Italian Word of the Day: Avventura (adventure)

The word for adventure in Italian is the similar-sounding avventura (feminine, plural: avventure)! Both words are based on the Latin term adventurus meaning ‘about to happen‘. Il nostro viaggio in Galles è stato un’avventura. Our trip around Wales was an adventure. Whereas in English, the significance of adventure is generally limited to an unusual, exciting …

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Italian Word of the Day: Ombra (shadow / shade)

Ombra (feminine, plural: ombre) is the word for both shadow (the dark shape cast behind an illuminated body) and shade (the darkness created by direct shelter from sunlight). In Italian, there is no real distinction between these two concepts. L’albero proiettava un’ombra sul marciapiede. The tree cast a shadow on the footpath. Mi sono seduto all’ombra …

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7 Different Ways to Say “Please” in Italian

In Italian, there are a number of different ways you can translate the word “please” depending on what you are asking, who you are addressing and the level of formality the situation requires. Expressions range from the semi-casual to the very formal, while others still are mostly reserved for writing. Below you can find the …

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Italian Word of the Day: Marzo (March)

Italian word "Marzo"

March marks the beginning of spring (primavera). The weather starts to warm up, flowers begin to bloom, and the days grow longer. Marzo is the third month (terzo mese) of the year according to the Julian and Gregorian calendars. As is the case with all months of the year, marzo isn’t capitalised in Italian as …

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Italian Phrase of the Week: Ce la faccio! (I can do it!)

If you are brimming with confidence before a difficult task or simply feel ready to take on any challenge the world throws your way, here is the perfect Italian phrase for you! 🙂 Ce la faccio! I can do it! Ce la faccio! is the way Italians say I can do it! It comes from …

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Italian Word of the Day: Succo (juice)

The Italian word succo (plural: succhi), meaning juice in English, comes from the Latin succus. An easy way to remember this word is to think of the term succulent (full of juice). It is closely related to the verb succhiare meaning to suck, presumably because at the time, people would suck on the fruit to …

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