What Does "Il tempo scolpisce anche la roccia" Mean: Meaning, Origin and How to Use It to Speak Like a Native

If you're learning Italian, you will often come across proverbs and idioms that enrich the language. One of these is "Il tempo scolpisce anche la roccia". This Italian idiom captures a deep truth about perseverance and slow but relentless change. Understanding its meaning, origin, and usage will help you speak like a native, adding a touch of authenticity to your advanced vocabulary. You will discover how this simple phrase contains a great lesson about life.

Table of Contents

• What does "Il tempo scolpisce anche la roccia" mean?
• When and How to Use "Il tempo scolpisce anche la roccia"
• Real-Life Examples with "Il tempo scolpisce anche la roccia"
• Other Related Expressions
• Conclusion

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What does "Il tempo scolpisce anche la roccia" mean?

• Figurative meaning: Patience and perseverance, exercised over time, overcome any obstacle. Every effort, even a small but continuous one, leads to significant results in the long run. It indicates that difficult situations can change, or that people can improve, thanks to persistence.
• Literal meaning: Time alters and shapes even the hardest stones. It refers to the natural erosion caused by the elements that, slowly, shape rock formations. This observation from nature is the basis of the proverb. The term "roccia" itself, as also described by the Treccani dictionary, refers to a compact mineral mass, highlighting how difficult it is to change.
• Message: It's an invitation not to give up and to believe in the power of perseverance and gradual change.

More: Sotto il cielo di nessuno: What Does It Mean and How to Use This Common Italian Expression

When and How to Use "Il tempo scolpisce anche la roccia"

This proverb is used by people of all ages in Italy, often in contexts that require patience and trust in the future. It's a phrase with a wise and encouraging tone to imparare espressioni italiane.

• Who uses it: Young people and adults. It's a common proverb in the Italian language.
• Usage contexts: Situations of prolonged difficulty, long-term projects, complicated relationships, personal or professional challenges. It suits conversations about personal growth or overcoming obstacles.
• Tone: Reflective, encouraging, hopeful, sometimes consoling. It's used to instill confidence.
• Integration: It can be introduced with phrases like "Ricorda,..." or "Come si dice,..." for natural usage.

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Real-Life Examples with "Il tempo scolpisce anche la roccia"

Here are some practical examples to better understand when to use Il tempo scolpisce anche la roccia. These will help you understand espressioni con tempo and use them authentically.

• 📍 Context (e.g. study)

  • Marco: "Non riesco a imparare questa materia, è troppo difficile!"
  • Giulia: "Non preoccuparti, studia un po' ogni giorno. Ricorda: il tempo scolpisce anche la roccia."

• 📍 Context (e.g. work)

  • Anna: "Il progetto sembra bloccato, non vedo progressi."
  • Luca: "Sì, ma continuiamo a lavorare con costanza. Il tempo scolpisce anche la roccia."

• 📍 Context (e.g. personal)

  • Paolo: "Mio fratello non vuole proprio ascoltarmi. È impossibile cambiargli idea."
  • Sara: "Dagli tempo. Con pazienza, il tempo scolpisce anche la roccia."

• 📍 Context (e.g. recovery)

  • Doctor: "Ci vorrà un lungo percorso per la riabilitazione."
  • Patient: "Capisco. So che il tempo scolpisce anche la roccia."

Other Related Expressions

These espressioni idiomatiche italiane will help you express similar concepts, enriching your vocabolario avanzato.

Conclusion

"Il tempo scolpisce anche la roccia" is a powerful Italian proverb that teaches us the value of patience and perseverance to overcome any challenge. By integrating this espressione idiomatica italiana into your speech, you can express yourself more authentically.

To learn more about how to use Italian verb tenses correctly, you can check our guide on I Tempi Verbali: Un Viaggio nel Tempo della Lingua Italiana.

What is your experience with perseverance or with this proverb? Share your story in the comments below!