Word of the Day

The Italian expression senz’altro (sehn-tzal-troh) is a widely used phrase that translates to “certainly,” “of course,” or “without a doubt” in English. It is a way to affirm something with confidence and conviction, often implying an immediate or unquestionable response. …

The Italian word malanno  (mah-lahn-no) is an interesting and versatile term with layers of meaning and cultural significance. Its most common translation into English is “ailment” or “illness,” but its usage often extends beyond physical sickness to include mishaps, misfortunes, …

Today’s word is parlantina(pahr-lahn-tee-nah) and, just like our title says, if you”have it” or are with someone who does, you are likely to never get bored.  This is because parlantina refers to a person’s ability to speak fluently, often with …

The Italian word aggeggio (A-dje-djo) is a delightfully versatile term that refers to a gadget, contraption, or small device, often of uncertain or questionable use. Its flexibility in meaning and usage makes it a staple of colloquial Italian, suitable for …

The Italian word capriccio (cah-pree-tcho) has changed its meaning over centuries and if today we associate it to something we do on a whim, or to impulsiveness, once upon a time it also meant “discomfort.”  Its etymology is linked to …

The new year is just around the corner and, for many, it is customary to reflect on their  achievements and experiences. In Italian, the term resoconto (rai-soh-cohn-toh) aptly delivers the meaning of this practice.  Derived from the combination of reso …

The Italian word fiasco (fee-ah-skoh) originally refers to a type of bottle, specifically a round-bottomed glass flask often encased in a straw basket, traditionally used for Italian wines like Chianti. So, if you are at a local osteria somewhere in San …

The Italian word gelo (dje-loh) refers to intense cold, typically at or below 0°C (32°F), which causes water to freeze into ice. It derives from the Latin word gelu, meaning “intense cold” or “ice.” The word is used in various …

The Italian word ciononostante(cho-no-no-stahn-tai) is an adverb meaning “nevertheless,” “nonetheless,” or “despite that.” It is used to introduce a contrasting statement or an exception, similar to how “however” functions in English. It typically signals a shift in tone or outcome …

In Italian, ringraziamento is used to signify formal thanks or appreciation, often in public or ceremonial contexts. For example, one might say, Vorrei esprimere un sentito ringraziamento a tutti voi, meaning “I would like to express heartfelt thanks to all of you.” …