Italian words that look like English ones but mean something quite different, plus a few that really are what they seem. Learn which is which before they catch you out.
preservativo (falso amico)
condom. Not "preservative" (conservante). Careful!
simpatico (falso amico)
nice, likeable, pleasant. Not "sympathetic" (comprensivo).
affettivo (falso amico)
emotional, relating to affection (gli affetti = loved ones, feelings). Not "effective" (efficace).
sensibile (falso amico)
sensitive; also noticeable, appreciable (un aumento sensibile). Not "sensible" (sensato).
familiare (falso amico)
familiar, but also relating to the family; warm and homely
eventuale (falso amico)
possible, potential, should it arise (eventuali domande = any questions). Not "eventual" (finale).
formidabile (falso amico)
tremendous, fantastic, hugely impressive. Usually positive, unlike the fearsome English "formidable".
libreria (falso amico)
bookshop; also bookcase. Not "library" (biblioteca).
libresco (falso amico)
bookish in a critical sense: too theoretical, learned from books rather than experience.
sofisticato (falso amico)
sophisticated, but also adulterated or tampered with (vino sofisticato), or over-refined.
ostacolo (falso amico)
obstacle, hindrance. Same as English, no trap here.
promessa (falso amico)
promise; also a promising young talent (una giovane promessa).
speranza (falso amico)
hope (speranza di vita = life expectancy).
avvenire (falso amico)
(verb) to happen, to occur; (noun) the future, as in l'avvenire.
assolutamente (falso amico)
absolutely. Same as English, but on its own it can mean "absolutely not" depending on context.
conseguenza (falso amico)
consequence, result (di conseguenza = consequently). Same as English.
conveniente (falso amico)
good value, cheap, worthwhile. Not "convenient" (comodo).
distinto (falso amico)
distinct, separate; but often distinguished, refined (un signore distinto). Distinti saluti = Yours faithfully.
educato (falso amico)
polite, well-mannered. Not "educated" (istruito).
eminente (falso amico)
eminent, outstanding. Same as English.
fondo (falso amico)
bottom, end, background; also fund (of money). In fondo = after all. Nothing to do with "fond".
foresta (falso amico)
forest, usually a large, dense one; a smaller wood is un bosco.
fragranza (falso amico)
fragrance, pleasant smell, aroma (e.g. of fresh bread).
geniale (falso amico)
brilliant, ingenious. Not "genial" (cordiale).
genuino (falso amico)
genuine; of food: natural, wholesome, unadulterated.
gesto (falso amico)
gesture, movement of the hands; also a deed (un bel gesto = a kind gesture). Not "jest" (scherzo).
gloria (falso amico)
glory, fame, splendour. Same as English.
gomma (falso amico)
rubber; eraser; tyre. Chewing gum is gomma da masticare.
gradazione
gradation, shade (of colour); also alcohol content (gradazione alcolica).
imbarazzo
embarrassment, awkwardness; also difficulty, an awkward situation.
impasse (falso amico)
impasse, deadlock, dead end. Same as English.
importanza (falso amico)
importance. Same as English.
improvviso (falso amico)
sudden, unexpected (all'improvviso = suddenly). Not "improvised" (improvvisato).
inchiesta (falso amico)
investigation, inquiry; also an investigative report. Broader than English "inquest".
incognita (falso amico)
an unknown (in maths), an unknown factor; in incognito = incognito.
inconveniente (falso amico)
(noun) problem, drawback, mishap. Not mainly the adjective "inconvenient" (scomodo).
indifferente (falso amico)
indifferent, unconcerned; also "it makes no difference" (per me è indifferente).
indizio (falso amico)
clue, sign, hint; in law, circumstantial evidence. Not "index" (indice).
infamia (falso amico)
infamy, disgrace, great shame; colloquially, a terrible thing.
informale (falso amico)
informal, casual. Same as English.
ingegneria (falso amico)
engineering. Not "ingenuity" (ingegno).
insolenza (falso amico)
insolence, rudeness, impertinence. Same as English.