Language is a beautiful means of communication, allowing people from different cultures and backgrounds to connect. However, sometimes it can be a treacherous path, filled with unexpected pitfalls.
One such challenge is the existence of false friends, words that appear similar in different languages but have entirely different meanings.
In this blog post, we’ll explore some common false friends between Italian and English, uncovering the linguistic traps that await the unwary traveler.
1. “Actual” vs. “Attuale”
Let’s start with a devious duo that often trips up Italian learners of English.
While the English word “actual” implies something real or existing, its Italian counterpart attuale actually means “current” or “present”.
So, when an Italian says, È attuale (It is current), they don’t mean that it is genuinely real, but rather that it is up-to-date or relevant.
2. “Parent” vs. “Parente”
In English, “parent” refers to a mother or father. However, in Italian, parente means a relative or family member.
So, if an Italian speaker talks about their parenti (plural of parente), they are not discussing their immediate family but rather their extended relatives.
It is a mistake that Italian speakers do quite often, referring to “parents” when they in fact mean relatives.
3. “Camera” vs. “Camera”
Be cautious when discussing photography or technology with Italian speakers.
In English, the word “camera” refers to a device used to capture images. However, in Italian, camera means a room or a chamber.
So, if you ask an Italian tourist to take a picture using their camera, they might mistakenly assume you’re requesting access to their hotel room.
4. “Exit” vs. “Esito”
A false friend that can lead to miscommunication in critical situations is “exit”. It’s true that Italians like to add unnecessary vowels to English words, but esito it’s not just an exit plus an o at the end.
In English, it means a way out or a departure. However, in Italian, esito means the outcome or result of something.
So, while an English speaker might say, “I’m looking for the exit”, an Italian speaker using esito would be expressing their interest in the outcome of a particular situation.
5. “Library” vs. “Libreria”
Bibliophiles, beware! The word “library” in English refers to a place where books are stored and can be borrowed.
However, in Italian, libreria means a bookstore. So, if you’re in Italy and looking for a quiet place to read, don’t expect to find it in a libreria.
6. “Sensible” vs. “Sensibile”
In English, “sensible” means having good judgment or practicality. However, in Italian, sensibile translates to “sensitive” or “emotional”.
So, if an Italian speaker says they are sensibile, they are referring to their emotional nature rather than their practicality.
7. “Casual” vs. “Casuale”
In English, “casual” refers to something relaxed or informal. On the other hand, in Italian, casuale means “random” or “by chance”.
Thus, if an Italian speaker uses casuale, they are describing something that happened unexpectedly rather than its level of formality.
8. “Parent” vs. “Parete”
While “parent” in English means mother or father, in Italian, parete translates to “wall”.
So, if an Italian mentions pareti, they are talking about the walls of a building and not their family members.
9. “Assist” vs. “Assistere”
In English, “assist” means to help or support someone. However, in Italian, assistere means to attend or be present at an event.
Therefore, if an Italian says they will assistere to a meeting, they mean they will attend, not necessarily offer assistance.
10. “Sympathy” vs. “Simpatia”
In English, “sympathy” denotes understanding or compassion towards someone’s difficulties.
In Italian, simpatia refers to friendliness or likability. So, when an Italian speaker uses simpatia, they are referring to someone’s affable personality rather than expressing empathy.
11. “Fabric” vs. “Fabbrica”
In English, “fabric” refers to a material used for making clothes. In Italian, fabbrica means “factory”.
So, if an Italian says they work in a fabbrica, they mean they are employed in a factory, not a textile shop.
Conclusion
False friends can be linguistic traps that catch even the most experienced language learners off guard.
The examples we’ve explored between Italian and English demonstrate how similar-looking words can have entirely different meanings, leading to confusion or unintended humor.
It’s crucial to be aware of these false friends and approach language learning with an open mind, embracing the nuances and subtle differences that make each language unique.
So, the next time you find yourself conversing in Italian or English, tread carefully and enjoy the journey of unraveling the true meanings behind these false friends. Buona fortuna and good luck!