4 Parola del Giorno Words (4) Flashcards

Question

Gabbiano (nome maschile)

Answer 1

→ a seagull Today’s Parola del Giorno is the noun "il gabbiano", which means "a seagull". a. State attenti quando mangiate al mare! I gabbiani sono famosi per rubare il cibo dalle mani delle persone. → Pay attention when you are eating at the beach! The seagulls are famous for stealing food from people’s hands.

Answer 2

→ the tide Today’s Parola del Giorno is the noun "la marea", which means "the tide". In Italian, one says "l’alta marea" for "high tide" and "la bassa marea" for "low tide". a. Le maree sono causate dalla luna, dal sole e dalla geografia. Per esempio, negli Stati Uniti, a Cape Cod, ci sono la bassa e l’alta marea due volte al giorno. → The tides are caused by the moon, by the sun, and by geography. For example, in the United States on Cape Cod, there are low and high tides twice a day.

Answer 3

→ (in IT) encrypted Today’s Parola del Giorno is the adjective "criptato", which means "encrypted" when talking about IT and computers. a. Non posso più accedere al PC di mio fratello, l’accesso è criptato e non conosco la password. → I can’t get on my brother’s computer, the access is encrypted, and I don’t know the password.

Answer 4

→ wind chill Today’s Parola del giorno is in honour of the extreme cold weather in the United States: "il raffreddamento da vento". It means "the wind chill". a. Dopo il temporale, il raffreddamento da vento ha reso l'aria così fredda che nessuno voleva uscire senza un giaccone. → After the storm, the wind chill made the air so cold that no one wanted to go out without a heavy jacket.

Answer 5

→ to take a siesta; to rest in the shade Today’s Parola del giorno is the verb "meriggiare", which means "to take a siesta" or "to rest in the shade". This is a word I had never heard before, and I wanted to share. It comes from the Italian word "il meriggio", which means "midday". a. Dopo pranzo, quando il caldo è insopportabile, gli anziani del villaggio amano meriggiare all'ombra degli alberi, godendosi un momento di pace. È un’usanza che risale a secoli fa, quando il riposo pomeridiano era fondamentale per affrontare le giornate più lunghe. → After lunch, when the heat is unbearable, the older folks in the village love to rest in the shade of the trees, enjoying a moment of peace. It is a tradition that harkens back centuries ago, when the afternoon rest was key for getting through the longer days.

Answer 6

→ to do something on a whim; to do something just for fun Today’s Parola del giorno is the verb expression “fare qualcosa per sfizio”, which means: to do something on a whim; to do something just for fun You can replace “fare” with another action verb to expression doing some action just for fun, as in our example below: a. Hai ragione, ho già un armadio pieno di borse, ma ho comprato quella solo per sfizio. È meravigliosa! → You are right, I already have a closet full of purses, but I bought that one just for the fun of it. It is marvelous!

Answer 7

→ trashy, tacky; a trashy / tacky person Today’s Parola del giorno is the adjective "tamàrro", which can mean: a. trashy b. tacky You can also use this adjective as a noun to refer to a tacky or trashy person. It adapts to gender and number of the person or person to whom you are referring. a. Guarda che macchina! È proprio da tamarro, con tutte quelle luci neon. → Look at that car! It is really tacky, with all those neon lights.

Answer 8

→ a sty Today’s Parola del giorno is the noun "l’orzaiolo", which means "a sty". A "sty" is a bump and blockage that forms near eyelids. I never knew what this word was in Italian until today when a friend reported to me that he had one! a. Mi sono svegliata con un piccolo arrossamento vicino all'occhio, e dopo un po' ho capito che era l'orzaiolo. Anche se non è grave, è fastidioso e mi fa male. → I woke up with a bit of redness near my eye, and after a bit I realized it was a sty. Even if it isn’t serious, it is bothersome and a bit painful.

Answer 9

→ to peek, to peep Today’s Parola del giorno is the verb "sbirciare", which means: to peek; to peep This verb refers to an action that you do surreptitiously and/or secretly. The past participle is "sbirciato". a. Marcello è entrato nell’ufficio del capo per sbirciare qualche documento sulla scrivania perché è ficcanaso e voleva vedere tra i documenti della sua scrivania. → Marcello went into the boss’ office to peek at some documents on the desk because he’s nosy and wanted to see what was among the papers on their desk.

Answer 10

→ decoration, trappings Today’s Parola del giorno is the noun "l’orpello", which means "decoration" or "trappings". It is a noun that describes something showy and ‘extra,’ and it is often used to describe objects that are a bit of bad taste. a. La tua casa è molto ricca di oggetti, toglierei qualche orpello per renderla più ordinata. → Your house is full of collectables, I would take down some of the trappings to make it seem more organised.

Answer 11

→ Hamlet-like I was chatting with an Italian friend today on Whatsapp. He sent me a funny picture, and, while I understood the joke, I - as I usually do being an academic - ask a lot of questions that probably do not need to be asked and gives the impression that I am indecisive and anxious! He said I am frequently "amletico". So, today’s Parola del giorno is the adjective "amlètico", which means "Hamlet-like". In other words, this person you are describing is like the character Hamlet from Shakespeare’s play Hamlet. More specifically, it describes a person who might think too much about something, is very indecisive, and overanalyses things to the point that it provokes doubt and anxiety. See the adjective used below: a. Quando discutiamo con Mauro, non capisco mai il suo punto di vista, è sempre così amletico nelle sue riflessioni sui fatti di cui parliamo, come se fosse sempre divisa tra mille opzioni e non riuscisse mai a prendere una posizione chiara. → When we argue with Mauro, I never understand his point of view; he’s always so Hamlet-like in his reflections on the topics we talk about as if he is torn between a thousand options and can never take a clear stance.

Answer 12

→ Hamlet-like; ambiguo, contradictorio, irresolución Amlètico agg. (pl. m. -ci). – Di Amleto, proprio di Amleto, personaggio dell’omonima tragedia di Shakespeare, con riferimento al suo carattere irresoluto e pieno di contrasti. [= Amletic (adj.) – of Hamlet, pertaining to Hamlet - a character from Shakespeare's tragedy of the same name, with reference to his unresolved and conflicting character] (cfr. anche l’epiteto di «italo Amleto» attribuito dal Carducci a Carlo Alberto nella poesia Piemonte). [= (see also the epithet of «Italian Hamlet» attributed by Carducci to Carlo Alberto in the poem Piemonte)]

Answer 13

Hamletic doubt; a dilemma, a difficult decision, difficult choice [Dubbio amletico: quindi, dubbioso, tentennante, e anche ambiguo, misterioso: carattere, contegno amletico.] [= doubtful, hesitant, and also ambiguous, mysterious; Hamletic character, demeanour.] Avv.: amleticaménte, con amletica irresolutezza o ambiguità. [= Adv. Hamletically, with Hamletic irresolution or ambiguity.]

Answer 14

→ to trip over something Today’s Parola del giorno is the verb "inciampare (in + qualcosa)", which means "to trip over something". In Italy, it was reported that a painting was torn by a tourist who tripped. a. Povero Marco! È sempre goffo e non sta mai attento all'ambiente circostante. Ieri, al centro commerciale, ha fatto un casino dopo essere inciampato in un tappeto e aver fatto cadere dei manichini. → Poor Marco! He is always clumsy and never pays attention to his surrounding environment. Yesterday at the mall he caused a racket after having tripped on a rug and knocked down some mannequins.

Answer 15

→ soliloquy Today’s Parola del giorno is the noun il "solilòquio", which means "soliloquy". The word today refers to a speech or monologue given by a character (to themselves) that is ‘unheard’ by the other characters. a. La mia amica Antonia recita nel ruolo di Giulietta in Romeo e Giulietta – sai, la tragedia di Shakespeare – e andiamo a vedere il suo debutto. Ha preparato per un mese quel soliloquio e non vediamo l’ora di vederla sul palco! Vuoi accompagnarci? → My friend Antonio is playing the part of the Juliet in Romeo and Juliet - you know, Shakespeare’s tragic play - and we are going to see her debut. She prepared that soliloquy for a month, and we can’t wait to see her on stage! Do you want to go with us?

Answer 16

→ dismal, eerie Today’s Parola del giorno is the adjective "lùgubre", which means: dismal; eerie a. Di mattina il mio posto di lavoro è un po’ lugubre: i corridoi sono vuoti, non c’è nessuno in giro, e le luci negli uffici sono spente. → In the morning my workplace is a bit eerie: the corridors are empty, there’s no one around, and the office lights are turned off.

Answer 17

Nervoso The Italian word "nervoso" doesn’t mean nervous when describing someone’s behaviour. It can mean: 1 tense; 2 edgy; 3 irritable; 4 crotchety If an Italian asks why you are "nervoso/a", it does not mean you are nervous but it is likely that you are tense and edgy. a. Quando Marianna ritorna a casa dopo il lavoro, rimane sempre nervosa e distratta; pensiamo che abbia un capo difficile, ma non ci si lamenta mai. → When Marianna gets home from work, she’s always irritable and distracted; we think she has a difficult supervisor, but she never complains to us.

Answer 18

ANSIOSO The word ansioso means: 1 nervous; 2 anxious; 3 worried Here’s another example using the adjective "ansioso": a. I nostri figli sono andati a Roma da soli per la prima volta in treno, e sono ansiosa mentre mio marito dice che mi preoccupo per niente. So che sono arrivati; perché non mi hanno ancora inviato un sms? → Our children went to Rome by themselves for the first time on the train, and I’m anxious while my husband says I am worrying for nothing. I know they arrived; why haven’t they sent me an sms yet?

Answer 19

→ to have a bad habit of doing something Today’s Parola del giorno is the expression "avere la brutta abitudine (di + fare qualcosa)". It means "to have a bad habit of doing something", that is some action. a. Marco è sempre ansioso prima di fare un esame orale e ha la brutta abitudine di rosicchiarsi le unghie mentre aspetta il professore. → Marco is always nervous before an oral exam and has a bad habit of biting his nails while he waits for the professor.

Answer 20

→ to do things quickly Today’s Parola del giorno is the verb expression "fare le cose alla svelta", which means "to do things quickly". "Alla svelta" can also be used as an adverb to mean "quickly". a. Chiedo sempre a Marina di aiutarmi a casa quando devo dare la vernice, riparare qualcosa, o sistemare un armadio perché sa fare le cose alla svelta, è efficiente, e non perde tempo! → I always ask Marina to help me at home when I have to paint, fix something, or organize a closet because she knows how to do things quickly, is efficient, and doesn’t waste time!

Answer 21

→ foolish pride Today’s Parola del giorno is the noun expression "lo sciocco orgoglio", which means "foolish pride". Note the use of the definite article lo before the adjective "sciocco", remembering that words that begin with s- + consonant, ps-, pn-, gn-, ps-, x, y, and z. a. Quando Marco ha scoperto che qualcuno aveva rubato 50 euro dal suo portafoglio, ha accusato il suo amico Andrea. Però Marco aveva speso i soldi due giorni fa al supermercato e ora gli amici non si parlano. Ho suggerito che Marco chiedesse scusa ad Andrea, ma Marco non ci riesce a causa del suo sciocco orgoglio! → When Marco discovered that someone had stolen 50 euro from his wallet, he accused his friend Andrea. But Marco had spent the money two days ago at the supermarket e now the friends are not speaking to each other. I suggested that Marco should apologize to Andrea, but Marco can’t do it because of his foolish pride.

Answer 22

→ to bury the memory of something Today’s Parola del giorno is the verb expression "seppellire il ricordo di qualcosa", which means "to bury the memory of something". a. Non mi va di parlare di questo argomento, ne ho seppellito il ricordo con tutte le brutte sensazioni che mi ha dato. → I don’t feel like talking about this subject, I have buried the memory of it with all the terrible feelings it gave me.

Answer 23

→ right, yes, or of course Today’s Parola del giorno is the Italian adverb "già",¹ which can mean "Right, yes, or of course". Tommaso: Capisco che sia frustrante non aver ricevuto un’offerta di lavoro, ma riceverai delle offerte — ne sono sicuro! → Tommaso: I understand how frustrating it is not getting job offers, but you’ll get some — I’m sure of it! Marina: Già, hai ragione; devo rimanere ottimista! → Marina: Yes, you’re right; I have to stay optimistic. 1 It can also mean "already" or "yet".

Answer 24

→ tariffs, import taxes Today’s Parola del giorno is almost in every Italian newspaper: i dazi (singular: il dazio). "I dazi" refers to "tariffs, import taxes" that are typically imposed on products to product industries in the importing country to make foreign goods more expensive relative to a country’s domestic products. In Italian, it is more common to see the word la tariffa refer to charges, such as those on a bill or for utilities. a. Con tutti questi dazi, esportare sta diventando sempre più difficile e costoso. → With all these tariffs, exporting is becoming always more difficult and expensive.

Answer 25

→ to recharge Today’s Parola del giorno is the verb "ricaricare", which means "to recharge". This verb can be used in a number of contexts, such as the one below: a. Mio figlio spippolava sui social con il mio cellulare quando è tornato da scuola e ora devo ricaricarlo. → My son was fiddling on social media sites with my cell phone when he got back from school, and now I have to recharge it.

Answer 26

→ to laze about or to be idle Today’s Parola del giorno is the verb "oziare", which means "to laze about" or "to be idle". a. I miei amici dicono che sono pigro perché non viaggio quando sono in vacanza. A dire il vero, non mi va: non mi piace volare e detesto gli aeroporti. Preferisco ferie tranquille, oziando tutto il giorno! → My friends say I’m lazy, because I don’t travel when I’m on vacation. To tell the truth, I don’t feel like it: I don’t like to fly and I can’t stand airports. I prefer quiet vacations, lazing about all day!

Answer 27

→ to get a tan Today’s Parola del giorno is the verb expression "prendere la tintarella", which means "to get a tan". a. Paolo e io passiamo tante ore al mare ogni estate a prendere la tintarella e cazzeggiare con i nostri amici. È la mia stagione preferita per rilassarmi! → Paolo and I spent so many hours at the beach every summer getting tans and messing around with our friends. It’s my favorite season for relaxing!

Answer 28

→ a sprout, a bud Today’s Parola del giorno is the noun "il germoglio", which means "a sprout" or "a bud". Spring has definitely sprung in southwest Ohio! a. Dopo l’ultimo gelo della stagione invernale, ho cominciato a vedere un indicatore che la primavera è arrivata: i germogli dei crochi. → After the final frost of the winter season, I began to see an indicator that spring has arrived: crocus buds.

Answer 29

→ medical record Today’s Parola del giorno is the noun "la cartella clinica", which means "medical record". I was watching an re-run of Seinfeld yesterday, and it reminded me of this word when the Elaine character was trying to get information in her medical record changed so that she wouldn’t be described as difficult by the staff. a. Antonella ha fatto un trasloco da Calabria a Liguria due mesi fa e ora vorrebbe una copia della cartella clinica per il nuovo medico da cui si farà visitare. → Antonella relocated from Calabria to Liguria two months ago, and now she would like a copy of her medical record for the new doctor she will visit for check-ups.

Answer 30

→ streetwise, street-smart Today’s Parola del giorno is the adjective "sgamato", which means "streetwise" or "street-smart". a. Giovanni ha capito subito che tentavano di imbrogliarlo con il resto—è troppo sgamato per cascarci! → Giovanni understood immediately they were trying to shortchange him—he’s too street-smart to fall for it! [Nota bene: The verb (expression) "cascarci (come una pera cotta)" means "to fall for something".]

Answer 31

→ popeable, able to be pope Today’s Parola del giorno is the adjective "papabile", which means "popeable" or "able to be pope". It is a word that is used to describe individuals (men, actually) who might be appointed pope. While this might sound like a neologism of the 21st century, according to linguists the word has been around since the 1500s! Who knew? While I’m not Catholic, I do wish Pope Francis a speedy recovery. His papacy is special to me because I lived in Rome when he was selected by the conclave. I remember the energy and enthusiasm in Rome when he was selected! The word can also be used outside of Church contexts to refer to a person most suited to a particular job/role. a. Luca è il candidato più papabile per diventare il nuovo direttore dell’azienda; gli altri non sono abbastanza preparati e hanno poca esperienza. → Luca is the most suitable candidate to become the new company director; the others are not prepared enough and have little experience. Invite your friends and earn rewards If you enjoy Parola del giorno e la lingua italiana, share it with your friends and earn rewards when they subscribe.

Answer 32

→ to clean one’s plate with a piece of bread Today’s Parola del giorno is the verb expression "fare la scarpetta", which means "to clean one’s plate with a piece of bread". "Fare la scarpetta" is something that you should avoid doing in restaurants as some may find it a tad gauche. You should be safe at home! a. Mia nonna si arrabbia quando non facciamo la scarpetta . “Ci sono volute tante ore per preparare questo sugo — mangiate!” → My grandmother gets angry when we don’t clean the plate with our bread. “It took many hours to make that sauce—eat up!”

Answer 33

→ a whim, a notion, a caprice Today’s Parola del giorno is the noun "lo ghiribìzzo", which means "a whim", "a notion" or "a caprice". A whim is a sudden desire or change of mind that comes about suddenly and often without any explanation. See the noun used below in its context from this scintillating dialogue I created: Marco: Hai sentito le notizie su Martina? → Marco: Did you hear the news about Martina? Gianna: No, è una vita che non la sento. Che c’è? → Gianna: No, it’s been a while since I heard from her. What’s up? Marco: Sta preparando per salire il Monte Everest! È incredibile perché non sopporta il freddo. → Marco: She’s getting ready to climb Mount Everest! It’s unbelievable because she can’t stand the cold. Gianna: È solo uno dei suoi soliti ghiribizzi, non credo che ci andrà. → Gianna: It’s only one of her usual whims, I don’t believe she will go.

Answer 34

→ daylight saving time (when daylight saving time begins, and our clocks move ahead; “Spring forward, fall back”) Daylight saving time is known as "L’ora legale" in Italian. It is when we turn our clocks ahead one hour (“spring forward”). When daylight saving time ends in October, "L’ora solare" returns, and we roll our clocks back one hour (“fall back”). In the United States, Daylight Saving Time (DST) occurs two weeks before Italy and most European countries. Thus, for two weeks, the time difference is only 5 hours ahead instead of the usual 6 if you’re on the US East Coast or in the Eastern Standard Time Zone like me.

Answer 35

1 L’ora solare → solar time, standard time (when daylight saving time ends, and our clocks move back) 2 L’orologio, gli orologi¹ → clock, clocks 3 L’orologio portatile da polso → wrist watch 4 L’orologio portatile da taschino → a pocket watch; also known as "una cipolla" or "l’orologio a cipolla"

Answer 36

5 La lancetta, le lancette → hand, hands (on a clock) 6 "Avanti" (ahead, forward) can also mean ‘fast’ when talking about a clock/watch that keeps time too fast. a. Il mio orologio è avanti di dieci minuti. → My watch is 10 minutes fast. 7 "Indietro" (back) can also mean ‘slow’: a. Il mio orologio è indietro di cinque minuti. → My watch is 5 minutes slow.

Answer 37

8 "Portare l’orologio avanti di un’ora" → to turn the clock forward an hour, to turn the clock ahead an hour 9 "Spostare (in) avanti le lancette dell’orologio/degli orologi" → to turn/to move the clock forward an hour 10 "Portare l’orologio indietro di un’ora" → to turn/to move the clock back an hour 11 Spostare indietro le lancette dell’orologio/degli orologi → to turn the clock back an hour

Answer 38

Other time expressions 12 Avere le ore contate → to live on borrowed time 13 In punto → sharp or on the dot a. La festa inizia alle 18 in punto! → The party starts at 6:00 PM on the dot! [ Also, "l’orologio" also means "a watch".]

Answer 39

Buona Pasqua for all those who celebrate. The Italian word for Easter is "La Pasqua". a. Quest’anno Pasqua è davvero alta! L’anno scorso è caduta il 31 marzo. → This year Easter is really late! Last year Easter fell on March 31. In Italian, one can use the adjectives "alto" and "basso" to convey late and early in the context of Easter, Mardi Gras (Carnevale), and religious holidays that change each year.

Answer 40

→ talkative, chatty, loquacious Today’s Parola del giorno is the adjective "loquace" which means "talkative" or "chatty". a. Mia nonna ha paura di rispondere al cellulare perché, quando la sua vicina loquace la chiama, le conversazioni durano un'eternità. → My grandmother is afraid of answering her mobile because when he chatty neighbour calls, the conversations last an eternity.

Answer 41

→ thick as thieves As a political scientist, I pay a lot of attention to politics. This week, Italy’s prime minister Giorgia Meloni headed to the United States. Today’s Parola del giorno is the expression "Culo e camicia", which means "thick as thieves". It is often used with the verb "Essere" or other helping verb. a. Trump e Meloni sembrano culo e camicia durante la visita ufficiale negli Stati Uniti, dato che i due leader condividono una filosofia politica simile → Trump and Meloni seem as thick as thieves during the State visit to the US, since the two leaders share a similar political philosophy.

Answer 42

→ to burst, to pop, to blow up, to explode Today’s Parola del giorno is the verb scoppiare, which means to burst, to pop, to blow up, or to explode. My favourite use of this verb is right after a big meal when you can’t eat another bite. Several of my friends in Italy yesterday were telling that they were about to pop! a. Mamma mia, quel pranzo di Pasqua era troppo squisito! Ho mangiato troppo e assaggiato ogni piatto. Ora sto per scoppiare! Non ce la faccio a prendere un altro morso! → My God, that Easter lunch was too delicious. I ate too much and tried every dish. Now I am about to pop! I couldn’t manage to take another bite.

Answer 43

Sunday April 27 2025 The pope’s funeral was Saturday, and, as we wait for the new pope to be selected, let’s profile the word "il trapasso", which means "death" or "passing". "Il trapasso" is considered a softer and more delicate way to describe someone’s passing. a. Il trapasso del Papa ha attirato migliaia di pellegrini e devoti, persone desiderose di prendere commiato dal Santo Padre. → The passing of the Pope attracted thousands of pilgrims and devotees, people wanting to say goodbye to the Holy Father.

Answer 44

a hand grenade Today’s Parola del giorno is probably not one that you will encounter in everyday conversation: "la bomba a mano". It means "hand grenade". This word has been in the Italian press recently after a French tourist at San Vito lo Capo discovered one on the beach and tried to take it home as a souvenir! a. Mentre camminava sulla spiaggia, Marcello ha scoperto un oggetto particolare nella sabbia. Dopo un qualche secondo, ha capito che era una bomba a mano e ha telefonato alla polizia. → While walking on the breach, Marcello found an unusual object in the sand. After a couple of seconds, he realized it was a hand grenade and phoned the police.

Answer 45

to leave out the most important thing Today’s Parola del giorno is the expression "andare a Roma e non vedere il papa", which means "to leave out the most important thing". a. Marina mi raccontava delle sue ferie — è andata a Roma e non ha visto il papa, ma è tornata sposata con Marco! → Marina was telling me about her holidays — she left the most important thing out, that she returned married to Marco!

Answer 46

→ the Conclave Today’s Parola del giorno is the noun "il conclave", which means "conclave". As we mourn the passing of Pope Francis, a new Pope will soon be selected, which the role of the Papal Conclave. a. Con la scomparsa di Papa Francesco, il collegio cardinalizio si riunirà in conclave nella Cappella Sistina per eleggere il nuovo pontefice. → With the passing of Pope Francis, the college of cardinals will gather in conclave at the Sistine Chapel to elect the new pontiff.

Answer 47

→ pollen Today’s Parola del giorno is the noun "Il pòlline", which means "pollen". I have indicated the accented ‘o’ only to show where the stress of the word is located. I do not know about any of you, but when spring has sprung, so do my allergies! a. Mi piace che il tempo migliori un po’, ma non sopporto la primavera — tutto quel polline peggiora le mie allergie e mi sento sempre uno straccio! → I like that the weather has improved a bit, but I can’t stand the spring — all that pollen worsens my allergies, and I always feel like death warmed over! [Addendum: I love the expression "sentirsi uno straccio", which means to feel like death warmed over.]

Answer 48

→ electricity blackout, power failure [also known as "Un’interruzione della corrente elettrica"] Today’s Parola del giorno is the noun "Il black out". It is often written without the space as "Il blackout". The word means blackout, a condition in which there is no electrical power due to a power failure of some kind. You could also say "Un’interruzione della corrente elettrica", which is a bit longer and perhaps less colloquial. a. La Spagna e il Portogallo stanno soffrendo un blackout: nessuno può usare i cellulari o i bancomat ed è quasi impossibile ordinare una birra al bar, perché niente funziona. → Spain and Portugal are suffering from a blackout: no one can use cell phones or ATMs and it is almost impossible to order a beer at the bar because nothing works.

Answer 49

→ sinful Today’s Parola del giorno is the adjective "Peccaminóso", which means "Sinful". a. Marco dice di non essere molto religioso, ma suo fratello ci ha raccontato che ogni settimana va in chiesa a confessarsi, perché non riesce a liberarsi dei suoi pensieri peccaminosi. → Marco says he is not very religious, but his brother recounted to us that he goes to church every week to confess because he is unable to free his mind of sinful thoughts.

Answer 50

→ a (human) face Today’s Parola del giorno is the noun "Il volto", which means "face". "Il volto" is considered a more elevated form of "la faccia" and is often more common in literature and writing. a. Quella signora è famosissima, un volto storico della tv italiana! → That lady is very famous, a longtime presence of Italian television!

Answer 51

→ a smoke signal, a puff of smoke Today’s Parola del giorno is the noun "la fumata", which means "a smoke signal" or "a puff of smoke". During the Conclave, this word has appeared frequently in news stories as the world waits for a new pope to be chosen. What’s the difference between "il fumo" and "la fumata"? The Italian dictionary defines "la fumata" as "a wave of smoke", especially when it is done purposefully for some reason or there is symbolism behind the “smoke,” like signalling a new pope (la fumata bianca) or the lack of a decision (la fumata nera).¹ "Il fumo" is the creation or emission of smoke (and gasses) due to some chemical and physical reactions (the combustion) that results in columns or clouds in the air, like from a smoke stack or train or when smoking a cigarette. a. Il mondo aspetta l’apparizione della fumata bianca e la dichiarazione “Habemus Papam”! → The world is waiting for the white smoke to appear and the declaration “We have a Pope”! 1 Sometimes the expression "la fumata nera" can be used idiomatically in non-Papal contexts, too, to indicate that an important position has not yet been filled.

Answer 52

→ to put a strain on Today’s Parola del giorno is the verb expression "mettere a dura prova", which means "to put a strain on". Remember that "Mettere" has an irregular past participle: "Messo". a. I dazi americani e le ritorsioni delle altre potenze mondiali hanno messo a dura prova l’economia globale. → American tariffs and retaliation by other world powers have put a strong on the global economy.

Answer 53

→ poison, venom The next Conclave begins in a few days, and I have been seeing the word "Veleno" in a number of Italian headlines describing the process. Today’s Parola del giorno is the noun "il veleno", which mean "poison". It can also be used to mean "venom", as in the example below: a. Manca un giorno all’inizio del Conclave e i veleni emergono in ogni quartiere! → There’s just one day until the start of the Conclave, and there’s venom bubbling up in every area!

Answer 54

→ the urge to nod off, a fit of drowsiness Today’s Parola del giorno is the noun "l’abbiocco", which means "urge to nod off" or "fit of drowsiness". You often hear this word after a large meal, as seen in the context below: a. Ho mangiato troppa pasta a cena e ora mi prende un abbiocco tremendo… se potessi fare un pisolino lo farei subito, ma se dormo adesso non riuscirò ad addormentarmi stasera! → I ate too much pasta at dinner, and now I am nodding off…if I could take a nap I would do it right now, but if I sleep now I won’t be able to fall asleep tonight!

Answer 55

a flower display Today’s Parola del giorno is the noun "l’infiorata", which means "flower display" but more typically refers to annual festivals and celebrations in Italy that feature displays of flowers. Currently, in the city of Noto in Sicily, the "L’infiorata di Noto" is taking place, which features beautiful works of art made with flowers and flower petals. A post shared by @gira_con_noi_sicilia: a. L'infiorata di Noto è un festival annuale che mette in mostra la creatività che si può esprimere con i petali di fiori e un po' di immaginazione. → The flower festival di Noto is an annual festival that puts on display the creativity one can express with flower petals and some imagination. Noto isn’t the only city in Italy that has un’infiorata - you can find them in other cities and towns throughout Italy!

Answer 56

crumpled, creased, or wrinkled Today’s Parola del giorno is the adjective "stropicciato", which means "crumpled, creased, or wrinkled". a. Ogni mattina prendo il treno per andare al lavoro, ma oggi mi sono addormentato durante il viaggio e mi sono svegliato con gli abiti tutti stropicciati. → Every morning I take the train to head to work, but today I fell asleep during the trip and I woke up with my clothes all creased.

Answer 57

→ muggy or suffocating heat (especially when there is a lot of humidity) Today’s Parola del giorno is the noun "l’afa", which means "muggy" or "suffocating heat", especially when there is a lot of humidity. "L’afa" is an Italian word that is considered an onomatopoeia, which is a word that resembles or suggests the sound the word describes. The word "l’afa" is meant to describe the sighing we make when confronted by the heat or the laboured exhales when we are suffering from such mugginess! a. Oggi c’è di nuovo l’afa, e non ne posso più! Sono stanco dell’umidità alta e del caldo insopportabile! → Today it’s muggy again, and I can’t stand it anymore. I’m tired of the high humidity and unbearable heat!

Answer 58

→ drenched in sweat or dripping with sweat Today’s Parola del giorno is the expression "il sudato fradicio", which means "drenched in sweat" or "dripping with sweat". a. Mi piacciono i mesi estivi, ma non sopporto di essere sudato fradicio — mi dà fastidio quando i vestiti sono così bagnati. → I like the summer months, but I can’t stand being drenched in sweat — it bothers me when my clothes are that soaked.

Answer 59

to mix in a shaker, to shake up Today’s Parola del giorno is the verb "Shakerare", which means "to mix in a shaker" or "to shake up". a. Il barista ha shakerato i nostri martini - non so cosa faccia - ma i suoi cocktail sono sempre buonissimi! → The barista shook up our martinis - I don’t know what he does - but his cocktails are always very good!

Answer 60

to appear, to peep (round), to pop one’s head into Today’s Parola del giorno is the reflexive verb "Affacciarsi", which can mean "to appear", "to peep (round)" or "to pop one’s head into". a. Il mio gattino è un po’ timido e si affaccia alla porta del salotto per controllare dove sono, prima di scappare sotto il letto. → My little kitten is a bit shy, and she peeps round the living room door to check where I am before fleeing under the bed. [Affacciarsi (verbo riflessivo) 1(1) (guardare dalla finestra) to look out the window 1(2) Mettere fuori la testa per farsi vedere [= to stick one's head out to be seen] 2 Venire a contatto per la prima volta [= to come into contact with for the first time]. 3 (figurato) Presentarsi alla mente [= to come to mind]]

Answer 61

→ a person who could not care less, a person who does not give a damn Today’s Parola del giorno is the noun "Il/La menefreghista". It is a noun that is used to describe a person who doesn’t care, couldn’t care less, and doesn’t give a damn. a. Non chiedergli nulla, tanto è un menefreghista - potrebbe crollare il mondo e lui manco se ne accorgerebbe. → Don’t ask him anything, he just couldn’t care less - the world could crumble, and he wouldn’t even know! You can also use this word as an adjective, too, with meaning of "indifferent" or "callous".

Answer 62

Today’s Parola del giorno is the noun "Lo stuzzicadenti",¹ which means "a toothpick". The noun is invariable (invariabile), which means that it has the same singular and plural form. a. Al ristorante, il cameriere ci ha portato gli stuzzicadenti dopo il pranzo perché avevamo mangiato carne alla griglia. → At the restaurant, the waiter brought us toothpicks after lunch because we had eaten grilled meat. 1 Don’t forget that nouns in Italian starting with "st-" take "lo" and "gli" for the singular and plural articles!

Answer 63

Today’s Parola del giorno is the colloquial expression "Fuori dalle palle". It roughly translates as “Get the hell out of here” - although I will warn you that this is not something you want to use liberally. I encounter this expression a lot on Instagram from the @ugolize content creator, who uses Lego people and characters to tell jokes and do humour “Italian style.” a. Mia zia non è molto paziente quando i venditori a domicilio bussano alla porta di mattina. L'altra mattina uno ha bussato, e quando mia zia ha aperto la porta, ha sgridato il venditore dicendo: “Fuori dalle palle!” Non le piace essere disturbata mentre sistema casa e guarda la TV. → My aunt isn’t very patient when door-to-door salespeople knock on the door in the morning. The other morning one knocked, and when my aunt opened the door, she scolded the salesperson saying “Get the hell out of here!” She doesn’t like to be bothered while she’s tidying up and watching TV.

Answer 64

→ to be out of shape / to be in shape, respectively Today’s Parola del giorno is a two-for with the expressions "Essere giù di forma" and "Essere in forma", which mean "to be out of shape" and "to be in shape", respectively. You can replace "Essere" with other verbs, as in our example below. a. Mentre scrivevo la tesi, sono andato giù di forma perché avevo rinunciato alla palestra e allo sport per finire la laurea. Ora ho voglia di tornare in forma per l’estate. → While I was writing my thesis, I got out of shape because I gave up the gym and sports to finish my degree. I now feel like getting back into shape for the summer.

Answer 65

→ to pawn off, to unload someone or something Today’s Parola del giorno is the verb "Sbolognare", which means "to pawn off" or "to unload someone or something". This verb is usually used to describe an action where someone offloads/pawns off something or someone to another person, like in our example below: a. Non mi piace comprare macchine nuove di zecca dal concessionario. Preferisco acquistare un’auto un po’ usata, ma devo stare attento ai venditori: hanno la tendenza a sbolognare macchine guaste per guadagnare qualche euro! → I don’t like to buy brand new cars from the dealer. I prefer to buy a car that’s a bit used, but I have to pay attention to the salespeople: they tend to pawn off broken down cars to a few euro! [Note: This verb has a unique etymology as it is derived from the city of Bologna, which was place that historically (during the Middle Ages) was known for its fake objects and low quality metals (like pawning off objects as real gold when they were made of fool’s gold).]

Answer 66

→ to sneak, to slink away/off Today’s Parola del giorno is the verb "Sgattaiolare", which means "to sneak" or "to slink away/off". This verb is used when one’s actions are done surreptitiously in an effort to leave a situation quietly and/or unobserved. a. Quando sono arrivati gli zii, ho deciso di sgattaiolare dal salotto per evitare conversazioni sul mio divorzio imminente. → When my aunt and uncle arrived, I decided to sneak away from the living room to avoid conversations about my impending divorce.

Answer 67

→ to shut oneself up, to hole up somewhere Today’s Parola del giorno is the pronominal verb "Rintanarsi", which means "to shut oneself up" or "to hole up somewhere". a. Dopo che i suoi zii lo hanno interrogato sul suo divorzio imminente, Davide è andato a rintanarsi nella casina dei suoi genitori al lago, dove poteva avere un po’ di spazio e rilassarsi in compagnia solo del suo cagnolino. → After his aunt and uncle interrogated him about his imminent divorce, David went to hole up in his parents’ lake house where he could have a bit of space and to relax with only his puppy as company.

4 Parola del Giorno Words (4) Flashcards

(177 cards)