cercare di fare qualcosa
Lemma: cercare di fare qualcosa
Translation: to try to do something; to attempt to do something; to seek to do something (phrase)
Etymology: This phrase combines 'cercare' (to look for, to seek), which comes from Latin 'circare' (to go around, to wander), with the preposition 'di' (of, to) and the infinitive 'fare' (to do, to make) from Latin 'facere', plus 'qualcosa' (something) which derives from Latin 'qualis' (what kind) + 'causa' (thing). The construction parallels the English 'to try to do something' but uses the preposition 'di' between verbs.
Example Usage
Cerco di imparare l'italiano da sei mesi.
I've been trying to learn Italian for six months.
Lei cerca di finire il progetto entro domani.
She's trying to finish the project by tomorrow.
Cercheremo di arrivare in tempo per la cena.
We'll try to arrive in time for dinner.
Hanno cercato di risolvere il problema ma non ci sono riusciti.
They tried to solve the problem but they didn't succeed.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'cercare' as 'searching' for a way to accomplish something
- Remember that 'di' connects the two verbs in Italian, unlike in English where 'to' is used
- Visualize someone 'circling around' (from Latin 'circare') trying different approaches to do something
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
This is a very common phrase in Italian, used in everyday conversation. Italians often use this construction when talking about their intentions or efforts. The phrase reflects the Italian tendency to be explicit about one's attempts and efforts.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: 'Cercare di fare qualcosa' means 'to try to do something' while 'cercare qualcosa' simply means 'to look for something'
Confused word:
Cerco le mie chiavi.
I'm looking for my keys.
Notes: The preposition 'di' is crucial in distinguishing between attempting an action and searching for an object
Mnemonic: When 'di' follows 'cercare', you're trying TO DO something; without 'di', you're looking FOR something
Explanation: Both phrases mean 'to try to do something', but 'cercare di' implies more of an ongoing effort or search for a way to accomplish something, while 'provare a' often suggests making a specific attempt
Confused word:
Prova a premere questo pulsante.
Try pressing this button.
Notes: In many contexts, these phrases are interchangeable, but 'provare a' is often used for more concrete, immediate attempts
Mnemonic: 'Cercare di' is like 'seeking to' (ongoing effort), while 'provare a' is like 'testing' a specific approach