provare
/proˈva.re/
To say 'try on' in Italian, you use provare. Wiktionary also lists misurare.
Meaning: to test the look of (verb)
Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA |
|---|---|
| provare | /proˈva.re/ |
| misurare | /mi.zuˈra.re/ |
The verb provare is used when you want to test the fit or the look of clothing or accessories. To be more specific about trying on shoes, you can use the expression provare delle scarpe. You can also add the phrase addosso after provare to emphasize the act of putting the garment on one's body, as in provare addosso.
Which one should you use?
Use provare when you want to test the fit or look of clothing or accessories. While provare is the standard term for trying things on, misurare is also a form provided in this context.
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?
- The word provare is a linguistic 'chameleon' that can mean 'to try on' clothes, 'to attempt' a difficult task, or even 'to feel' an emotion like pain.
- The verb provare shares the same Latin root as the English word 'prove', linking the act of testing a garment to the act of testing a truth.
- While provare is common, using misurare to mean 'to try on' is a regionalism often found in parts of Southern Italy.
Examples in context
- Vorrei provare queste scarpe.I'd like to try on these shoes.This sentence is useful for expressing a desire to try on shoes using provare.Tatoeba #6534708 by Guybrush88, translation #6530602 by CK
- Voglio provare addosso questo vestito blu.I want to try on this blue dress.This sentence is useful for expressing a desire to try on a specific blue dress using provare.Tatoeba #9750381 by Guybrush88, translation #9722265 by ariarin
- Mi piacerebbe provare questo abito.I'd like to try on this dress.Tatoeba #987560 by anais, translation #60771 by CK
- Provi le scarpe da ginnasticaTry on the sneakers
- Vorrei provare questi jeans, per favore.I would like to try on these jeans, please.
- Che ne pensi di questo vestito? Dovrei provarlo?What do you think about this dress? Should I try it on?
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Martina and Francesco are shopping for clothes in a boutique.
- MartinaFrancesco, posso provare questo vestito rosso?Francesco, can I try on this red dress?
- FrancescoCertamente, Martina. Vai pure nel camerino.Certainly, Martina. Go ahead to the fitting room.
- MartinaMi piace molto, ma vorrei provare anche questa gonna.I like it a lot, but I also want to try on this skirt.
- FrancescoOttima idea, ti starà benissimo.Great idea, it will look very good on you.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “try on” translations and entries provare, misurare, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries misurare, provare, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
