Common False Friends – A2 Level

There are many words in English that are similar to words in Italian! When we find these similar words, it makes learning English much easier! For example, in English we say film, like in Italian! We also say spectacular, like spettacolare, fantastic, like fantastico, and splendid, like splendido.

Unfortunately, not all words that sound similar have the same meanings. These words are called “false friends” and they can be very tricky! Some false friends have slightly different meanings while others can mean the exact opposite of what you want to say!

In order to help you make only true friends in English, we’ve compiled a list of common false friends that occur between English and Italian. Take a look to see if you have ever been tricked by these tricksters!

Cold – caldo

When it is cold, I need to wear a heavy jacket, thick socks, and a very warm scarf. It is cold in the fall and very cold in the winter.

Annoyed – annoiata

My little sister annoys me a lot! I always ask her to stop making sounds and playing music when I study but she never listens to me!

Brave – bravo

I don’t like to public speaking. I am very afraid when I give presentations in front of a lot of people, but I need to be brave and face my fears!

Morbid – morbido

My friend is very morbid. She likes to watch a lot of horror films and read scary stories!

Noisy – noioso

New York is a very noisy city. You can hear the sirens from ambulances all the time, even at night!