provarci
to hit on / to make a move
Advanced Verb
🔊
Pronunciation
/pro.ˈvar.tʃi/
💡
Cultural Note
Provarci (literally 'to try at it') is essential Italian dating vocabulary. 'Ci ha provato' (he tried it on) is how Italians describe someone making a move. It's colloquial but not vulgar, and it's used constantly among friends dissecting a night out. The phrase carries a certain forgivable boldness — trying is expected, even if you fail.
📝 Example Sentences
Ci ha provato con me tutta la sera.
He was hitting on me all evening.
Non ci provare, ho già il ragazzo.
Don't try it, I already have a boyfriend.
Provaci, al massimo ti dice di no!
Go for it, the worst she can say is no!