As you’re learning Italian, you’ll quickly notice many words that look similar to English. This is thanks to both languages sharing Latin roots. These words, known as cognates, can be helpful because they look and sound familiar. However, not all similar-looking words share the same meaning! Some words, called false cognates or false friends, might appear identical in both languages but have completely different meanings.
In this blog post, I’ll explore some common false cognates in Italian and English to help you avoid confusion. Understanding these false friends is crucial for you to communicate accurately and avoid misunderstandings.
1. Attualmente vs. Actually
This is one of the most common false cognates between English and Italian. The Italian word “attualmente” does not mean “actually” in the English sense of the word. Instead, it means “currently” or “at present”.
Example
Attualmente vivo a Roma.
I currently live in Rome.
In contrast, the English word “actually” is translated as “in realtà” in Italian.
Example:
In realtà, sono nato a Milano.
Actually, I was born in Milan
2. Pretendere vs. To pretend
The Italian verb “pretendere” looks like the English verb “to pretend,” but their meanings are completely different. “Pretendere” means “to demand” or “to expect”, while “to pretend” in English translates to “fingere” in Italian.
Example:
Pretendo una risposta immediata.
I demand an immediate answer.
Example:
I bambini fingono di essere supereroi.
Children pretend to be superheroes.
3. Fattoria vs. Factory
Although “fattoria” and “factory” look very similar, they are false cognates. “Fattoria” in Italian means “farm”, while the English word “factory” is translated as “fabbrica” in Italian.
Example:
Mio nonno ha una fattoria con molti animali.
My grandfather has a farm with many animals.
Example:
La nuova fabbrica produce automobili.
The new factory produces cars.
4. Sensibile vs. Sensible
The Italian adjective “sensibile” does not mean “sensible” as it does in English. In Italian, “sensibile” means “sensitive”, while the English word “sensible” is translated as “ragionevole” or “sensato”.
Example:
È una persona molto sensibile e si emoziona facilmente.
She is a very sensitive person and gets emotional easily.
Example:
È sensato risparmiare denaro per il futuro.
It is sensible to save money for the future.
5. Conveniente vs. Convenient
The Italian word “conveniente” and the English word “convenient” are often confused because they look so similar. However, “conveniente” in Italian means “affordable” or “a good deal,” while “convenient” in English translates to “comodo” or “pratico” in Italian.
Example:
Questo supermercato è molto conveniente.
This supermarket is very affordable.
Example:
La nuova stazione della metro è molto comoda.
The new metro station is very convenient.
6. Educato vs. Educated
In Italian, “educato” refers to someone who is “polite” or “well-mannered”, not “educated” in the academic sense. If you want to say “educated,” you should use “istruito” or “colto” in Italian.
Example:
Giulia è una ragazza molto educata.
Giulia is a very polite girl.
Example:
Marco è una persona molto istruita.
Marco is a very educated person.
7. Attendere vs. To attend
The Italian verbs “attendere” “to attend” are definitely false cognates. Indeed, “attendere” means “to wait”, while “to attend” can mean to “to be present at or to go officially to a place”. If you want to say “to attend” in Italian, the correct word is “partecipare or frequentare”, according to the meaning you want to convey.
Example:
Attenda un momento qui, per cortesia.
Wait a moment here, please.
Examples:
Parteciperò alla conferenza la prossima settimana.
I will attend the conference next week.
Anna frequenta una prestigiosa università in Italia.
Anna attends a prestigious university in Italy.
8. Libreria vs. Library
One of the most common false cognates for English speakers learning Italian is “libreria”. It looks like “library,” but “libreria” in Italian means “bookstore”. The correct Italian word for “library” is “biblioteca”.
Example:
Vado in libreria a comprare un nuovo libro.
I’m going to the bookstore to buy a new book.
Example:
Studio sempre in biblioteca.
I always study at the library.
9. Parente vs. Parent
The Italian word “parente” can cause confusion because it looks like “parent” in English. However, “parente” in Italian means “relative”. If you’re talking about parents (mother and father) in Italian, you would use “genitori”.
Example:
I miei parenti vivono a Firenze.
My relatives live in Florence.
Example:
I miei genitori sono in vacanza.
My parents are on vacation.
10. Eventualmente vs. Eventually
“Eventualmente” and “eventually” are false cognates because “eventualmente” in Italian means “possibly” or “if necessary”, indicating something that may or may not happen. By contrast, “eventually” in English means “finally” or “in the end”, indicating something that will happen after some time or delay.
Example:
Eventualmente possiamo incontrarci domani, se oggi non riesci.
We can possibly meet tomorrow, if you can’t today.
Example:
Dopo un lungo viaggio, alla fine siamo arrivati all’hotel.
After a long journey, we eventually arrived at the hotel.
How to Avoid Confusion with False Cognates
Learning false cognates (false friends) can be tricky, but there are several ways you can minimize confusion:
a. Learn Common False Cognates
Make a list of the most common false cognates in Italian and English. Knowing them ahead of time will save you from making common mistakes when speaking or writing in Italian.
b. Practice with Examples
Make sure you practice using these false friends in context. Write down sentences or try to use them in conversations with your language partner. For example:
c. Pay Attention to Context
If you encounter a word that looks familiar but doesn’t seem to fit the context, check the dictionary. False cognates can often lead to misunderstandings, but the context will usually provide clues.
d. Ask a Native Speaker
When in doubt, ask a native Italian speaker for help. They can give you the proper usage of a word and might even share a few other false friends that could be helpful for you to learn.
False cognates, or false friends, are one of the challenges of learning Italian as a second language. However, mastering these false friends is an important step toward fluency. Keep practicing, and remember that learning a language is not just about grammar and vocabulary but also about understanding the nuances that make it unique.
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