avviare

start

verb ahv-VYAH-reh Less Common

Origin: from 'a-' plus 'via' ('way')

Also means

launch

Usage Note

Avviare means to set something in motion, whether a business, a process, or a computer ('to boot up'). Its reflexive avviarsi means 'to set off' or 'to head somewhere'. Don't confuse it with iniziare, which is closer to plain 'begin'.

Examples

"Vogliono avviare una nuova attività."

Natural Translation

They want to start a new business.

Literal Translation

They-want to-start a new business.

Free starter pack

Building your Italian vocabulary?

Get the 100 most common Italian words as a free PDF — one email, no spam.

Related Words

Explore Italian by topic

ItalianNow

Essential Italian Travel Phrases (With Vorrei)

Vorrei means I would like — the politest, most useful Italian travel phrase. Learn five reusable frames to order, ask prices, and find your way in Italy.

June 5, 2026 5 min read

ItalianNow

Buongiorno, Ciao or Salve? Italian Greetings Made Easy

When in doubt, say salve and mirror the reply. Here's how to pick between buongiorno, buonasera, ciao and salve so your Italian greetings never sound rude.

June 5, 2026 5 min read

ItalianNow

Italian Restaurant Etiquette: Mistakes to Avoid

Skip the cappuccino after dinner, never put parmesan on fish, and learn the exact Italian phrases to order gracefully and avoid looking like a tourist.

June 5, 2026 5 min read

ItalianNow

Italian Hand Gestures: Meanings & When to Use

Italian hand gestures decoded: what the pinched fingers, cheek screw, and chin flick mean, which ones are safe to use, and the one gesture to never make.

June 5, 2026 6 min read