Alzare vs. sollevare
While both 'alzare' and 'sollevare' mean 'to raise' or 'to lift' in Italian, they have subtle differences in usage and connotation.
Alzare
'Alzare' generally refers to raising something to a higher position, often with less effort or for less weight. It's commonly used for everyday actions or metaphorical uses.
Alza la mano se sai la risposta.
(Raise your hand if you know the answer.)
Ha alzato la voce durante la discussione.
(He raised his voice during the discussion.)
Alzare il volume della TV.
(To turn up the volume of the TV.)
Sollevare
'Sollevare' typically implies lifting something heavy or with more effort. It often suggests a complete lifting action, raising something from a lower to a higher position.
L'atleta sollevò il peso sopra la testa.
(The athlete lifted the weight above his head.)
Aiutami a sollevare questa scatola pesante.
(Help me lift this heavy box.)
La gru sollevò l'auto danneggiata.
(The crane lifted the damaged car.)
Summary
While 'alzare' is used for lighter, often metaphorical raising actions, 'sollevare' implies more effort and is typically used for physically lifting heavier objects. 'Alzare' is more common in everyday language, while 'sollevare' is often used in contexts requiring strength or mechanical assistance.