“To Manage” in Italian
In Italian, the concept of “to manage” can be expressed with two main different verbs, based on context: riuscire and potere.
The subtle difference between these two verbs is very similar to that of the English distinction between “to manage” and “to be able to”.
Although they can sometimes be used interchangeably, each verb has its own specific uses and connotations, which I will explain below, and later in this article in more details:
- The verb riuscire specifically conveys the idea of managing or succeeding in something, often implying effort or difficulty. It’s the go-to verb when you want to emphasize the achievement of a goal after overcoming challenges.
- The verb potere conveys the idea of capability, potential, or authorization without implying any special effort or difficulty. It’s an Italian modal verb that is used to indicate that someone can perform an action simply because they have the capacity or the circumstances allow it.
“Riuscire” in italian
Riuscire: Grammar
The verb riuscire is an intransitive verb, meaning it does not take a direct object. It is one of those verbs that is used in combination with a preposition and an infinitive verb, just like iniziare, continuare, finire (to start, to continue, to finish).
Given its syntactical nature, in compound tenses it uses the auxiliary verb essere (to be), which affects agreement with the subject in gender and number. For example:
Sono riuscita a passare l’esame.
I managed to pass the exam
Siamo riusciti a prendere il treno.
We managed to take the train.
Riuscire: Conjugation
To use riuscire properly, you need to be familiar with its conjugation. Here I will conjugate it in the main verb tenses of the indicative mood:
Present (Presente)
| Subject Pronoun | Conjugation |
|---|---|
| Io | riesco |
| Tu | riesci |
| Lui/Lei | riesce |
| Noi | riusciamo |
| Voi | riuscite |
| Loro | riescono |
Present Perfect (Passato Prossimo)
| Subject Pronoun | Conjugation |
|---|---|
| Io | sono riuscito/a |
| Tu | sei riuscito/a |
| Lui/Lei | è riuscito/a |
| Noi | siamo riusciti/e |
| Voi | siete riusciti/e |
| Loro | sono riusciti/e |
Imperfect (Imperfetto)
| Subject Pronoun | Conjugation |
|---|---|
| Io | riuscivo |
| Tu | riuscivi |
| Lui/Lei | riusciva |
| Noi | riuscivamo |
| Voi | riuscivate |
| Loro | riuscivano |
Future Simple (Futuro Semplice)
| Subject Pronoun | Conjugation |
|---|---|
| Io | riuscirò |
| Tu | riuscirai |
| Lui/Lei | riuscirà |
| Noi | riusciremo |
| Voi | riuscirete |
| Loro | riusciranno |
“Riuscire” + Prepositions
Riuscire a + Infinitive
Riuscire is often followed by the preposition a and a present infinitive verb, for example:
Sono riuscito a finire il progetto in tempo.
I managed to finish the project on time.
Riesci a capire questa spiegazione?
Are you able to understand this explanation?
When used this way, it emphasizes overcoming an obstacle or making an effort to achieve something.
Dopo tante difficoltà, sono riuscito a trovare un lavoro.
After many difficulties, I managed to find a job.
Riuscire in + Noun
In some cases, riuscire is followed by the preposition in and a noun, to convey the meaning of succeeding in something or being successful at achieving a particular result. This construction is less common, yet still useful to express success in relation to a concept.
Sono riuscito nella mia impresa.
I succeeded in my endeavor.
Riusciamo sempre nelle nostre sfide più difficili.
We always succeed in our most difficult challenges.
Luca è riuscito nel suo intento.
Luca succeeded in his intent.
Always keep in mind that when a preposition is followed by a definite article, they combine together into preposizione articolata.
Riuscirci
An advanced form of riuscire is riuscirci, which combines the verb with the pronoun ci to emphasize the completion or success of the action in question.
In this structure, the pronoun ci basically replaces the phrases introduced by the preposition a followed by the infinitive verb, as you can see from the examples below:
Non pensavo di riuscire a finire il progetto, ma ce l’ho fatta.
I didn’t think I would manage to finish the project, but I did it.
Non pensavo di riuscirci, ma ce l’ho fatta.
I didn’t think I would manage it, but I did it.
“To Manage” vs. “to be Able to” in Italian
While riuscire expresses managing or succeeding in doing something, potere translates to “to be able to” or “can” and is used for general ability, permission, or potential.
- Riuscire is used when emphasizing success after an effort:
Dopo un’ora di tentativi, sono riuscito a risolvere il problema.
After an hour of trying, I managed to solve the problem.
- Potere is used to express general ability, capability, or permission:
Posso venire alla festa domani.
I can come to the party tomorrow.
Non posso uscire perché ho troppo lavoro.
I can’t go out because I have too much work.
