Ciao a tutti!
Untranslatable Italian words! what a effort!
Today we want to teach you some words that are untranslatable in english, but we will try to teach you what they mean.
Italian, like all languages, is a living language, so much so that it is considered one of the most beautiful and musical languages in the world.
Let’s see some of them.
1. Mozzafiato
In English the most accurate translation would be “breathtaking”. In Italian however the meaning is broader and explanatory. “Mozzafiato” for the Italians means something like hitting you hard, almost almost leaving you breathless, which gives you a big impression, admiration and awe.
2. Rocambolesco
That something is exaggerated, fantastic or extraordinary. It is common to use the term “Rocambolesco” to refer to a fact that has happened in an unlikely way or as an adventure that is hardly credible.
The meaning of the word derives from Rocambole, the bold and unscrupulous protagonist of the adventurous novels of the French writer P.-A. Ponson du Terrail.
3. Struggimento
Nostalgia, pain, longing … It can be said that it is a state of mind where anxiety, sorrow, suffering suffers … something similar to the pain of a sorrow of love .. Such a strong desire to wear down the body and spirit.
4. Meriggiare
According to the definition of the vocabulary Treccani indicates “to be at rest, in the open air and in a shady place, during the warm hours of the noon”.
5. Pantofolaio
This is one of the many Italian words that describes laziness and the desire to relax. For Italians, the word that best describes the desire to stay at home is “slippers”, that’s why pantofolaio means those people who are at home in comfortable clothes, something like “couch-potato”.
6. Gattara
Have you heard the expression “Cat Lady”? Well, gattara is that person who has a particular obsession with cats, who feeds them, takes care of them, etc., even the cats in the street!
7. Trasecolare
The word “Trasecolare”, used mainly in emphatic expressions, indicates that state of mind that leads to being outside oneself to great astonishment or astonishment.
8. Magari
An expression that expresses a strong desire, and is often followed by a sentence with an imperfect verb. It is also used as an affirmative response, to express full adherence to a proposal of what is considered difficult to achieve.
9. Culaccino
Why be so simple and say just “stain”? Italians created a more poetic way to call the mark that leaves a hot or cold glass on a table surface.
10.Cavoli riscaldati
It literally means “overheated cabbage,” but this phrase “describes a futile attempt to revive an ancient love story.”
11. Mamma mia
It is a classic! and a very used expression. It does not have a specific translation because it has many meanings, and this depends on the situation and intonation given to it.
If someone bothers you, say “Mamma mia”. If you’re in front of the Colosseum and you find it beautiful, say “Mamma mia”. If you’re enjoying your mom’s spaghetti always say “Mamma mia che buoni!” (Mamma mia, it’s so good!).
12. Boh
Literally, it doesn’t mean anything! but italians use it in place of “non lo so” (I don’t know). While you say it, shrug your shoulders and twist your mouth downwards. It’s the laziest word we have.
Hope you enjoy this expression! See you soon in our classes!
Arrivederci!
