False friends in Italian! When learning Italian, it’s easy to get tricked by words that look just like English — but mean something completely different! These words are known as false friends, and they’re common traps for learners. While they might look friendly, they often lead to funny mistakes and misunderstandings.
In this article, you’ll find a list of the most common Italian-English false friends, with clear explanations and examples, so you can learn to spot them — and use them correctly.
🎭 What Are False Friends?
False friends are words that resemble those in another language but have different meanings. In Italian and English, they often come from Latin roots, which makes them look alike… but their meanings have drifted apart.
Understanding false friends can:
- Help you avoid common errors
- Improve your Italian vocabulary and comprehension
- Make your spoken and written Italian more natural
🔍 10 Common Italian False Friends You Should Know
1. Pretendere ≠ to pretend
Italian: pretendere = to demand or expect
❌ I pretend to be on time → “Pretendo di essere in orario” = I demand to be on time!
✅ Correct: Fingo di essere in orario
2. Attualmente ≠ actually
Italian: attualmente = currently
❌ Attualmente, I don’t like pizza = “Currently I don’t like pizza”
✅ Correct for actually: In realtà
3. Educato ≠ educated
Italian: educato = polite
✅ È molto educato = He’s very polite
To say “educated” → istruito / colto
4. Sensible ≠ sensibile
Italian: sensibile = sensitive
✅ È una persona sensibile = She’s a sensitive person
To say “sensible” → ragionevole
5. Libreria ≠ library
Italian: libreria = bookstore
✅ Compro libri in libreria = I buy books at the bookstore
“Library” = biblioteca
6. Eventualmente ≠ eventually
Italian: eventualmente = possibly, if needed
✅ Eventualmente ti chiamo più tardi = I might call you later
“Eventually” = alla fine
7. Morbido ≠ morbid
Italian: morbido = soft
✅ Questo divano è morbido = This couch is soft
“Morbid” = macabro
8. Camera ≠ camera
Italian: camera = room
✅ Camera da letto = bedroom
“Camera” (photo/video) = macchina fotografica / videocamera
9. Fabric ≠ fabbrica
Italian: fabbrica = factory
✅ Lavoro in una fabbrica = I work in a factory
“Fabric” = tessuto
10. Parenti ≠ parents
Italian: parenti = relatives
✅ Vado a trovare i miei parenti = I’m visiting my relatives
“Parents” = genitori
🧠 Learn Italian Through Mistakes (And Laughter)
False friends are a normal part of learning a language — and they can be a great way to remember vocabulary. Mistakes often stick in your mind more than rules do!
Try this:
Choose 3 of the false friends above and write a sentence in Italian using each one — correctly!
🔗 Learn More Italian With Us
Check out more articles to boost your Italian:
- Tips for Learning Italian Fast
- Learn Italian While Cooking
- Olly at Sanremo: Learn Italian with Music
📚 Final Thoughts
False friends can be confusing — but once you learn to recognize them, they become unforgettable. And they’ll help you avoid some funny mistakes! For all levels!
👉 Want to practice Italian in Milan? Come learn with us at Il Centro: Italian language and culture since 1986.