Morbido

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

Language: Italian

Literally: morbid

Category: Feelings

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.

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