Heather Broster
When describing something that has exceeded its normal dimensions, Italians often use the adjective gonfio (feminine: gonfia, plural: gonfi / gonfie). gonfio First and foremost, you can use it to describe something filled with air, in which case we’d generally use the adjective inflated in English. For example, an inflated balloon would be un palloncino …
In English, you’ve probably heard the expression “You’ve made your bed, now lie in it!” We use it whenever we want to tell someone, who is complaining, that they must accept or take responsibility for the unpleasant or unwanted results of something they have done. In Italian, there is a proverb that means exactly the …
In English, we often use the phrase “I wish…” to convey a strong desire or hope for something that is unlikely to happen or is impossible. In Italian, there isn’t a single direct translation for “I wish,” so we have to use a variety of alternative expressions that convey a similar meaning. Below you will …
Today we’re going to be looking at the Italian word secco, whose principal translation is dry in English. It comes from the Latin siccus of the same meaning. Because secco is an adjective, the ending changes in accordance with the gender and/or plurality of the subject: Broadly speaking, secco can refer to anything that lacks …
While happiness encompasses various definitions and remains profoundly subjective, one thing for sure is that it stands as the most potent emotion, one that truly makes life shine. This is precisely why, during moments of immense joy, having a repertoire of Italian phrases and sayings about happiness becomes invaluable for expressing how happy you are. …
Svago is a very useful Italian noun that refers the act of stepping away from a job or an occupation for the sole purpose of relaxation. Although we don’t have a noun in English that corresponds perfectly to svago, a few close translations include diversion, relaxation, distraction, recreation and leisure. The verb from which it …