False friendFeelingsItalian

Morbido

Meaning: Actually means 'soft', 'gentle', or 'smooth'. Una voce morbida = a gentle, smooth voice.

Looks like: Morbid

Origin: From Latin morbidus — the English 'morbid' came via the 'diseased/unhealthy' path; Italian took the 'soft' meaning.

More false friends — Feelings

  • 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.
  • Disgusto Actually means 'displeasure', 'upset', or 'trouble'. For disgust (revulsion), say asco.

More Italian false friends

  • 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.
  • Pretendere Actually means 'to demand' or 'to expect'. Pretende troppo = He demands too much.

Explore another collection: Idioms

Colorful expressions from dozens of languages, with their word-for-word translations.

  • alle corde In a desperate or losing position, cornered.
  • mela marcia A person who is corrupt or morally bad and whose influence damages those around them.
  • toccare il fondo To reach the lowest point of degradation or despair; to hit rock bottom.

Browse all idioms →

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