"Applicarsi a": meaning, use and useful sentences

Hello Italian language friends! Do you ever feel a bit lost with "phrasal verbs"? Those expressions that seem simple but hide a deep meaning? Today we will explore a very common and useful one for your practical Italian vocabulary: the verb applicarsi a. It is fundamental for communicating in Italian in a natural way, especially when talking about commitment and dedication. Learning Italian requires just this: applicarsi! In this article, you will discover the meaning of applicarsi a, its grammatical structure, how to use it in real contexts and you will avoid the most common mistakes. Are you ready to learn Italian more effectively?

Table of Contents

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

What does "Applicarsi a" mean?

• Literal meaning: To put effort and attention into an activity or study.
  • Example: "Il sarto si applica a cucire il vestito nei minimi dettagli."
• Figurative meaning: To dedicate oneself diligently and attentively to a difficult task or goal.
  • Example: "Se ti applichi di più allo studio, raggiungerai i tuoi obiettivi."

More: How to Use Aiutare a with Italian Examples for Natural Speaking

The Grammatical Structure: How is it Used?

The verb "applicarsi" is a reflexive verb and requires the preposition "a" to indicate the object or activity one is devoting oneself to.

The structure is:

• [Subject] + si (reflexive pronoun) + applica/applicano (verb) + a + [Noun / Pronoun / Verb in the infinitive form]

The reflexive pronoun ("mi, ti, si, ci, vi, si") must agree with the subject of the verb. The preposition "a" is fixed and introduces the element towards which the action of applicarsi is directed.

More: Alternare a Meaning and Practical Examples You Need

Sentences and examples with "Applicarsi a"

Here are some practical examples of how applicarsi a is used in natural conversation:

📍 Context: Family / School

Mom: "Federico, devi `applicarti` di più allo studio, la pagella non è buona."

Federico: "Lo so, mamma, cercherò di `applicarmi` di più nella prossima verifica."

📍 Context: Work / Projects

Colleague A: "Il nostro team deve `applicarsi` a fondo a questo nuovo progetto, è molto importante."

Colleague B: "Sì, siamo tutti pronti ad `applicarci` per raggiungere i risultati migliori."

📍 Context: Free time / Hobbies

Friend A: "Come fai a suonare così bene la chitarra?"

Friend B: "È solo questione di tempo e di `applicarsi` molto, tutti i giorni."

More: Ammontare a Meaning, Usage and Phrases Explained

Crucial Differences: Common Mistakes to Avoid

A common mistake is to confuse applicarsi a with the transitive verb applicare without the reflexive pronoun.

• Applicarsi a Vs. Applicare [something]

  Applicarsi a is a reflexive verb and means "to dedicate commitment to". It always requires the reflexive pronoun (mi, ti, si, ci, vi, si) and the preposition "a" to specify the object of the commitment.

  • Correct example: "Mi applico a imparare il cinese ogni giorno." (I dedicate commitment to learning Chinese)

  Applicare [something] is a transitive verb and means "to put or spread something on a surface" or "to put a rule/law into practice". It does not use the reflexive pronoun and does not take the preposition "a" to indicate the object to apply.

  • Correct example: "Devi applicare la crema sulla pelle secca." (You put the cream)
  • Correct example: "Dobbiamo applicare questa regola al nostro caso." (You put the rule into practice)

Another mistake is the use of wrong prepositions.

• Applicarsi a Vs. Applicarsi per

  Always remember that applicarsi requires the preposition "a" (or "in") to introduce the object of commitment. Applicarsi per is not correct in this context.

  • Correct example: "Il chirurgo si è applicato a svolgere l'operazione con la massima precisione."
  • Incorrect example: "Il chirurgo si è applicato per svolgere l'operazione."

Similar or related expressions

Conclusion

We hope that now the meaning and use of applicarsi a are much clearer! Remember: applicarsi a means putting effort and dedication into something, whether it's studying, working or a hobby. It is a reflexive verb that requires the preposition "a" or "in" and indicates a real "application" of one's energy. If you really want to improve your Italian, start to applicarvi consistently! Now it's your turn: try to build a sentence using applicarsi a in the comments below. What is the activity you apply yourself to the most?