38 Italian words commonly used in English

But not all is quite as it seems. Much of the Italian vocabulary used in English has changed in meaning and pronunciation over the course of its linguistic migration — and these changes can leave a native Italian scratching their head.

In this article, we’ll explore some of the Italian words that have become everyday English staples. But we won’t take all of these words at face value. On the contrary, we’ll uncover the truth behind some of the most commonly misunderstood terms so that you can pepper your next Italian-inspired conversation with exactly the right amount of flavor and flair.

• A brief history of Italian words in the English language
• Top 38 Italian words commonly used in English
• Plurals, misinterpretations and mistakes
• Italian phrases adopted into English
• New borrowings and trends
• Tips for using Italian words correctly in English
• FAQs

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A brief history of Italian words in the English language

The Renaissance influence

During the Renaissance, a cultural blooming that took place between the 14th and 16th centuries, Italy wasn’t just home to pasta and pizza. It was a beacon of cultural, artistic and intellectual innovation. 

As English-speaking artists and intellectuals sought inspiration from the flourishing cities of Florence and Venice, they eagerly adopted Italian terms to describe the newfound wonders they encountered. Words like opera, sonata and fresco made their way into English, often to describe artistic techniques or concepts that had no direct equivalents in the English-speaking world. 

The Italian influence was so strong that even English monarchs like Henry VIII couldn’t resist embracing Renaissance culture. In any case, it wasn’t long before Italian words transcended academia and flowed out into everyday speech, making their mark on the English lexicon for centuries to come.

Italy’s global influence through food, art and fashion

Fast forward to today, and Italy’s influence remains as vibrant as ever. Italian food is so ingrained in the English-speaking world that spaghetti is seen as more of a universal comfort food than as a strictly Italian export. 

But it’s not just about pasta — Italy is also synonymous with luxury and style. Terms lifted from Italian high fashion, architecture and design pepper English conversations, largely thanks to Italy’s dominance in these fields. Whether you’re savoring a gelato on the veranda or admiring a pair of stiletto heels, Italy’s influence pervades not just the culinary scene, but the way we think about beauty and craftsmanship. 

Top 38 Italian words commonly used in English

Food and drink

Word	Notes
pizza	The plural in Italian is pizze, not pizzas.
pasta	It means “dough.”
espresso	Italians just call it caffè.
tiramisù	This dessert’s name literally translates to “pick me up.”
gelato	It means “frozen.”
panini	Plural for panino, it simply means “sandwich.”
focaccia	This bread is typically eaten on its own in Italy.
risotto	Originally, Italian risotto was always spiced with saffron.
cappuccino	Originally, cacao sprinkles were used only to cover the taste of a bad froth.
antipasti	Anti = before, pasto = meal.
balsamic	It’s meant to be curative, derived from the Ancient Greek balsamon..
mozzarella	Originally, this word described hand-pulled and cut (mozzare) curds.
prosciutto	Etruscan tribes prepared it as early as 900 BC.
salami	It derives from the Latin salame (literally, “to salt the meat”).
pesto	It means “crushed,” as its ingredients are simply ground together.
ravioli	This pasta was originally served with broth.
bistecca	This word inspired the English word “steak.”
limoncello	Apparently this liqueur was first developed by nuns.
latte	Remember to order a caffè latte, or you’ll get only a glass of milk!

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Art, music and fashion

Word	Notes
opera	Opera originated in 16th-century Florence.
sonata	This noun comes from the Italian verb sonare (to sound).
fresco	ONo solvents, glues or manmade materials are used in this classical painting method.
ballerina	This noun comes from the Italian verb ballare (to dance).
soprano	This name for the highest vocal range comes fromthe verb sopra (above).
allegro	Literally, “happy” or “lively.”
adagio	This word means “at ease” and describes a tempo close to that of a heartbeat.
galleria	Originally meaning “church porch,” galleria only later became the term for a passage with shops and vendors.
fugue	From the Latin “flight” or “escape.” It may also have French influences.
crescendo	Literally, “growing” or “increasing.”
graffiti	This ubiquitous word for street art comes from graffio (scratch).
stiletto	Originally a stiletto was a needle-pointed weapon, though it’s now a particularly dramatic style of high-heel shoe.

Everyday words you didn’t know were Italian

Word	Notes
fiasco	Literally “flask,” this word is often used to describe a complete failure.
bravo	Meaning “brave,” this word is used in English to praise a good performer.
ghetto	This is a slang term in Italian for borghetto (small borough).
confetti	“Confected” sweets were often thrown during carnivals in Italy.
scenario	This is the “stage” where a play or film is set.
panorama	English didn’t have a word for “unobstructed view,” so it borrowed from the Italian.
agenda	From the Italian word for “schedule.”
casino	Literally “small house,” as this is where the first gambling venues were located.

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Plurals, misinterpretations and mistakes

Italian words in English can often lead to mistakes in pronunciation and confusion in meaning. 

One of the most frequent mistakes involves the confusion between singular and plural forms. Take panini, for example. While it’s often used in English to mean a single sandwich, it’s actually the plural of panino in Italian. So, if you’re in Italy and ask for a panini expecting one sandwich, you might be met with a puzzled look. Similarly, zucchini is the plural form of zucchino.

Another classic misinterpretation is the case of pepperoni. In English, we use this word to describe a specific type of spicy sausage, usually on pizza. However, in Italy, peperoni means “bell peppers.” So, if you ask for a  peperoni pizza in Italy, you’ll get a very different topping than you may have expected!

Pronunciation is also a tricky area. Words like gnocchi and tiramisù are frequently mispronounced by English speakers. The gn in gnocchi is a soft “ny” sound, similar to the ny in canyon — so it’s nyok-kee, not noh-kee. And for tiramisù, make sure to pronounce each syllable clearly — tee-rah-mee-soo, not tee-rah-miss-oo. These subtleties can make a big difference in how authentic your Italian sounds!

Words you think are Italian but aren’t

Word	Notes
vignette	French for “small vine”
mascot	Provençal for “lucky charm”
caprice	French for “whim”
couturier	French for “seamstress/ster”
faux	French for “fake”
tuxedo	Lenape (Native American) name of a park
bistro	Russian for “fast”
tomato	Nahuatl (Aztec), originally “tomatl”
tortilla	Spanish for “small cake”
basilica	Greek for “royalty”
fiesta	Spanish for “party”

Italian phrases adopted into English

Italian has gifted English not only with individual words, but also with elegant, evocative phrases that we often use without translation. 

Greetings like ciao (used for both “hello” and “goodbye”) have become universally recognizable. Film and pop culture have popularized expressions like la dolce vita (“the sweet life”)  and bella figura (literally “beautiful figure”). Even addio (a more definitive “goodbye” or “farewell”) occasionally surfaces in literature and dramatic contexts. 

New borrowings and trends

In recent years, new Italian loanwords have continued to find their way into English, often driven by cultural trends in food, design and lifestyle. Terms like aperitivo (a pre-dinner drink and snack ritual) and tagliere (a curated charcuterie board) are making their way into English menus and conversations. 

The fashion world remains a particularly fertile ground for Italian terminology, with words like sprezzatura (effortless elegance) gaining traction in English discussions. As Italy continues to influence global culture, these fresh additions enrich the English lexicon with a modern Italian touch.

Tips for using Italian words correctly in English

• Master the pronunciation: Italian is a phonetic language, so getting the sounds right makes a big difference. Listen to native speakers or use pronunciation tools to avoid common mistakes.
• Understand plural vs. singular forms: Many Italian words adopted in English are plural, like panini and zucchini. Use them correctly to sound more authentic.
• Respect the original meaning: Don’t mix up meanings — pepperoni in English refers to a spicy sausage, but true Italian peperoni are bell peppers. Practice with phrases: Use common expressions confidently but appropriately. The key is to incorporate them naturally in conversation.
• Be culturally mindful: Italian words often carry cultural nuances. Avoid using phrases out of context to ensure you come across as respectful and informed.
• Join a Lingoda class: With personalized lessons from language experts, Lingoda tutors can help you with pronunciation, grammar and cultural insights.

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What are some English words used in Italy?

Weekend, shopping, smartphone, stress and meeting are all examples of English loanwords in Italian.

What is the meaning of ‘la dolce vita’?

La dolce vita literally translates to “the sweet life,” and it refers to a carefree, indulgent lifestyle.

What does ‘la vita è bella’ mean?

“Life is beautiful” is a direct translation of this phrase, which is often used to express optimism.

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The beauty of Italian words in English

Italian words have effortlessly become part of the English language. However, there are common pitfalls to watch out for, like confusing plurals or misinterpreting terms. Proper pronunciation is also important when adopting Italian words and phrases into English conversations, as modern trends keep bringing in new terms. Mastering all these linguistic elements adds flair to communication and becomes a great door into Italian culture.
At Lingoda, our flexible class scheduling and native-level teachers ensure you can confidently learn to use Italian words correctly and with cultural awareness, enhancing your language skills at your own pace. Join a class today and start learning Italian right away!

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