Italiano vs English: 14 Common False Friends You Shouldn’t Mix Up

If English is your comfort zone, some Italian words will look familiar… and then trick you. These “false friends” seem the same but mean something different, and they can cause funny (and sometimes embarrassing) mistakes. Today you’ll learn 14 of the most common Italian–English false friends, see natural examples, and practice with short exercises so the right meanings stick.

What are false friends?

False friends are words in two languages that look or sound alike but differ in meaning. For example, Italian “libreria” doesn’t mean “library” — it means “bookshop” or “bookcase”. At B1 level, you already manage everyday conversations; now it’s time to sharpen precision and avoid classic traps.

The big hitters (with examples)

Below are pairs that English speakers often confuse. Read the example and translation, then notice the contrast word.

libreria
bookshop; also bookcase (context)
noun
Vado in libreria a comprare un romanzo.
I’m going to the bookshop to buy a novel.
biblioteca
library
noun
Studio in biblioteca ogni pomeriggio.
I study in the library every afternoon.
libri books -eria shop/place suffix
Italian
La biblioteca non vende libri; la libreria sì.
The library doesn’t sell books; the bookshop does.
attualmente
currently, at present
adverb
Attualmente vivo a Torino.
Currently I live in Turin.
in realtà
actually, in fact
phrase
Pensavo fosse facile; in realtà è complicato.
I thought it was easy; actually it’s complicated.
eventualmente
possibly; if needed
adverb
Eventualmente possiamo prendere un taxi.
If needed, we can take a taxi.
alla fine / prima o poi
eventually
phrase
Alla fine abbiamo trovato la strada.
Eventually we found the way.
🧠 Quick check: choose the best Italian
educato
polite, well-mannered
adjective
È molto educato con gli ospiti.
He is very polite with guests.
istruito / colto
educated (formal)
adjective
È una persona molto istruita.
He is a very educated person.
camera
room (especially bedroom)
noun
La camera d’albergo è luminosa.
The hotel room is bright.
macchina fotografica
camera (device)
noun
Ho comprato una macchina fotografica nuova.
I bought a new camera.

Se non trovi posto, prenotiamo per domani.

assistere Presente
Pronoun Conjugation
io assist-o
tu assist-i
lui/lei assist-e
noi assist-iamo
voi assist-ete
loro assist-ono
Italian
Domani assisto alla conferenza in università.
Tomorrow I’m attending the conference at the university.
🔠 Put the words in order

Reorder to make a natural sentence about buying a novel.

fabbrica
factory
noun
Mio zio lavora in fabbrica.
My uncle works in a factory.
tessuto
fabric, cloth
noun
Questo tessuto è molto resistente.
This fabric is very durable.
magazzino
warehouse; stockroom
noun
Il magazzino è pieno di scatole.
The warehouse is full of boxes.
rivista
magazine
noun
Ho comprato una rivista di viaggi.
I bought a travel magazine.
parenti
relatives
noun
I miei parenti vivono a Napoli.
My relatives live in Naples.
genitori
parents
noun
I miei genitori sono a cena.
My parents are at dinner.
💬 “Camera” confusion
romanzo
novel
noun
Sto leggendo un romanzo storico.
I’m reading a historical novel.
romantico
romantic (adj.)
adjective
Il film è molto romantico.
The movie is very romantic.
preservativo
condom
noun
In farmacia vendono preservativi.
They sell condoms at the pharmacy.
conservante
preservative (food)
noun
Questa marmellata è senza conservanti.
This jam is without preservatives.
Questo cibo è pieno di preservativi. → Questo cibo è pieno di conservanti. preservativo = condom; conservante = preservative.
sensibile
sensitive
adjective
Ho la pelle sensibile.
I have sensitive skin.
ragionevole / sensato
sensible, reasonable
adjective
Mi sembra una scelta ragionevole.
It seems a sensible choice to me.
conveniente
good value; advantageous; cheap
adjective
Questo piano telefonico è conveniente.
This phone plan is good value.
comodo / pratico
convenient (easy/practical)
adjective
È comodo vivere vicino al lavoro.
It’s convenient to live near work.
firma
signature
noun
Serve la tua firma qui in basso.
We need your signature down here.
ditta / azienda
firm, company
noun
Lavora in una ditta italiana.
He works in an Italian firm.

Per completare il contratto, devi mettere la tua .

Attualmente, sono d’accordo con te. → In realtà, sono d’accordo con te. Use in realtà for “actually” in this sense. Attualmente = “at present”. Ho assistito Maria con i compiti. → Ho aiutato Maria con i compiti. Per “to help” use aiutare. assistere a = to attend (as a spectator).

La matrimoniale è al primo piano.

Cultural notes

  • Libreria vs biblioteca: In Italy, you buy books in a “libreria” and borrow them from a “biblioteca”. Mixing them up confuses people fast.
  • Educato: Italians value being “educato” (polite). It doesn’t refer to school level. For that, say “istruito” or talk about “laurea” (degree).
  • Firma: You sign many forms (banks, post office, deliveries). “Firma” is a daily-life word — learn it early.
  • Preservativo: Be careful! This is a classic embarrassing false friend. In shops (supermercato, farmacia) look for “conservanti” on labels, not “preservativi”… unless that’s what you need!

Mini review

Try to produce short sentences using the correct word:

  • Ho comprato una ___ di moda. (rivista)
  • I miei ___ sono venuti a trovarmi. (parenti)
  • ___, lavoro da casa. (Attualmente)
  • Alla ___, abbiamo scelto Roma. (fine) Say them out loud, then check the answer words in parentheses.

Wrap-up

You’ve met 14 of the most deceptive Italian–English false friends and practiced them in context. Keep an eye out for look-alike words, confirm meaning in context, and don’t be shy to ask: “Come si dice… in realtà?” With a few conscious checks, your Italian will sound both naturale and sensato.