Proviamo

Proviamo is the first person plural present tense form of the Italian verb provare, meaning to try, to test, or to prove. It is also used as an inclusive imperative, effectively equating to “let’s try” or “let us try.” In everyday Italian, proviamo commonly functions as a suggestion or invitation to undertake a course of action together.

Etymology and grammar: provare derives from Latin probare, to prove or test. The form proviamo can express either a simple statement about what “we try” or, more often in conversation, serve as a call to action in the inclusive imperative sense. The meaning is determined by context, intonation, and accompanying words.

Usage and examples: proviamo is typically followed by an infinitive or a subordinate clause that indicates the intended action. Examples include: “Proviamo a risolvere questo problema” (Let’s try to solve this problem); “Proviamo con un altro metodo” (Let’s try another method); “Proviamo a chiedere aiuto” (Let’s try asking for help). The stand-alone exclamation “Proviamo!” can also appear as a brief encouragement to proceed.

Variants and notes: the related forms cover all persons: io provo, tu provi, lui/lei prova, noi proviamo, voi provate, loro provano. The imperative mood for suggesting action is commonly expressed with “Proviamo!” or, when addressing a group directly, simply “Proviamo.” In formal writing, provare may appear in broader constructions (e.g., “Dobbiamo provare diverse soluzioni”) where the sense remains testing or attempting something new.