Impress Native Speakers: 12 Untranslatable Italian Words That Don’t Have English Equivalents

How would you translate the English word 'dozen' to Italian?

Or perhaps the Italian word 'tesoro' in English?

Sure, you can translate both words to each language but when you translate them literally, it often doesn't satisfy your need to understand the concept where the word is used, even the word itself.

Or sometimes you can't translate words with the equivalent word to another language. You have to use more words so that you can understand the meaning.

There are words in every language that can't be translated. With Italian, that's also the case.

The sooner you understand that some words simply can't be translated, the better for your Italian knowledge. That way, you will be closer to perfecting your Italian language skills.

And while we are talking about improving Italian language skills, let's not forget to mention Italian tutors, professionals, and native speakers who will make your language learning fun and easy.

But now, let's get back to see what are the 12 Italian words and phrases you can't just translate to English.

12 Untranslatable Italian Words That Don't Have English Equivalent

Abbiocco

Do you know the feeling when you've eaten so much that not only you can't move but you can't even say a word properly?

It is some kind of food-comma, and the only thing you can do is lie on a sofa and stare at tv or take a nap.

Boh!

As you probably know, Italians like to use body language while they are talking. And you have to admit, that showing with your finger while saying ‘scusi’ simply isn't enough, is it?

So, here's one ideal word when you want to shrug your shoulders:'boh.'

It can be used anytime you want to show with your shoulders that 'boh' who knows?

Culaccino

Culaccino can be explained as a word that is used for a watermark on the table.

Do you know when you put a glass of cold,  iced water on the table and leave a mark?

Well, that's  'culaccino.'

But don't think that you can use the word even if it, for example, leaves the mark of coffee. No, no, that's not ‘culacino.’

So, the mark of cold water was left on a wooden table.

Dolce Far Niente

If we want to translate this phrase literally, it can be something like ‘sweet doing nothing.’

It is used when you simply don’t do anything that requires physical or mental action and concentration.

The phrase can be ideal when you, for example, are taking a walk in the park and drinking your favorite type of coffee or when you have a break after having lunch.

Gattara

This is the word for older women who are alone, without family or friends, and who usually have a lot of cats, sometimes even other pets, around them.

The most similar English equivalent would be 'old cat lady.'

The word 'gattara' comes from the Italian word for a cat which is 'gato.' But even though the rest of the word in 'gattara' doesn't refer to old people, everyone knows what it refers to.

Magari

Literally, the word 'magari' can be translated as 'maybe.' The word, however, is more than that.

In Italian, it is more than maybe. On the other hand, it refers to something you want to achieve but that's not too disappointing if you don't achieve it either.

For example, your boss asks you if you want to get the best car according to today's recommendations. And you can say 'magari.'

Magari, then, can be explained as your hopes and wishes. You want that to happen and you hope so, but you are realistic and you aren't sure when and how it will happen.

Mamma Mia

Surely everyone has heard of this phrase.

Many also know when to use it, too.

Italians also use it almost every day. It is one of the most commonly used phrases.

It can be translated as 'Oh my goodness!' The important thing about this phrase is to use it with excitement and exclamation, otherwise, the whole point is useless.

One more great thing is that it can be used in every situation. When you eat something delicious, for example, use the phrase. Should you get an idea about something amazing, 'Mamma mia!' And if you are at the concert, which is by the way, perfect, again, 'Mamma mia!'

Menefreghista

This word can’t be translated literally because it comes from the expression ‘Non me ne frega’ which means ‘I don’t care.’

Therefore, the explanation of this untranslatable word can be that it is used for people who don’t care about anything.

For example, when there are several of you discussing how to learn Italian on your own and some of you have one opinion, others another, a different one, and only one person doesn't discuss. It seems that he doesn't even listen carefully, like he doesn't care at all. He is ‘menefreghista.’

Mozzafiato

Something that takes your breath away because it is so amazing, so beautiful, that's 'mozzafiato.'

If you take a look at the words that make this term, 'mozza' means 'to cut off' and 'fiato' means 'breath.' you see that there is not much sense for 'breathtaking' but it undoubtedly is.

Pantofolaio

In English, we have 'couch potato'

In Italian, it is 'pantofolaio.'

If you want to translate literally, you'll get 'couch slipper' which doesn't make much sense.

Pantofolaio can be described as the moment(s) when you stay in your robe and slippers the whole day and grab some snacks to get back to the sofa to binge-watch movies or series for the rest of the day.

Spaghettata

As you already suppose, the word has something to do with spaghetti.

It can be a spaghetti party or anything that has to do with pasta.

For example, you invite your friends for 'spaghettata' that means that you make spaghetti or another pasta-like dinner, something like a party.

Struggimento

The most similar explanation to this word can be 'yearning' but it actually isn't yearning like in English.

This word can be defined as something you are longing for so much and that longing is so strong that it can become physically painful.

Final Thoughts

So, here you are 12 commonly used words in Italian that can’t be translated to English perfectly because there are no suitable equivalents.

Many of them can be explained or defined how and when to use them, which makes it acceptable.

If you want to learn even more of these words, you can turn to Italian tutors, who are native Italian speakers, from different Italian-speaking countries, so they are an ideal solution for you to prepare for the conversation with the locals.

Besides, you can include listening to Italian podcasts because that is one more great way to find out about more untranslatable Italian words and hear how they are pronounced immediately, as well as in which situations they can be used.

Thanks to all those words, your language skills will be more authentic and you will surely impress every Italian.