False friendEverydayItalian

Pretendere

Meaning: Actually means 'to demand' or 'to expect'. Pretende troppo = He demands too much.

Looks like: Pretend

Origin: From Latin praetendere — Italian kept 'to claim/demand'; English took 'to falsely appear'.

More Italian false friends

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

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