Italian Word of the Day: Abbiocco (drowsiness)

We’ve all experienced it — that drowsy sensation that sneaks up on you after a large meal. One minute you’re chatting and laughing with friends and family, and the next, you’re slumped back on the couch, struggling to keep your eyes open. Italians have a special word for the fit of drowsiness that occurs after …

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How to Say “Bauble” in Italian – Pallina

The word pallina (feminine, plural: palline) in Italian is the diminutive form of the word palla meaning ball. Normally it would translate as little ball but in the context of Christmas, it can also be used to describe baubles that you hang on the Christmas tree. To specify that you are talking about Christmas baubles …

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Italian Word of the Day: Brindisi (toast)

A call to a group of people to raise their glasses in honour of a person, thing, or event is called a brindisi (masculine, plural: brindisi) in Italian – or a toast in English. Although the word is Italian, it derives from an old German phrase that was used to introduce a toast: (ich) bringe …

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How to Say “New Year’s Day” in Italian – Capodanno

Today’s word of the day is part of our Italian Christmas Word Advent Calendar series. Each day throughout December, we’ll post a word that is related to the holiday season. Enjoy! The first day of the new year is known as Capodanno in Italian. It is composed of two words: capo (meaning head or top) and anno …

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How to Say “New Year’s Eve” in Italian – La Notte di Capodanno

Today’s word of the day is part of our Italian Christmas Word Advent Calendar series. Each day throughout December, we’ll post a word that is related to the holiday season. Enjoy! La Notte di Capodanno (New Year’s Eve) corresponds to the night between December 31st and January 1st. La Notte di Capodanno is also known as la …

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Italian Word of the Day: Fuochi d’Artificio (fireworks)

Today’s word of the day is part of our Italian Christmas Word Advent Calendar series. Each day throughout December, we’ll post a word that is related to the holiday season. Enjoy! The word for fireworks in Italian is made up of two terms: fuochi which means fires (singular: fuoco) and artificio meaning artifice (plural: artifici). Setting off …

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