Valentina Nicastro
Some Italian words are so similar to their English counterparts that you barely even need a translation. Take eliminare: it looks like “to eliminate,” it sounds like “to eliminate,” and yep, that’s pretty much what it means. eliminare But keep reading, because this verb has more nuances than you’d expect. The doctor might use it …
I’m working out at the gym (well, let’s pretend), when the person next to me starts talking. Just a little comment about how crowded it is, nothing wrong with that. But then come the details about their workout routine, their protein intake, their super-balanced diet. Oh, and a very thorough retelling of the time they …
There’s nothing like standing at the bar counter, waiting for our foamy cappuccino, when someone leans in and whispers La sai l’ultima? (Literally, do you know the latest?). And just like that, our morning routine becomes a lot more interesting! I know, I know: gossiping is not exactly a noble hobby. But let’s be honest, …
Popular tourist spots can come with a side of “unwanted attention,” and the streets of Rome or Florence are no exception: I’m talking street vendors who really (really!) want you to buy something, people placing a rose in your hand and then demanding payment for it before you can even say “no thanks.” Or even …
How does your colleague know you’re looking for a new job? Because your other colleague overheard a phone call. And how does half the office already know by lunchtime? Because news travels really fast when a ficcanaso is involved! ficcanaso Ficcanaso is a compound noun made up of two parts: the verb ficcare (to stick, …
Autostrada, sottopassaggio, lungolago: what do these three Italian words have in common (apart from the fact that you’ll likely spot them on road signs during your Italian road trip)? They are all nouns made up of two words fused together into one. In Italian, we call them parole composte — compound words. The adjective composto …