Language Tip of the Week

Language

by Pat Eggleton | Mon, 09/27/2010 - 11:31

Words by Pat EggletonAs we have seen, it is important to pronounce double consonants in Italian and the best way to make sure you do this is to pronounce the…

Language

On the phone

by Pat Eggleton | Tue, 09/21/2010 - 13:21

Words by Pat EggletonMost people you need to speak to for tourist purposes in Italy will happily speak English to you and this often goes for business too. But…

Language

False Friends - part 4

by Pat Eggleton | Tue, 09/14/2010 - 05:55

Actually – in fact – in reality. Attualmente does not mean “actually”. It means “currently”. If you want to say “actually”, you say in realtà.…

Language

I won't forget!

by Pat Eggleton | Tue, 09/07/2010 - 07:08

Words by Pat EggletonWhat do you say when someone says, “Salutami tua moglie” [“Say hello to your wife for me”] or “Un abbraccio a tutti” [“A hug to everyone…

Language

Word order

by Pat Eggleton | Tue, 08/31/2010 - 09:51

Sometimes English speakers become completely confused because word order in Italian is more flexible than in English. In Italian it is possible to say both…

Language

Take care with the double consonant

by Pat Eggleton | Fri, 08/20/2010 - 06:49

Words by Pat EggletonThe double consonant in Italian is important and you will always hear it clearly pronounced. The best way for a foreigner to deal with it…

Language

Scusi and permesso

by Pat Eggleton | Mon, 08/16/2010 - 11:51

Words by Pat EggletonWe use “scusi” to draw attention, for example if we want to stop someone to ask the way:Scusi, signore /signora, dov’è il municipio, per…

Language

Signorina or Signora?

by Pat Eggleton | Tue, 08/10/2010 - 05:00

Words by Pat Eggleton The titles signora and signorina do not, like Miss and Mrs in English, always denote marital status. Signorina is used to address a…

Language

Professional titles

by Pat Eggleton | Tue, 08/03/2010 - 05:33

People are often addressed by their professional titles in Italy and the titles Avvocato – lawyer Professore / professoressa – teacher Dottore / Dottoressa -…

Language

False Friends - part 3

by Pat Eggleton | Tue, 07/27/2010 - 05:10

Words by Pat EggletonHere are some words that could confuse you when you’re out and about:La libreria is not the library but the bookshop.The library is la…