Italian False Friends

A curated set of 12 false friends in Italian — literal translations, real meanings, and where each one comes from.

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• Caldo — Actually means 'hot' (or a hot broth). Cold is freddo. Literally: cold.
• Bravo — Actually means 'good, skilled, well-behaved'. For brave, say coraggioso. Literally: brave.
• Camera — Actually means 'room'. A camera (device) is una macchina fotografica. Literally: camera.
• Pretendere — Actually means 'to demand' or 'to expect'. Pretende troppo = He demands too much. Literally: pretend.
• Parente — Actually means 'relative'. A parent (mother or father) is un genitore. Literally: parent.
• Annoiare — Actually means 'to bore'. Mi annoi = You're boring me — gentler than 'you're annoying me'. Literally: annoy.
• Firma — Actually means 'signature'. Metti la tua firma = Put your signature here. Literally: firm (company).
• Magazzino — Actually means 'warehouse' or 'storeroom'. A magazine (periodical) is una rivista. Literally: magazine.
• Conveniente — Actually means 'affordable', 'good value', or 'suitable'. È conveniente = It's a good deal. Literally: convenient.
• Morbido — Actually means 'soft', 'gentle', or 'smooth'. Una voce morbida = a gentle, smooth voice. Literally: morbid.
• Fattoria — Actually means 'farm'. A factory is una fabbrica. Literally: factory.
• Fame — Actually means 'hunger'. Ho fame = I'm hungry. For fame (renown), say fama. Literally: fame.

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