Annoiare

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

Language: Italian

Literally: annoy

Category: Feelings

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.

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