In English, there are many different words for the humble eggplant: aubergine (from the French), brinjal (South African and South Asian), guinea squash (Southern American) and finally melongene, the word used in the Caribbean. This last word sounds most like the Italian word for eggplant, which is melanzana (plural: melanzane). Although the melanzana is often categorised as a vegetable, it … [Read more...] about Italian Word of the Day: Melanzana (eggplant)
Italian Word of the Day
Italian Word of the Day: Casa (home / house)
They say that home is where the heart is, and this couldn’t be truer in Italy where family always comes first. There is one word in Italian that covers both the words “home” and “house” and that is casa (plural: case). When used on its own with the following verbs, the translation is always "home" rather than "house". andare a casa = to go homevenire a casa = to come hometornare a casa … [Read more...] about Italian Word of the Day: Casa (home / house)
Italian Word of the Day: Nonna (grandma)
What comes to mind when you imagine an Italian grandmother? For me, it is someone who is an excellent cook, won’t hesitate to tell you what she thinks, and has a deep love for her family. Not every Italian grandmother has these personality traits, of course, but I’ve met enough of them to know that there is a grain of truth to the stereotype! ;-) The standard word for ‘grandmother’ in Italian … [Read more...] about Italian Word of the Day: Nonna (grandma)
Italian Word of the Day: Grissini (breadsticks)
Breadsticks, or grissini as they are known in Italy, are a staple of the Italian diet. When I used to live in Turin, my mother-in-law would always make sure to put a full jar of grissini on the table, just in case Mat and I were feeling peckish before or after supper. Needless to say, we would always devour them in an instant! Interestingly it is said that Torino – or at least the Piemonte … [Read more...] about Italian Word of the Day: Grissini (breadsticks)
Italian Word of the Day – Amore (love)
Perhaps a seductive signore (gentleman) or sassy signorina (miss) has swept you off your feet. Or maybe you are simply a sucker for romance. Whatever your reasons for wanting to learn to express your romantic feelings in Italian, we are here to help you do it properly! Learn with this video: Amore The noun: amore (love) The Italian word for love is amore. Just like English, … [Read more...] about Italian Word of the Day – Amore (love)