development of abstract qualities such as a talent, a relationship or a mindset.
Meaning: grow plants, notably crops (verb)
How does it change in a sentence?
The past participle of coltivare is coltivato, which is used to form compound tenses or as an adjective.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 4 syllables, with the stress on the 3rd syllable: /kol.tiˈva.re/.
Did you know?
- The word colto is a common adjective used to describe a person who is highly educated or 'cultured', sharing the same historical root as coltivare.
- In Italian, you can coltivare un sogno, which literally means to 'cultivate a dream' when you are working persistently to make a goal come true.
- If you are 'cultivating' a hobby in Italy, you are more likely to say you are 'approfondendo' (deepening) a subject rather than using 'coltivare' in casual speech.
Examples in context
- Devi coltivare la mente.You must cultivate your mind.This sentence uses coltivare to describe developing the mind.Tatoeba #1720377 by Guybrush88, translation #15952 by papabear
- Comincia a coltivare una mentalità positiva.Begin to cultivate a positive mindset.This sentence uses coltivare to describe developing a positive mindset.Tatoeba #12107620 by Nuel, translation #12107619 by Nuel
- Impara a coltivare un pensiero indipendente.Learn to cultivate independent thinking.This sentence uses coltivare to describe developing independent thinking.Tatoeba #12109924 by Nuel, translation #12109923 by Nuel
- Coltivare un hobby è fondamentale per la felicità.Cultivating a hobby is crucial for happiness.
- Ho coltivato un'amicizia sincera con lui.I have cultivated a sincere friendship with him.
- 6 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Chiara and Alessandro are discussing their gardening plans.
- ChiaraAlessandro, cosa vuoi coltivare quest'anno?Alessandro, what do you want to cultivate this year?
- AlessandroVorrei coltivare i pomodori nel mio orto.I would like to cultivate tomatoes in my vegetable garden.
- ChiaraÈ un'ottima idea, i pomodori sono deliziosi.That is a great idea, tomatoes are delicious.
- AlessandroSpero che il terreno sia adatto.I hope the soil is suitable.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “cultivate” translations and entries coltivare, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
