Learning a language is a journey full of surprises. And Italian is no exception. During classes and in books, you’ll often see words that look and sound like English terms but have completely different meanings. They are the so-called “false friends.” And if you use them incorrectly, your message will be misunderstood. Sometimes it might even change so much that it becomes almost comical!
Understanding these false friends is essential for any serious Italian learner. That’s why we wrote a breakdown of 15 common terms that have English speakers go “What the heck?”.
In English, you use “actually” to correct someone or clarify a point. In Italian, however, if you use “attualmente” you’re being a clock-watcher instead of an insightful person. That's because “attualmente” actually (yes, I did use it seriously in the sentence) means “currently.” And the correct translation? That’s “in realtà.”
What’s an “argument” if not a loud disagreement? Well, the Italian “argomento” definitely is not. Because it means “topic” or “subject.” That’s why, if you mistakenly tell someone you have an “argomento” to settle, they will be very confused. You should use “discussione” or “litigio” instead!
This is easy to mistake because it’s written the very same. However, no matter how much you want to take a picture, a “camera” in Italian is just a room. A bedroom if you want to be more specific. And unless you have some very fancy method that lets you use a bedroom to take a selfie, you might want to say “macchina fotografica” instead.
Are you an educated person? If so, you’d better use the word “istruzione” in Italian. That’s the correct way to talk about formal schooling and studies. If you use “educazione” people will think you’re talking about manners and upbringing!
These two words sound almost identical, but they live in different worlds. That’s because “eventually” means something will happen after some time passes, while “eventualmente” means that something will possibly happen. It’s all about contingency, not the inevitable passage of time. To get your meaning through, you should use “alla fine” instead.
Important information. If you’re in Italy, don’t walk into a “libreria” looking for a quiet desk and a free book. Walk into one if your goal is to actually buy books. Because that’s a bookstore. If you’re looking for a public library to camp out in, on the other hand, you should look for a “biblioteca.”
It’s quite a jump to go from your immediate family to your entire extended clan, but in Italian “parenti” refers to your relatives (cousins, aunts, grandparents, the whole lot) and not only to your mom and dad. Make sure not to invite your entire family tree when you only meant your parents. Use the word “genitori.”
The English language has a strange habit of turning a word that sounds like it should be negative or scary into a compliment. That’s why “terrific” is actually great. But in Italian, “terrificante” is literal. It means “terrifying” and that’s that. So, unless a meal or an activity was so bad it gave you nightmares, make sure to use “fantastico” instead!
The English “annoyed” means you are in a state of irritation, but “annoiato”? That’s the state of being bored because you have absolutely nothing to do. If you tell someone they make you “annoiato,” you’re basically telling them they are boring you to death (or sleep at least!). If you’re annoyed, make sure to use “infastidito.” It’s a better translation!
“Lettura,” in Italian, is just the act of reading a text. If a professor is giving a talk at a university, that is a “lezione.” Don’t go tell them that their “lettura” was fascinating, or it will sound like you’re impressed by their ability to read words from a page!
In English, a “machine” can be anything from a toaster to an industrial lathe. In Italian, however, the word “macchina” has been claimed by the automobile industry. If you talk about a machine in a factory using the word “macchina,” people will more likely wonder why you parked your car in the assembly line. You should stick to “macchinario” instead.
If you want to pretend something in Italian, the word “fingere” is your best friend. “Pretendere” (a common mistake English speakers make) is quite the opposite and means to demand something. Consider this: if you say “I pretend to be happy” then you’re just saying a simple lie, but if you “demand to be happy” it’s completely different, isn’t it?
In Italian, a “firma” is just a squiggly line on a paper, your signature. Definitely not the business you probably had in your mind. If you want to talk about it, a company or an office or a business in general, don’t say you work at a “firma.” Make sure to use “azienda” or “ditta” instead!
“Nervous” is a jittery, anxious feeling before a big event. The Italian “nervoso,” however, means being irritable or prone to snapping at people. If you want to say you’re anxious about something, “ansioso” is the word you’re looking for. Otherwise people might think that you’re about to start a fight.
When you say “casual” in English, you mean relaxed, comfortable, or informal. Hoever, if you get mistaken and say “casuale” in Italian, you’re referring to something random or happening by pure chance. When talking about clothing, you’d better use “informale” instead!
There’s no better place to learn it than surrounded by it every day in Italy!
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