sforzarsi

Sforzarsi is an Italian pronominal verb meaning to exert oneself or to make a strong effort, often to accomplish something difficult or unpleasant. It conveys a sense of self-imposed effort, discipline, or persistence, rather than a casual attempt. The phrase sforzarsi di + infinitive is the most common construction to express trying hard to do something, for example, sforzarsi di finire un compito.

Etymology and forms: the verb derives from sforzo, meaning effort, and the non-pronominal form forzare (to force). As a reflexive verb, it behaves like other -arsi verbs of the first conjugation. Present tense forms are: mi sforzo, ti sforzi, si sforza, ci sforziamo, vi sforzate, si sforzano. In compound tenses the auxiliary is essere, yielding forms such as mi sono sforzato/a. The gerund is sforzando, and the past participle is sforzato/a, used with the appropriate form of essere.

Usage notes: sforzarsi emphasizes voluntary, sustained effort and inner resolve. It is typically followed by di + infinitive to indicate the goal of the effort, as in sforzarsi di capire, di migliorare, o di arrivare in orario. The expression can also appear with a broader sense of self-discipline or moral determination. In contexts stressing external pressure or lack of progress, alternatives like impegnarsi or farsi forza can be used.

Examples: Nonostante la fatica, si è sforzato di terminare il rapporto. Devo sforzarmi di essere più puntuale. Mi sforzo di capire questa lezione.