guidare
/ɡwiˈda.re/
To drive in Italian is guidare.
The verb is used to describe operating the controls of a motor vehicle to make it move. For example, you can say Posso guidare to mean "I can drive." You might also use the expression mettersi alla guida, which means "to put oneself behind the wheel" and conveys the idea of getting ready to drive.
Which one should you use?
While guidare is the standard way to say you are operating a vehicle, the verb condurre can also mean "to drive." However, condurre is used in more professional or formal contexts, often carrying the sense of "to conduct" or "to lead."
How does it change in a sentence?
guidare is a regular second-conjugation verb ending in -are.
How do you pronounce it?
/ɡwiˈda.re/. The word has 3 syllables, with the stress on the 2nd syllable.
Did you know?
- The word guidare is an etymological relative of the English word 'wit'. It traces back to the Proto-Germanic word *witaną, which meant to know the way.
- Unlike English where you 'drive' a nail into wood, Italian uses piantare for that action. Guidare is strictly for leading or steering, never for hammering.
- While guidare is the standard verb for driving, the noun for a driver is conducente in official legal documents. This uses the root of condurre to emphasize the professional responsibility of the driver.
Examples in context
- A chi tocca guidare?Whose turn is it to drive?This sentence is useful for asking whose turn it is to drive using guidare.Tatoeba #6816512 by Guybrush88, translation #2775339 by CK
- Tom iniziò a guidare.Tom began to drive.This sentence is useful for saying someone began to drive using guidare.Tatoeba #3497266 by Guybrush88, translation #3120588 by CK
- Non mi piace guidare.I don't like to drive.This sentence is useful for expressing a lack of preference for driving using guidare.Tatoeba #6555930 by Guybrush88, translation #2276105 by CK
- Mi scusi, sa dove posso noleggiare una macchina per guidare in città?Excuse me, do you know where I can rent a car to drive around the city?
- 329 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Martina and Francesco are planning a road trip.
- MartinaTi piace guidare?Do you like to drive?
- FrancescoSì, mi piace molto guidare.Yes, I really like to drive.
- MartinaAllora puoi guidare tu oggi.Then you can drive today.
- FrancescoVa bene, prendo io il volante.Fine, I'll take the wheel.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry guidare, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries guidare, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
