ci sto provando
The Italian phrase for "I am trying" is ci sto provando.
ci sto provando is used to express that you are making an effort to achieve or do something. If you want to emphasize that you are doing your best, you might say Sto facendo del mio meglio. To imply you are giving your maximum effort, use Sto dando il massimo or use Sto mettendo impegno to express that you are putting effort into something.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the particle ci (at it/therein), the auxiliary verb stare (to be/to stay) and the gerund provando (trying).
Which one should you use?
While ci sto provando emphasizes a continuous, ongoing effort of "I am currently trying," the simpler ci provo is often used to mean "I'll give it a try" or "I'm trying" in a more general sense.
How does it change in a sentence?
The particle ci is used here to refer back to the action or task that is being attempted. Including it makes the phrase sound more natural than just saying sto provando.
Did you know?
- In a romantic or flirtatious context, ci provo doesn't mean you are attempting a task, but that you are hitting on someone or trying to seduce them.
- The word provando comes from a verb that can also mean 'to test' or 'to prove', linking the idea of 'trying' to the idea of 'verifying'.
- The particle ci in ci sto provando might actually be a linguistic descendant of the Latin word for 'here', which is hīc.
Examples in context
- Ci sto provando.I am trying.Tatoeba #1562023 by Guybrush88, translation #2582926 by CM
- Scusi, sto cercando di migliorare il mio italiano.Excuse me, I am trying to improve my Italian.
- Non è facile, ma ci sto provando.It is not easy, but I am trying.
- Ci sto provando con tutto il mio impegno.I am trying with all my effort.
Example conversation
Matteo and Giulia are discussing his new fitness routine.
- MatteoÈ difficile seguire questa dieta?Is it difficult to follow this diet?
- GiuliaSì, ma ci sto provando.Yes, but I am trying.
- MatteoSei molto costante, Matteo.You are very consistent, Matteo.
- GiuliaGrazie, Giulia, faccio del mio meglio.Thanks, Giulia, I am doing my best.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ci, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
