Italian Word of the Day: Graffiti (writing on walls)

An Italian word that has an established place in the English language is graffiti which specifically refers to writing or drawings on public walls, usually done without permission and as a form of artistic expression. In English, graffiti is almost always used as if it were a mass noun but in Italian, you will encounter …

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Italian Word for “Eggplant” – Melanzana

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 …

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How to Say “House / Home” in Italian – Casa

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 (feminine, plural: case). When used on its own with the following verbs, the translation is always …

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Italian Word of the Day: Grissino (breadstick)

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, …

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What does “amore” mean? – The Italian word for “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 how to express your romantic feelings in Italian, we are here to help you do it properly! The meaning of amore – The noun …

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