When learning a foreign language, it’s easy to fall into the trap of false friends – words that look similar in two languages but have very different meanings.
Although English and Italian share many words, they also have several false friends (falsi amici) that can be misleading, especially when translating. Here are some of the most common ones.
The Most Common False Friends
1. Actually ≠ Attualmente
In English, actually means in reality, in fact.
Example:
Actually, I don’t like coffee. → In realtà, non mi piace il caffè.
On the other hand, the Italian word attualmente means currently.
2. Educated ≠ Educato
In English, educated means having received an education, someone who has studied.
Example:
She is highly educated. → È molto istruita.
The Italian educato, however, means polite and translates as polite in English.
3. Pretend ≠ Pretendere
To pretend means to fake, to make believe.
Example:
The child pretended to be asleep. → Il bambino ha fatto finta di dormire.
In contrast, the Italian pretendere means to demand.
4. Library ≠ Libreria
A library is a place where you borrow books (biblioteca in Italian).
Libreria, where you buy books, translates as bookshop or bookstore.
5. Sensible ≠ Sensibile
Sensible means reasonable, having good judgment.
Example:
That’s a sensible decision. → È una decisione sensata.
The Italian sensibile translates as sensitive in English.
6. Lecture ≠ Lettura
A lecture can refer to a university lesson or even a scolding.
Example:
He gave a lecture on economics. → Ha tenuto una lezione di economia.
The Italian lettura, meaning the act of reading, translates as reading.
7. Discussion ≠ Discussione
In English, discussion refers to a debate or exchange of ideas.
Example:
We had a discussion about politics. → Abbiamo avuto un dibattito sulla politica.
The Italian discussione, meaning an argument or fight, is translated as argument in English.
8. Confidence ≠ Confidenza
Confidence means self-assurance, trust.
Example:
She spoke with confidence. → Ha parlato con sicurezza.
The Italian confidenza doesn’t have a direct translation but is close to closeness or familiarity—knowing someone well and being informal or intimate with them.
9. Morbid ≠ Morbido
Morbid means macabre, obsessed with death or illness.
Example:
He has a morbid fascination with crime stories. → Ha una morbosa fascinazione per i racconti di crimini.
Morbido, in Italian, simply means soft.
What about you? Did you already know these false friends? Have you come across any other surprising ones? Share them with us!
If you’re curious about some of the most common idiomatic expressions in Italian (and what they really mean), take a look at our dedicated article.
