Italian Phrase
Il successo è raggiungere i tuoi obiettivi.
Meaning
This phrase offers a straightforward and empowering definition of success. It emphasizes that true success isn't just about external validation or material wealth, but about the personal fulfillment derived from accomplishing what you set out to do. It highlights the active process of 'reaching' or 'achieving' rather than passively 'having'.
When to use
This phrase is commonly used in motivational contexts, personal development discussions, or when reflecting on one's achievements and aspirations. It's suitable for encouraging others, defining personal values, or explaining what success means to you in a clear and concise manner.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Il successoèraggiungerei tuoi obiettivi
Il successo
'Il' is the masculine singular definite article ('the'). 'Successo' is a masculine noun meaning 'success'. In Italian, nouns almost always require an article.
è (essere)
'È' is the third-person singular conjugation of the verb 'essere' (to be). It connects the subject 'il successo' to the predicate 'raggiungere i tuoi obiettivi'.
raggiungere
This is an infinitive verb meaning 'to reach' or 'to achieve'. In Italian, an infinitive can function as a noun, similar to a gerund in English (e.g., 'swimming is fun'). Here, it acts as the core of the definition of success.
i tuoi obiettivi
'I' is the masculine plural definite article ('the'). 'Tuoi' is the masculine plural possessive adjective ('your'). 'Obiettivi' is the masculine plural noun for 'goals' or 'objectives'.
🗨In Conversation
Cosa significa per te il successo?
What does success mean to you?
Per me, il successo è raggiungere i tuoi obiettivi.
For me, success is achieving your goals.
✕Common Mistakes
Il successo è avere i tuoi obiettivi.
While 'avere' means 'to have', 'raggiungere' (to achieve/reach) is the correct verb here to convey the active process of accomplishing goals, not just possessing them.
Il successo sono raggiungere i tuoi obiettivi.
The subject 'Il successo' (success) is singular, so the verb 'essere' (to be) must be conjugated in the third person singular: 'è'.
↔Alternatives
Il successo è realizzare i tuoi sogni.
Success is realizing your dreams.
Il successo consiste nel raggiungere i propri scopi.
Success consists of achieving one's own aims.
Il successo è la realizzazione dei tuoi obiettivi.
Success is the realization of your goals.
Cultural Tip
In Italian culture, while external markers of success like career and family are valued, there's also a strong appreciation for personal fulfillment and passion. This phrase resonates with the idea that success is deeply personal and tied to one's own efforts and aspirations, rather than solely conforming to societal expectations. It's a common sentiment in motivational speeches and self-help literature.