When learning Italian it is important to remember that not all native language expressions translate directly into English. The main reason is that culture has a great influence on the vocabulary used in a particular country’s language. Want to know more? Below you will find some of the most important Italian words for which there is no exact equivalent in English.
1. Chewy
way of expression very chewy Literally “to the teeth”, it refers to spaghetti Pasta that is cooked to perfection, or more specifically, that remains firm after you bite into it. The term has been incorporated into English because we don’t have our own word for the concept.
If the pasta isn’t al dente, I don’t eat it.
I wouldn’t eat pasta if it wasn’t al dente.
2. Aperitif
aperitif Describes the custom, especially common in Milan, of having dinner in the form of buffet-style food or finger food, accompanied by drinks.the word itself is a combination aperitif (“appetizer”) and Senna (“dinner”).
Tomorrow we’ll have an aperitif at that place you liked so much.
Tomorrow we will open an apericena in that place you really like.
Imagine that you just had a big lunch and are sitting on the couch feeling so tired and comfortable that your eyes slowly start to close.Italians would describe this feeling as sink. In English, the most similar words are “food-coma” or “drowsiness”, but sink Softer and more seductive.
After eating the lasagna, I fell asleep!
After eating the lasagna, I fell asleep!
What a premonition! I better take a nap.
I feel very sleepy. I better take a nap.
precious is one of the basic words you need to know when speaking with native Italian speakers. In fact, you’ll hear this term a lot when they’re answering a question or commenting on what happened.
precious There is no literal translation, but it has different meanings depending on the tone and situation.when poch Pronounced quickly, it expresses doubt, similar to expressions such as “no clue” or “I don’t know” in English.
Do you know where Luca has gone? I have no idea! Try to see if he is in his room.
Do you know where Luca has gone? do not know! Go see if he’s in his bedroom.
enjoy your meal is a phrase of respect for the person who is about to eat.In English we don’t really have a counterpart unless you count French enjoy your food.
enjoy your meal!
Enjoy your lunch!
6. Cervical spondylosis
cervical spine It seems to be a uniquely Italian disease as it is known.Refers to a specific pain in the neck that occurs at the level of the cervical spine and is said to primarily affect Italians over 30 years old!
I have suffered from cervical spondylosis for ten years.
I’ve had neck pain (around the cervical spine) for ten years.
7. Air shot
Even if you’ve only lived in Italy for a short time, you’re sure to have been warned of the dire air shot. To avoid “being hit by the air”, which is a literal translation of the expression, Italians wear Health shirt (wool vest) and scarf (scarf) Never go out with wet hair during the colder months.
different from English words chillwhich is sometimes considered the best translation, blow air Include the cause of the illness (wind) and the resulting illness itself (cold, flu, stomach ache, etc.).
I take a breath.
ignite: I was blown sick by the wind.
8. Low back pain
here we have another word featuring blowyes, this is another disease. Witch’s Strike Literally “witch’s attack,” it’s an Italian word for sudden contractions of pain in the lower back area. The expression dates back to the Middle Ages, when witches who practiced black magic were believed to be able to immobilize men with a single touch.
How long does low back pain take to heal?
How long does low back pain take to heal?
9. Gatara
One Gatara is an older woman who lives with many people cat (Gatti) or feeding them every time she sees them on the street.
You are such a cat girl!
you real It’s an old cat girl!
Maybe Literally translated as Maybe in English.However, the meaning of the word in Italian goes beyond Maybe is used. indeed, let’s hope Can be used to express a desire for something, as in the English expression “I hope”. Depending on the context, it can be optimistic or pessimistic about this wish.
There is an unmissable concert tomorrow…maybe I can go!
There is a concert tomorrow that we absolutely cannot miss…maybe I can go!
do you have a good job Maybe…they paid me very little!
do you have a good job I wish…they paid me very little.
11. Careless
One carelesswhich comes from the expression I do not care (“I do not care”), is someone who shows indifference to what is being discussed. It always has a pejorative tone.
Paul is a careless man. He hasn’t finished his homework today.
Paul doesn’t care about anything. He hasn’t even finished today’s mission.
12. Mica
Mica Easily one of the hardest words for English speakers to learn how to use correctly, as it has multiple translations.when accompanied by male (good), which can mean “full”, as in the following example:
This pizzeria is nice.
This pizzeria is not bad at all.
However, on its own, it’s similar to the English “it’s not like… / it’s not as if…”
Please, I didn’t mean to.
Please, I didn’t mean to.
Sometimes it can even be used as a marker question, as in English “…isn’t it?” or “…isn’t it?”
They didn’t leave us? !
They’re not leaving us, are they? !
Surely they haven’t left us?
One Penikela Not just naps. Especially the kind of nap after lunch!
i don’t know about you but i took a nap.
I don’t know about you guys, but I’m going to take a nap (after lunch).
small shoes Literally means “little shoe”, but in the context of eating, it refers to scooping up leftover sauce from a plate with a slice of bread.
I made slippers…the sauce is too good to throw away!
I’m going to use this bread to rub the sauce…too good to throw away!
15. I love you
Italians separate their love for their romantic partners from the love they express to their parents, siblings, grandparents, nieces, nephews and friends. I love youwhich literally means “I want your favor”, is only used in the latter kind of love, and is rarely heard I love you out of the context of a romantic relationship.In other words, it is easier for Italians to form a friendship with someone: by writing I love you You’re implying that this person is just a friend, nothing more, and I love you It’s a declaration of love! (see our full comparison I love you and I love you it’s here.)
Here are some examples:
Mom, I love you!
Mom, I love you!
Giovanni, I love you, but I don’t love you.
I like you Giovanni a lot, but I don’t love you (in a romantic way).
I really love you.
I love you very much (platonic).
