My 10 Favorite Italian Words Which You Cannot Translate Directly Into English
Every language has words that do not translate directly into English or any other language. Italian is no exception.
I always complain that the Italian media is borrowing English words and using them inappropriately all over the place. In the news, on social media, in advertising. You name it. English is up there and it gets worse by the day.
I always say that Italian words are perfectly adequate to express what people want to say and hear. But no, the trend is to have every broadcast peppered with English words. Here are some examples:-
- Weekend
- Meeting
- Serial killer
- Stalking
- Spending review
- Party (not the political one!)
- Selfie
I could go on and on.
Fortunately, the traffic is not all one way. Lots of Italian words have been borrowed by English speaking countries and they are mostly connected with food, music, or fashion. I wonder why!
- Al dente (for pasta which must not be overcooked but firm to the tooth)
- Cappuccino
- Espresso
- Latte
- Salami
- Trattoria
- Opera
- Influenza
- Fiasco
- Madonna (not the singer but a virgin revered in some religions)
- Lotto
- Replica
But what about those words in Italian that cannot be directly translated into English and which are not nearly as well known? But I love them and here are my top ten!
1. Abbiocco
We are starting again with food and no apologies for this as Italian food is stellar. Anyway, this word “abbiocco” is all about that pleasant drowsy feeling after a really good meal. There is no word for this in English so just try muttering it as you drift into a restful sleep. Nobody in Italy will mind and some will regard it as a compliment for their cooking.
2. Boh!
This is an exclamation and has various shades of meaning. It can express puzzlement when you want to reveal that you do not understand. How would I know? It can also have a longer meaning in that “you are annoyed at being asked such a question when the person knows that you could not possibly know!” Now trying saying that succinctly in English. You can’t, so just say “Boh”.
3. Furbo
This could roughly translate into “sly” or “devious” or even “crafty”. But the Italians have taken it a stage further. Depending on who or what you are talking about, add in a dose of admiration for how they pulled that one off. They also usually get away with it. Or you could use it to warn people that this might not be a wholly transparent deal as the person is “furbo”.
4. Ciofeca
Let’s get serious because this word is important. It describes a lousy, horrible, miserable coffee that may be too weak, too cold or just plain awful. There is no need to go into a detailed description. Why waste a lot of words in English on such a disaster? Just say the word “ciofeca” when that happens (rare, I must say) and be done with it.
5. Pantofolaio
Know anybody who rarely goes out, is pretty inactive (inside and outside the house), is lazy and loves being at home? You could translate it roughly as a stay at home person. As the word “pantofole” is the Italian word for slippers, this sums up the person nicely. You could also use the word “pantofolaio” which means a slipper maker or seller but you are not likely to meet many of them!
6. Faloppone
I often hear Italians referring to their politicians by using the word “faloppone”. This is a person who rarely gets things done but is full of plans and projects. These persons are full of themselves and will boast a lot about their achievements which are practically nil.
7. Gattara
This means cat lady so one thinks of a spinster or a workaholic female who has a few cats at home and has no time for romance. But in Italy, it always means this woman wanders the streets and feeds stray cats so she is definitely a person who really loves cats.
8. Meriggiare
There is a poem called “Meriggiare” by Eugenio Montale which I love. You can read the English translation here. There is a lot of discomfort here because the sun is hot. “Meriggiare” means to rest in the shade when it is very hot. Visit Italy in the summer and you will want to “meriggiare” a few times.
9. Magari
This has quite a few meanings. It can express the meaning of longing “If only it were true.” It can also mean “you bet” when you want to express happiness with a certain proposal. I can use it when I failed to get what I so desired as in the meaning “no such luck”, or “fat chance”. You can also use it to express doubt when it means “perhaps”. Best of all it can be used when giving diplomatic suggestions for cooking. You can use it at the beginning of the sentence “Magari un po piu di pepe” which means “maybe a little bit more pepper”.
The origin of the word “magari” comes from the Greek word “ makarie” which means those lucky folk that can.
10. Apericena
We will finish up with food. This word “apericena” goes beyond the word aperitif as it means that you can taste some samples of food before eating the real dinner (cena). You will notice that many bars offer them free of charge so that you might want a second or third drink. The apericena will do more than whet your appetite. It might even replace the dinner itself!
“BELLADONNA, n. In Italian a beautiful lady; in English a deadly poison. A striking example of the essential identity of the two tongues.” ― Ambrose Bierce, The Unabridged Devil’s Dictionary
