False friendEverydayItalian

Conveniente

Meaning: Actually means 'affordable', 'good value', or 'suitable'. È conveniente = It's a good deal.

Looks like: Convenient

Origin: From Latin convenire, 'to come together' — Italian took the 'fitting/worthwhile' sense; English took 'easy to use'.

More false friends — Everyday

  • Fart Actually means 'speed' or 'momentum'. Full fart = full speed ahead.
  • Semester Actually means 'holiday' or 'vacation'. A school semester is en termin.
  • Full Actually means 'drunk'. Jeg er full = I'm drunk — not full after a meal.
  • Jornal Actually means 'newspaper'. For a personal journal (diary), say diário.
  • Bekommen Actually means 'to receive' or 'to get'. To become is werden.
  • Rat Actually means 'advice' or 'counsel'. A rat (the rodent) is eine Ratte.

More Italian false friends

  • Morbido Actually means 'soft', 'gentle', or 'smooth'. Una voce morbida = a gentle, smooth voice.
  • 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.
  • Bravo Actually means 'good, skilled, well-behaved'. For brave, say coraggioso.
  • Camera Actually means 'room'. A camera (device) is una macchina fotografica.

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