ricerca
/riˈt͡ʃer.ka/
The Italian word for searching is ricerca.
ricerca is used to describe the act of looking for something or someone. It can refer to a physical search for an object or the process of scientific and academic research. To express the specific act of searching for something, it is common to use the phrase alla ricerca di (in search of/searching for).
Which one should you use?
While ricerca is the noun for the concept of searching or research, if you want to express the active verb 'to search' or 'to look for', you should use cercare.
How does it change in a sentence?
ricerca is a feminine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /riˈtʃer.ka/. It has three syllables, and the stress is on the second syllable.
Did you know?
- In Italian law, a formal search of a home or person is called a perquisizione, which is a different word entirely from the general ricerca.
- The verb cercare, which is the root of ricerca, is also the Italian word for 'to try'. In many contexts, if you say you are 'searching' for a result, an Italian might interpret your intent as 'trying' to achieve it.
- While ricerca means searching, the phrase fare una ricerca is the standard way to say 'to do a project' or 'do a report' in Italian schools.
Examples in context
- È alla ricerca di intimità.He's searching for intimacy.This sentence shows how to use ricerca to describe searching for an abstract concept like intimacy.Tatoeba #12999986 by Nuel, translation #12999984 by Nuel
- Il piccolo vecchietto volle tirare le orecchie di Pinocchio. Pensate a come si sentì quando, alla ricerca di esse, scoprì che si era dimenticato di farle!The little old man wanted to pull Pinocchio's ears. Think how he felt when, upon searching for them, he discovered that he had forgotten to make them!This sentence demonstrates the use of ricerca when describing a search for a physical object.Tatoeba #3399101 by Guybrush88, translation #2724126 by Hybrid
- Sto cercando il mio portafoglio.I am searching for my wallet.
- Siamo alla ricerca di nuove opportunità.We are searching for new opportunities.
- Sto cercando un ristorante per stasera.I'm searching for a restaurant for tonight.
- Sto rovistando nella mia borsa per trovare le chiavi.I'm searching in my bag to find the keys.
- Cerco un albergo in centro.I'm searching for a hotel downtown.
- Cercavo informazioni, ma non ho trovato nessuno.I was searching for information, but I didn't find anyone.
- La ricerca di un nuovo lavoro è difficile.The search for a new job is difficult.
Example conversation
Chiara and Alessandro are looking for a missing set of keys.
- ChiaraHai finito la ricerca delle chiavi?Have you finished searching for the keys?
- AlessandroSì, ma non le ho trovate.Yes, but I didn't find them.
- ChiaraContinuiamo la ricerca in cucina.Let's continue the search in the kitchen.
- AlessandroVa bene, andiamo subito.Alright, let's go right now.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry ricerca, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
