Italian Words in English | English Words of Italian Origin

What Are Italian Words?

Many English words come from Italian. This happens because of history, trade, and culture. Italian has given the English language many terms, especially in music, food, and art.

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Examples of Italian Words in English:

Music Terms:

• Allegro – A fast tempo
• Piano – A musical instrument
• Forte – Loud or strong
• Opera – A dramatic art form combining singing and acting

Food Terms:

• Pasta – A type of Italian noodle
• Pizza – A dish made with dough, sauce, and cheese
• Espresso – A strong coffee
• Gelato – Italian ice cream

Art and Architecture:

• Fresco – A technique of mural painting on freshly laid lime plaster
• Mosaic – Art made from small pieces of colored glass or stone
• Basilica – A large, important church building
• Piazza – A public square or marketplace

Common Italian Phrases in English:

• Viva – Long live
• Bravo – Well done, good job
• Ciao – Hello or goodbye
• Grazie – Thank you

English borrows from many languages. Italian words add flavor and depth to English, especially in fields like music, cuisine, and the arts.

Italian Words in English

One of the most recognizable Italian words is “ciao.” This simple greeting is used both for “hello” and “goodbye” and is a staple in informal conversations. Other important greetings include “buongiorno” (good morning) and “buonasera” (good evening).

In the world of food and beverages, Italian words have found their way into English vocabulary. For instance, “espresso” is a popular Italian coffee that many English speakers enjoy, made by forcing pressurized water through finely-ground coffee beans. Related to this are words like “barista,” the person who makes and serves the espresso; “latte,” a drink made with espresso and steamed milk; “cappuccino,” a beverage with equal parts of espresso, steamed milk, and milk foam; and “piccolo,” a small-sized coffee.

In addition to these coffee-related terms, words like “lava” and “sala” are other examples of Italian vocabulary that have made their way into English. “Lava” refers to the molten rock that flows from a volcanic eruption, which can be attributed to Italy’s volcanic history, and “sala” denotes a hall or room, often used in the context of theater or venue spaces.

You’ll notice differences in conjugation based on the subject or tense. For example, the Italian word for “day” is “giorno,” and “ora” means “hour.” Both of these words can be used to denote time but require proper conjugation to convey the intended meaning.

Common Italian Words with Meanings

Italian has enriched the English language with many words. Here are some common Italian words that you might encounter:

• Pizza: A savory dish made with a yeast-based dough topped with tomato sauce, cheese, and various toppings.
• Pasta: A staple food of Italian cuisine, made from wheat flour and water, formed into different shapes and cooked by boiling.
• Opera: A dramatic art form that combines singing, orchestration, acting, and sometimes dance.
• Balcony: An elevated platform projecting from the wall of a building, enclosed by a railing, and often used for outdoor seating.
• Diva: Originally meaning “goddess,” it now refers to a celebrated female opera singer, but can also be used more broadly to describe a person with a high opinion of themselves.
• Fresco: A technique of mural painting executed upon freshly laid lime plaster.
• Villa: A large and luxurious country house in Italy or a country estate in other countries, modeled after Italian villas.
• Antipasto: An appetizer typically consisting of olives, anchovies, cheeses, and meats.
• Trombone: A brass instrument with a slide used to change pitches.
• Sauna: A small room used as a hot-air or steam bath for cleaning and refreshing the body.

Miscellaneous Italian Borrowings

There are various Italian words in the English vocabulary that have been borrowed and integrated into everyday language. These borrowings range from artistic expressions, culinary terms, to even natural occurrences. Here is a selection of Italian loanwords that have made their way into the English language:

Opera: This Italian-origin word refers to a theatrical presentation featuring music, singers, and sometimes dancers, encompassing various art forms. Its name directly translates to “work” in Italian.

Lava: Derived from the Italian word “lava,” meaning a stream, Lava in English is a molten, fluid rock that originates from a volcanic eruption.

Pepperoni: A popular topping on pizzas, this Italian-American creation stems from the word “peperone” in Italian, which means bell pepper. However, the English term refers to a spicy, cured sausage.

Scenario: Borrowed from the Italian word “scenario,” meaning a sketch or outline, it is now commonly used in English to describe a situation or a sequence of events.

Casino: Originally an Italian word for a social club or a small villa, in English, it refers to a building or establishment where people can partake in various gambling activities.

Novel: Deriving from the Italian “novella,” this term refers to a lengthy, fictional narrative with an intricate plot and developed characters.

Minestrone: A popular Italian soup featuring vegetables, pasta, or rice, its name originates from the Italian word “minestra,” which means soup.

Paparazzi: Born from the Italian term for a persistent and intrusive freelance photographer, it has transformed into the plural form in English to describe a group of such photographers.

Stiletto: Originally an Italian word for a small dagger, it now refers to a high-heeled shoe with a thin, tall heel in English.

Umbrella: With Italian roots in the word “ombrello” meaning a shade or a shield, in English, it describes the protective device used to shield from the rain or sun.

Macchiato: Borrowed from the Italian word “macchia,” meaning stain or spot, it denotes a specific type of espresso-based coffee beverage, with a small amount of milk.