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

Learning Italian also means mastering those expressions that make speech natural and fluent. Today we focus on a very common and useful phrasal verb: Aspirare a. This verb can be confusing, especially because of its dual nature. If you're wondering about the meaning of aspirare a or how to use aspirare a correctly, you're in the right place. In this guide, we'll explore its meaning, grammatical structure, see examples with aspirare a in real-life contexts, and discover mistakes to avoid so you can communicate confidently in Italian. Get ready to make your Italian vocabulary practical and precise!

Table of Contents

• What does “Aspirare a” mean?
• The Grammatical Structure: How is it Used?
• Sentences and Examples with “Aspirare a”
• Crucial Differences: Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Similar or Related Expressions
• Conclusion

What does “Aspirare a” mean?

• Literal Meaning: In an absolute sense, the verb "aspirare" (without the preposition "a") means "to suck," "to draw in air or liquids," like a vacuum cleaner.
  • Example: "Il bambino ha aspirato il succo con la cannuccia."
• Figurative Meaning: "Aspirare a" means "to strongly desire something," "to aim for a goal," "to aspire to a position or condition." It implies a deep desire and an effort to achieve a result.
  • Example: "Aspiriamo a una vita più serena e sostenibile."

More: How to Use Arrivare a Meaning and Practical Examples

The Grammatical Structure: How is it Used?

The grammatical structure of "aspirare a" is quite simple, but the preposition "a" is crucial for its figurative meaning.

• Formula: [Subject] + aspirare (conjugated) + a + [Noun] / [Verb in the infinitive]

The preposition "a" is fundamental. It introduces the objective, desire or goal towards which the subject is aiming. Without "a," the verb "aspirare" has a completely different meaning (the literal sense of "to suck in").

• Usage examples:
  • "Lui aspira al successo." (successo = noun)
  • "Noi aspiriamo a viaggiare di più." (viaggiare = infinitive)

More: Arrendersi a Meaning Usage Examples for Speaking Italian

Sentences and Examples with “Aspirare a”

Here are some examples of aspirare a used in real-life contexts to help you memorize its usage.

📍 Work

Person A: "Mario, a cosa aspiri nella tua carriera?"

Person B: "Aspiro a diventare un project manager entro cinque anni."

📍 Relationships

Person A: "Qual è il tuo sogno più grande per il futuro?"

Person B: "Aspiriamo a costruire una famiglia felice e serena."

📍 Studies

Person A: "Quali sono i tuoi obiettivi dopo la laurea?"

Person B: "Aspiro a fare un master all'estero per specializzarmi."

📍 Daily Life

Person A: "Cosa ti aspetti da questa nuova esperienza?"

Person B: "Aspiriamo a una migliore qualità della vita, lontano dal caos della città."

More: Approssimarsi a Meaning and Examples for Confident Usage

Crucial Differences: Common Mistakes to Avoid

The verb "aspirare" is a classic example of how a preposition can completely change the meaning of a verb. Let's look at the main mistakes to avoid.

• Aspirare (without 'a') Vs. Aspirare a

  • This is the most common mistake. The verb "aspirare" alone has a literal meaning linked to the act of "sucking in" or "breathing in." For a more in-depth look at the verb "aspirare" and its various meanings, you can consult the definition on Treccani.
  • Aspirare (without 'a'): To inhale, to suck in.
    • Example: "L'aspirapolvere aspira la polvere."
    • Example: "Il medico gli ha chiesto di aspirare profondamente."
  • Aspirare a: To strongly desire, to aim for.
    • Example: "Il team aspira a vincere il campionato."

• Aspirare a Vs. Desiderare

  • While "desiderare" is a general wanting, "aspirare a" implies a stronger desire often connected to a goal that requires commitment and effort.
  • Desiderare: To want or feel the need for something.
    • Example: "Desidero un caffè."
  • Aspirare a: To aim for a goal with commitment.
    • Example: "Aspiro a realizzare il mio progetto di start-up."

Similar or Related Expressions

To further enrich your vocabulary, here are some expressions that can have similar or related meanings to "aspirare a".

Conclusion

"Aspirare a" is an essential phrasal verb for expressing desires, ambitions, and goals in Italian. Always use the preposition "a" to distinguish the figurative meaning from the literal and to use it correctly in every context.

Now that you've understood the meaning of aspirare a and its nuances, try to build a sentence using this verb. Share in the comments what you aspire to!