Learn the root and meaning of the Italian word ‘passeggiata’, and how the locals really use it… The Italian word ‘Passeggiata’ (from passo – to step, or pace) literally means ‘a walk’. As a verb, ‘to walk’, we use ‘passeggiare’. Present, past, and future tense: Oggi passaggio nel parco. Today, I walk in the park. […]
In Italy, food is at the heart and soul of every gathering, and sharing a meal with loved ones is an art form. But how can you describe the feeling afterwards? This word will help… Picture this: you’ve just devoured a hearty, Italian meal that leaves you feeling as lazy and content as a cat […]
In this edition of our bilingual feature, Tom Alberto Bull looks at the current crop of foreign sports stars enjoying their new lives in Italy… KEY WORDS Useful Italian words and phrases to add to your vocabulary Cibo meraviglioso Wonderful food Clima caldo Warm climate Gente simpatica Friendly people Imparare la lingua To learn the […]
Learn about the meaning and origin of the Italian word ‘menefreghismo‘, if you can be bothered… Menefreghista, or someone with menefreghismo, describes a couldn’t-care-less attitude. But it doesn’t just mean someone is laid back. It suggests a mindset of complete apathy or disinterest towards the concerns or opinions of others, skewing a little more negatively […]
Looking for a way to revitalise last night’s leftover veggies? This isn’t it. However, this Italian phrase might come in handy when describing your friend’s rekindled ‘relationship’… The Italian phrase “cavoli riscaldati” is an interesting idiom that literally translates to “reheated cabbage.” However, its meaning goes well beyond this literal translation. It is commonly used […]
‘Braccine corte‘ means ‘short arms’, but if someone tells you “Avere le braccine corte“, they’re not referring to the length of your appendages… The Italian phrase “Avere le braccine corte” is an interesting idiom that literally translates to “to have short arms.” However, if someone tells you this, they are not commenting on the length […]
Squeeze every last drop of flavour from your plate with the Italian tradition of “fare la scarpetta” “Fare la scarpetta” is a unique Italian phrase that embodies the country’s culinary and cultural traditions. The literal translation of the phrase is “do the little shoe,” but it’s used to describe the act of cleaning the plate […]
In this edition of our bilingual feature, Tom Alberto Bull invites you to a hand of Burraco, the card game that’s become all the rage in Italy KEY WORDS Useful Italian words and phrases to add to your vocabulary Fare il quarto/la quarta To make up a foursome Un gioco di carte A card game […]
Discover the meaning of magari, a useful word that can express your hopes, wishes, and desires… Magari is an Italian word that has no direct translation in English. It comes from the Greek word “makàrios“, which means a blessed or happy event. In Italian, “magari” is a versatile word that can be used to express a […]
In this edition of our bilingual feature, Tom Alberto Bull reports on the rise and – in hindsight at least, inevitable – fall of the Domino’s pizza chain in Italy, home of the handmade pizza Key words Useful Italian words and phrases to add to your vocabulary Cotta (cotto) alla perfezione Cooked to perfection Prosciutto […]