False friendFeelingsItalian

Annoiare

Meaning: Actually means 'to bore'. Mi annoi = You're boring me — gentler than 'you're annoying me'.

Looks like: Annoy

Origin: From Latin inodiare, 'to make hateful' — Italian settled on boredom; English took irritation.

More false friends — Feelings

  • Morbido Actually means 'soft', 'gentle', or 'smooth'. Una voce morbida = a gentle, smooth voice.
  • Bra Actually means 'good'. Det är bra = That's good.
  • Slim Actually means 'clever' or 'smart'. Hij is slim = He's clever.
  • Stout Actually means 'naughty' or 'mischievous'. Een stoute jongen = a naughty boy.
  • Rolig Actually means 'calm' or 'quiet'. (Confusingly, in Swedish rolig means 'funny' — a false…
  • Déception Actually means 'disappointment'. For deception (a trick), say tromperie.

More Italian false friends

  • Firma Actually means 'signature'. Metti la tua firma = Put your signature here.
  • Magazzino Actually means 'warehouse' or 'storeroom'. A magazine (periodical) is una rivista.
  • Conveniente Actually means 'affordable', 'good value', or 'suitable'. È conveniente = It's a good dea…
  • Fattoria Actually means 'farm'. A factory is una fabbrica.
  • Fame Actually means 'hunger'. Ho fame = I'm hungry. For fame (renown), say fama.
  • Caldo Actually means 'hot' (or a hot broth). Cold is freddo.

Explore another collection: Compliments & Insults

Compliments and insults from around the world, from the sweet to the savage.

  • Sei una persona d'oro You're genuinely wonderful — kind, trustworthy, and precious to have in one's life.
  • Che spettacolo! You look absolutely stunning — a spontaneous burst of admiration for someone's appearance.
  • Che rompiscatole What an insufferable pest — someone who endlessly pesters and never lets you be.

Browse all compliments & insults →

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