Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA |
|---|---|
| provare | /proˈva.re/ |
| cercare | /t͡ʃerˈka.re/ |
| tentare | /tenˈta.re/ |
In Italian, the word used for 'try' depends heavily on the specific context of the attempt. Use provare when you are testing something to see if it works or if you like it, such as trying on clothes or trying a new food. Use cercare when 'try' means 'to attempt to find' or 'to look for' something. Use sperimentare to convey the idea of 'trying out' or 'experimenting with' something. Additionally, the noun prova can refer to a test, a trial or a rehearsal in a musical or theatrical context, while tentativo is the noun for an attempt. In the sport of rugby, the word meta is used to refer to a score or a 'try'.
Which one should you use?
While provare is the most common way to express testing or experiencing something, cercare is used specifically when the meaning is to seek or look for something. The word tentare is used for making a risky attempt or when 'try' carries the connotation of 'to tempt' someone. Related nouns also differ: tentativo and prova both mean an attempt, but they are used in different contexts.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
When you want to say 'to try to' do something using the verb provare, you must follow it with the preposition a before the next verb. The word prova also functions as a noun meaning a test, trial or rehearsal.
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 try', it is also the standard Italian verb for 'to feel' an emotion. For example, provare dolore means 'to feel pain'.
- The verb cercare shares its roots with the English word 'circle', as it originally meant to move in a circuit or go around.
- The Italian word for a rugby 'try' is meta, which literally refers to the boundary line or goalpost of the field.
Examples in context
- Io lo posso provare.I can try that.This sentence demonstrates the use of provare to express ability to try something.Tatoeba #5348785 by Guybrush88, translation #2301396 by CK
- Tom lo vuole provare.Tom wants to try it.This sentence shows the use of provare to express a desire to try something.Tatoeba #4050263 by Guybrush88, translation #3439448 by CK
- Me lo faccia provare.Let me try it.This sentence uses the form of provare to permit an attempt.Tatoeba #4556438 by Guybrush88, translation #43212 by CK
- Vorrei provare a risolvere questo problema.I would like to try to solve this problem.
- Sono pronto a tentare una soluzione alternativa.I'm ready to try an alternative solution.
- Possiamo fare un tentativo di raggiungere un accordo.We can try to reach an agreement.
- Prova a mangiare questa pizza, è deliziosa!Try eating this pizza, it's delicious!
- Prova a chiamare più tardi.Try calling later.
- Dai un'occhiata a questo libro, penso che ti piacerà.Try taking a look at this book, I think you'll like it.
- Sperimenta questa nuova ricetta di pasta.Try out this new pasta recipe.
- 472 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alessandro and Chiara are at a clothing store.
- AlessandroTi piace questa maglia, Chiara?Do you like this shirt, Chiara?
- ChiaraSì, vorrei provare questa.Yes, I would like to try this one.
- AlessandroDove sono i camerini?Where are the fitting rooms?
- ChiaraSono proprio lì in fondo.They are right there at the end.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “try” translations and entries provare, cercare, tentare, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cercare, provare, tentare, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
