Italian Word of the Day: Imbranato (clumsy / awkward)

A colloquial adjective for someone whose behaviour or movements are clumsy is imbranato in Italian. The corresponding feminine form is imbranata whereas the respective plurals are imbranati (m) and imbranate (f). Learn with our video The word is thought to derive from the Venetian imbranà (imbrigliato in Italian) which literally translates as harnessed or tightened …

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Italian Word of the Day: Furbo (cunning / clever)

The adjective furbo in Italian is used to describe a person who is good at avoiding deception and traps, getting out of dangerous situations, or working a situation to his or her advantage. In English, you could describe such a person as cunning / sly / crafty if you are being critical of them, or …

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Italian Word of the Day: Gratificante (rewarding)

The word gratificante in Italian can translate as rewarding, gratifying, satisfying or fulfilling. It is almost always used in reference to a job, activity or relationship that provides satisfaction and pleasure. Learn with our video Gratificante comes from the verb gratificare meaning to be rewarding or to be gratifying, but also to compensate when talking …

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Italian Word of the Day: Stonato (out of tune / tone-deaf)

The adjective stonato comes from the verb stonare which means to sing / play out of tune. The feminine equivalent is stonata and their respective plurals are stonati and stonate. Stonato can be used to describe a naturally tone-deaf person, a professional singer whose voice is off-key or flat for some reason, or a musical …

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Italian Word of the Day: Affascinante (fascinating / attractive)

The Italian adjective affascinante, which can translate in a number of ways including fascinating and attractive, comes from the verb affascinare meaning to fascinate. Learn about ‘affascinante’ with our video The singular form is always affascinante and the plural form is always affascinanti regardless of the gender of the subject. When used to describe a …

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Italian Word of the Day: Balordo (stupid / foolish)

Balordo is one of those fun Italian adjectives that you will rarely see in a textbook, but comes up all the time in casual conversation between native speakers. Its etymological origin has not been confirmed. It may derive from the French balourd, which in turn comes from the ancient French beslourd. Learn with our video …

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