In Italian there are some words that are written in the same way but carry different meanings. To convey the right meaning, it’s important that you learn to pronounce them with the right accent.
Let’s see eight of these words.
Ambito
If you put the accent on the first syllable, àmbito, you convey the meaning of area of interest or area of activity.
Ex: In ambito medico sono stati fatti molti passi avanti negli ultimi cent’anni.
Much progress has been made in the medical field in the past hundred years.
By contrast, if you pronounce it with the accent on the second syllable, ambìto, than you’re using the past participle of the Italian verb ambire, which means to yearn for something, to long for something.
Ex: E’ uno scapolo molto ambito
He’s a highly coveted bachelor
Ancora
If you pronounce this Italian word with the accent on the first syllable, àncora, you’re talking about an anchor.
Ex: Gettate l’ancora!
Drop the anchor!
If you place the accent on the second syllable, instead, ancòra, you’re saying again, still or yet.
Ex: L’ha fatto ancora!
He did it again!
Ex: Sei ancora qui?
Are you still here?
Ex: Non ho ancora mangiato
I’ve haven’t eaten yet
Principi
Another Italian word that can change its meaning according to where you put the accent is principi.
If you pronounce it with the accent on the first syllable, prìncipi, then you’re saying princes.
Ex: I principi arriveranno qui domani
Princes will be here tomorrow
By contrast, if you put the accent on the second syllable, you’re saying principles.
Ex: Quell’uomo non ha principi
That man has no principles
Desideri
If you pronounce this word with the accent on the second syllable, desìderi, you’re using either the second singular person of the present tense of the verb desiderare, to wish, or the third singular person of the present subjunctive of the same verb.
Ex: Dimmi cosa desideri e io te lo darò
Tell me what you desire and I’ll give that to you
Ex: Qualunque cosa lei desideri io gliela darò
I’ll give her whatever she wishes for/ I’ll give you whatever you wish for (Courtesy form)
If you pronounce desidèri with the accent on the third syllable, you’re saying the noun wishes.
Ex: Se qualcuno potesse esaudire tre dei tuoi desideri, cosa desidereresti?
If someone could fulfill three of your wishes, what would you wish for?
Capitano
If you put the accent on the first syllable, càpitano, you’re referring to the third plural person of the present tense of the verb capitare, to happen.
Ex: Purtroppo, succedono tante cose brutte in questo quartiere
Unfortunately, many bad things happen in this neighborhood
By contrast, if you put the accent on the third syllable, capitàno, you’re saying captain
Ex: Il capitano vi dà il benvenuto a bordo
The captain welcomes you aboard
Leggere
If you pronounce this Italian word with the accent on the first syllable, léggere, you’re saying the infinitive to read.
Ex: Non mi piace leggere
I don’t like reading
If you pronounce this Italian word with the accent on the second syllable, leggère, you’re saying not heavy, light.
Ex: Queste valigie sono molto leggere!
These suitcases are very light!
Perdono
If you put the accent on the first syllable, pèrdono, you’re using the third plural person of the present tense of the verb perdere, to lose.
Ex: Non so come facciano ma i miei figli perdono sempre tutto!
I don’t know how they do it, but my children always lose everything!
By contrast, if you put the accent on the second syllable, perdòno, you’re saying forgiveness.
Ex: Farò di tutto per ottenere il tuo perdono.
I’ll do anything to get your forgiveness.
Subito
The last Italian word on this list that changes its meaning according to where you put the accent is subito. If you pronounce it with the accent on the first syllable, sùbito, you’re saying immediately, right away.
Ex: Anna, non correre in mezzo alla strada, vieni subito qui!
Anna, don’t run in the middle of the road, come here right away!
If you’re pronouncing it with the accent on the second syllable, subìto, you’re saying the past participle of the verb subire, to suffer, to be subjected to.
Ex: Ho subito molte ingiustizie nella mia vita.
I’ve suffered many injustices in my life.
Do you know some other Italian words that can change the meaning according to where you put the accent? Which ones?
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Credits
Original image by Alexas_Fotos
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