The word idoneo in Italian is used to describe someone or something that is suitable, fit, appropriate or qualified for a given purpose. It derives from the Latin idonĕus of the same meaning. Being an adjective, the -o ending changes in accordance with the gender and/or plurality of the subject it describes. Idoneo is usually …
If you live outside of Italy – specifically in an English-speaking country such as America or the UK – you will undoubtably be familiar with Spaghetti Bolognese, that comforting pasta dish covered in flavoursome tomato sauce, delicious minced beaf, garlic, wine and herbs. Along with pizza, it is one of those classic dishes many perceive …
Ivy, which is known as edera in Italian, is an evergreen climbing plant (pianta rampicante) that thrives on walls, rocks and trees. The name comes from the Latin hedera. Edera is a feminine noun starting with a vowel, so it takes the following definite and indefinite articles: Edera velenosa is what Italians call poison ivy. …
At the stroke of midnight on December 31st, the new year will begin, bringing with it a whole new set of hopes, dreams, wishes, and challenges. The word for midnight in Italian is mezzanotte, which is the union of two words: mezzo (half or middle) and notte (night). The reason mezzo has become mezza is …
On New Year’s Eve, people all over the world ring in the new year by counting down the final ten seconds before the clock strikes midnight. In Italian, countdown is translated with three words: conto alla rovescia. Conto is a masculine noun that has various meanings including calculation, the check you receive at a restaurant, …
December, or dicembre in Italian, is the month in which winter (inverno) officially begins in the northern hemisphere. The days may be short and the weather variable, but it is certainly the most magical time to visit Italy thanks to the festive atmosphere. Some things that characterise Italy in December include elaborate nativity scenes (presepi) …