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Firma

Meaning: Actually means 'signature'. Metti la tua firma = Put your signature here.

Language: Italian

Literally: firm (company)

Category: Everyday

Origin: From Latin firmare, 'to confirm' — a signature confirms; Italian keeps this sense.

More false friends — Everyday

  • Conveniente — Actually means 'affordable', 'good value', or 'suitable'. È conveniente = It's a good dea…
  • 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.

More Italian false friends

  • Magazzino — Actually means 'warehouse' or 'storeroom'. A magazine (periodical) is una rivista.
  • 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.

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