riuscire
Lemma: riuscire
Translation: to succeed; to manage; to be able to; to turn out (verb)
Etymology: From Latin 're-' (again, back) + 'exire' (to go out), literally meaning 'to come out again'. The prefix 're-' evolved into 'ri-' in Italian, while 'exire' became 'uscire' (to exit, to go out). The etymology reveals the conceptual foundation of success as emerging or coming out from a situation, which helps connect the Italian verb to the English 'exit' and 'issue' (which also derives from Latin 'exire').
Example Usage
Non riesco a dormire
I can't sleep (literally: I don't manage to sleep)
Sei riuscito a trovare le chiavi?
Did you manage to find the keys?
Il progetto è riuscito bene
The project turned out well
Non riesco a capire questo problema.
I can't understand this problem.
Sei riuscito a finire il lavoro in tempo?
Did you manage to finish the work on time?
La festa è riuscita benissimo.
The party turned out very well.
Riusciremo a vincere la partita.
We will succeed in winning the match.
Ce l'ho fatta! Sono riuscito a superare l'esame!
I did it! I managed to pass the exam!
Mnemonics
- Think of 're-exit' or 're-issue' - to successfully come out of a situation
- Remember 'ri-uscire' as 'to exit again' but with a positive outcome
- Connect it to 'issue' in English - when you resolve an issue, you succeed
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
This verb is extremely common in everyday Italian conversation. Italians often use 'riuscire' to express ability to accomplish something, where English might use 'can' or 'be able to'. The concept of success and achievement is culturally important in Italian society, making this verb particularly significant.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'riuscire' means 'to succeed' or 'to manage', 'uscire' simply means 'to exit' or 'to go out'. They share the same root, but 'riuscire' has the additional prefix 'ri-' and a different meaning.
Confused word:
Esco di casa alle otto.
I leave the house at eight.
Notes: The auxiliary verb for 'riuscire' is 'essere' (to be), while 'uscire' also uses 'essere'. Both are irregular verbs with similar conjugation patterns.
Mnemonic: 'Riuscire' has 'ri' (re-) + 'uscire' (exit) = to successfully come out of a situation; 'uscire' is just to exit physically.
Explanation: 'Riuscito' is actually the past participle of 'riuscire', but it can also function as an adjective meaning 'successful' or 'well-done'.
Notes: When 'riuscito' is used as an adjective, it often follows the noun it modifies or appears after forms of 'essere' (to be).
Mnemonic: Think of 'riuscito' as the result of 'riuscire' - something that has succeeded becomes 'riuscito' (successful).