Candidarsi

Candidarsi is an Italian pronominal verb meaning to put oneself forward as a candidate or to apply for a job or for a public office. It is used when someone seeks a position by presenting themselves, rather than being appointed. The term covers both electoral candidacy and job applications, and is closely linked to the noun candidatura (the act of running or applying) and the noun candidato/candidata (the person who applies).

Etymology traces candidarsi to the Latin candidatus, meaning “clothed in white,” a reference to ancient candidates presenting themselves openly and publicly. The modern use retains the sense of presenting one’s qualifications and intentions to an audience or authority, in political, administrative, and professional contexts.

Usage and grammar: candidarsi is used with reflexive forms: mi candido, ti candidi, si candida, ci candidiamo, vi candidati, si candidano. It is followed by the target with prepositions such as candidarsi a un posto, candidarsi per un incarico, or candidarsi alle elezioni. The past participle agrees with the subject when used with essere: mi sono candidato (masc.) / mi sono candidata (fem.). The related noun la candidatura refers to the act of applying or running, while il candidato/la candidata denotes the person who applies. Examples: “Mi candido alle elezioni comunali.” “Hanno aperto la candidatura per il ruolo di direttore.”