prova
/ˈprɔ.va/
The Italian word for evidence is prova. Wiktionary also lists evidenza.
Meaning: facts or observations presented in support of an assertion (noun)
Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| prova | /ˈprɔ.va/ | |
| evidenza | /e.viˈdɛn.t͡sa/ | feminine |
Use prova when referring to evidence in a legal, scientific or logical context.
Which one should you use?
While evidenza looks like 'evidence', it is often used to mean 'obviousness' or 'conspicuousness' rather than legal or scientific proof.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of prova is prove.
How do you pronounce it?
prova is pronounced /ˈprɔ.va/. The stress is on 1 of 2 syllables.
Did you know?
- The word prova is a linguistic multitasker that can mean 'evidence' in a court, a 'test' in school, a 'rehearsal' for a play and even a 'sample' of fabric.
- Because evidenza implies something is 'glaringly obvious', calling something 'un'evidenza' can sometimes sound slightly sarcastic, as if you are pointing out something that everyone should have already seen.
- The root of prova connects it to the act of 'testing' something. In Italian, to 'prove' something is fundamentally linked to the idea of 'trying' or 'testing' it out, much like the English word 'prove' relates to 'trial'.
Examples in context
- Non ho alcuna prova.I don't have any evidence.This sentence shows how to express having no evidence using prova.Tatoeba #5815629 by Guybrush88, translation #2276034 by CK
- Non c'è alcuna prova.There's no evidence.This sentence shows how to state that no evidence exists using prova.Tatoeba #2523799 by Guybrush88, translation #268221 by CK
- La prova è discutibile.The evidence is questionable.This sentence describes evidence that is questionable using prova.Tatoeba #4292834 by Guybrush88, translation #3859347 by corvard
- Secondo le prove a disposizione, l'imputato è colpevole.According to the evidence available, the defendant is guilty.
- Le testimonianze raccolte sono fondamentali per dimostrare la verità.The collected testimonies are crucial to prove the truth.
- Sono stati presentati numerosi elementi probatori a sostegno dell'accusa.Several items of evidence have been presented in support of the accusation.
- Ho le prove che dimostrano che avevi torto.I have evidence that proves you were wrong.
- C'è un indizio che suggerisce il coinvolgimento di altre persone nel furto.There is evidence suggesting the involvement of other people in the theft.
- 15 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Chiara and Alessandro are discussing a legal case at a café.
- ChiaraAlessandro, hai trovato una prova?Alessandro, did you find any evidence?
- AlessandroNo, Chiara, non c'è ancora nessuna prova.No, Chiara, there is no evidence yet.
- ChiaraÈ un problema senza una prova valida.It is a problem without valid evidence.
- AlessandroSì, dobbiamo continuare a cercare.Yes, we have to keep looking.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “evidence” translations and entries prova, evidenza, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries evidenza, prova, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
