How to Use "Dichiarare a": Meaning and Practical Examples for Speaking Authentic Italian

If you are learning Italian, you may have noticed that some expressions can be a bit… tricky! Today we focus on a very useful and sometimes misunderstood phrasal verb: dichiarare a. It is not just a formal way to say "to tell", but it carries important nuances, especially when it comes to feelings or deep truths. In this guide, we will explore the meaning of dichiarare a, its grammatical structure, and provide you with examples with dichiarare a to help you use it correctly in natural speech. You will learn to communicate in Italian with more confidence and precision, avoiding the most common mistakes.

Table of Contents

• What does "Dichiarare a" mean?
• The Grammatical Structure: How Is It Used?
• Sentences and examples with "Dichiarare a"
• Crucial Differences: Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Similar or related expressions
• Conclusion

More: Destinare a Explained with Meaning and Practical Examples

What does "Dichiarare a" mean?

• Literal Meaning: To express or make known officially or openly a fact, an intention, or a feeling to someone. According to the Wikizionario, the verb "dichiarare" means "to make known, to manifest, to express openly".
  • Example: "Il testimone ha dichiarato il suo nome all'agente."
• Figurative Meaning: To reveal a deep feeling, especially love, to a person.
  • Example: "Finalmente le ha dichiarato il suo amore dopo anni."

More: Dedicarsi a: Meaning Usage and Essential Phrases in Italian

The Grammatical Structure: How Is It Used?

The basic structure for using this phrasal verb is:

[Subject] + dichiarare + [Something/Someone, direct object] + a + [Someone, indirect object]

Dichiarare is a transitive verb. This means it needs a direct object (what you declare) and an indirect object (to whom you declare it), introduced by the preposition "a". For example, you "dichiara un'idea a un amico" (declare an idea to a friend), or you "dichiara l'amore a qualcuno" (declare love to someone). The preposition "a" is essential to specify the recipient of the declaration, making the expression clear and complete. Understanding this structure is essential for using dichiarare a correctly.

More: Dare a Explained Meaning Usage and Common Phrases in Italian

Sentences and examples with "Dichiarare a"

Here are some practical examples of how dichiarare a is used in different real-life situations:

📍 Love / Relationships

Persona A: "Credi che sia facile **dichiarare il proprio amore a** qualcuno?"

Persona B: "No, è sempre un passo importante e spaventoso!"

📍 Official / Legal

Persona A: "L'imputato deve **dichiarare la sua versione a** un giudice?"

Persona B: "Sì, è obbligato per legge."

📍 Friendship / Truth

Persona A: "Finalmente ho deciso di **dichiarare tutta la verità a** Marco."

Persona B: "Era ora! Si meritava di saperlo."

📍 Intentions / Goals

Persona A: "Il capo ha dichiarato i suoi obiettivi per l'anno prossimo a tutto il team."

Persona B: "Ottimo, almeno sappiamo cosa aspettarci."

Crucial Differences: Common Mistakes to Avoid

A common point of confusion for Italian learners using dichiarare a is the difference between the transitive and reflexive use of the verb.

• Dichiarare a (Something to Someone) Vs. Dichiararsi (to Someone)
  • Dichiarare a (Something to Someone): Indicates the action of openly expressing something (a feeling, a fact, an intention) to someone. The focus is on the object of the declaration.
    • Example: "Voleva dichiarare il suo piano a tutti i soci." (Focus on the plan being declared)
  • Dichiararsi (to Someone): This is a reflexive verb meaning 'to reveal one's feelings of love' (or in a more general context, one's identity or position) to someone. The focus is on the subject revealing themselves, often in an emotional confession.
    • Example: "Dopo mesi di attesa, finalmente si è dichiarato a lei." (Focus on the person revealing themselves and their feelings)
  • Although "dichiarare il proprio amore a qualcuno" and "dichiararsi a qualcuno" have a very similar meaning in a romantic context, the grammatical structure is different. "Dichiarare a" always requires a direct object (e.g., "il suo amore"), while "dichiararsi" does not require it in this sense and uses the reflexive form of the verb, making it a form of useful Italian phrasal verbs for expressing emotions.

Similar or related expressions

To enrich your practical Italian vocabulary, here are some expressions that have a similar meaning or are related:

Conclusion

Congratulations! You now have a deeper understanding of how to use dichiarare a in Italian. This phrasal verb is an excellent example of how natural Italian speech can convey precise and important meanings, from the simple statement of a fact to the revelation of a deep feeling. Remember its structure with the direct object and the preposition "a" for the recipient, and pay attention to the difference with the reflexive form "dichiararsi". Using this verb correctly will help you express yourself with greater authenticity and precision, improving your Italian grammar B1 and beyond.

Now it’s your turn! To put into practice what you have learned and consolidate your knowledge, write a sentence in the comments below using the expression "dichiarare a" in a context you like or find useful. We look forward to reading your examples!