What are some common false friends between Italian and English
False friends when learning Italian: What are some common false friends between Italian and English
Some common false friends between Italian and English are words that look similar but have different meanings, which can lead to confusion for learners of either language. Here are several notable examples:
- “Actuale” (Italian) vs. “Actual” (English): “Actuale” means “current” or “present” in Italian, while “actual” in English means “real” or “true.”
- “Educato” (Italian) vs. “Educated” (English): In Italian, “educato” means “polite” or “well-mannered,” whereas “educated” in English refers to having received schooling or knowledge.
- “Libreria” (Italian) vs. “Library” (English): “Libreria” means “bookstore” in Italian, but “library” in English means a place where books are lent.
- “Sensible” (Italian) vs. “Sensible” (English): The Italian “sensibile” means “sensitive,” while English “sensible” means “practical” or “reasonable.”
- “Morbid(o)” (Italian) vs. “Morbid” (English): In Italian, “morbido” means “soft,” but “morbid” in English refers to something related to disease or unhealthy interest in death.
- “Fattoria” (Italian) vs. “Factory” (English): “Fattoria” means “farm,” unlike the English “factory,” which is a manufacturing building.
- “Parenti” (Italian) vs. “Parents” (English): “Parenti” refers to “relatives” in Italian, not just “parents” (mother and father) as in English.
These are examples where the similarity can invite misunderstanding, so language learners should be cautious with these terms.