esperienze

Esperienza is a feminine noun in Italian that denotes knowledge or practical wisdom derived from doing or observing events. It can refer to a concrete event one has lived through or to the general knowledge gained over time. The plural form esperienze is used for multiple events or kinds of experience.

Etymology: from Latin experientia, from experiri “to try, test.” Cognates exist in many Romance languages (experiencia in Spanish, expérience in French). In Italian, the term is used in both everyday speech and formal writing to distinguish experiential knowledge from theoretical learning.

Usage: Common phrases include avere esperienza (to have experience), esperienza lavorativa (work experience), esperienza di vita (life experience), esperienza diretta vs indiretta (direct vs indirect experience). The expression apprendimento esperienziale or apprendimento basato sull’esperienza is used for experiential learning. In education and psychology, esperienze are discussed as sources of judgment, skill, and personal development.

In culture and media, esperienze are often described as formative, shaping skills and worldview. The word appears in biographies, testimonials, and self-help discourse, reflecting the idea that knowledge grows through action as well as reflection.