Do you have a favourite word in a language you know? I haven’t quite decided on my favourite English word, but I have plenty of Italian words that fascinate me.
Italian is a beautiful language. I started learning it a few weeks before moving to the country and I’m still learning it to this day. There’s no method to my madness, probably why 6 years later I’m still learning it.
Recently I started Language Hacking by Benny Lewis and it has boosted my confidence and skillset. The following are my favourite Italian words:
Pasticceria
Italian is truly a language of food. And one of my favourite places to buy food was from a pasticceria. Basically, a bakery. My friend’s family also own a pasticceria and I have beautiful memories of helping out in the kitchen on my first visit to their mountain-side town.
Piacére
This Italian word is versatile and fun. You can use it to say ‘nice to meet you’ and it directly corresponds to the verb ‘to like’ in English. I’m not 100% sure on my use of it when greeting people, but either way I like saying it.
Nocciolino
Unless you specifically travel to Bar Manzoni in Campobasso, the region of Molise, you won’t understand the addiction to nocciolino. I’ve searched all of Italy and cannot find the taste replicated elsewhere. Even when they have it on the menu, it’s never the espresso sized drink I consumed over months living in Campobasso.
Also, a noun for toasted hazelnuts.
Scrittore
Writer. Scrittore means ‘writer’. I guess I don’t need to go into detail about why this word stands out to me. I did write a novel based in Campobasso…
Posso Avere
Posso avere is a phrase that translates into ‘Can I have…’ – it’s an absolute gem for all travellers in Italy. Use is frequently when ordering from a menu.
Example: Posso avere la pasta e il vino rosso? Grazie.
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