provare
/proˈva.re/
The English verb rehearse can be translated into Italian using several forms depending on the context. The default form is provare. Wiktionary also lists ripetere and ripassare.
Meaning: practice by repetition or recitation (verb)
Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA |
|---|---|
| provare | /proˈva.re/ |
| ripetere | /riˈpɛ.te.re/ |
| ripassare | /ri.pasˈsa.re/ |
The term refers to practicing through repetition or recitation.
Which one should you use?
The choice of word depends on the specific nature of the rehearsal. Use provare when referring to the act of testing a performance, a scene or a piece of music to see how it works. Use ripetere if the focus is specifically on the mechanical act of repeating a line or a movement over and over. Use ripassare when the rehearsal is more of a study session or a quick review of material already learned.
How do you pronounce it?
The word provare is pronounced /proˈva.re/. It has three syllables, with the stress on the second syllable.
Did you know?
- While provare means to rehearse, the noun la prova is used for both a theatrical rehearsal and a legal trial.
- The verb provare can also be used to express feeling an emotion, such as provare dolore for 'to feel pain'.
- The word provare shares its Latin ancestor with the English word 'prove', meaning both terms relate to the concept of testing or verifying something.
Examples in context
- Stiamo provando la coreografia per la festaWe are rehearsing the choreography for the party
- Dobbiamo provare la scena.We must rehearse the scene.
- Devo provare la parte prima dello spettacolo.I need to rehearse my part before the show.
Example conversation
Matteo and Sofia are preparing for a school play.
- MatteoSofia, vuoi provare il dialogo con me?Sofia, do you want to rehearse the dialogue with me?
- SofiaSì, certo, sono pronta a provare.Yes, sure, I am ready to practice.
- MatteoOttimo, iniziamo dalla prima parte.Great, let's start from the first part.
- SofiaVa bene, iniziamo subito.Okay, let's start right away.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “rehearse” translations and entries provare, ripetere, ripassare, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries provare, ripassare, ripetere, CC BY-SA 4.0.
