Calabrisella Mia

It doesn’t matter how old we get, we are constantly learning new things. It’s what makes life so incredibly interesting. Whether it’s a new recipes, new things about yourself, and, in the case of learning another language, new vocabulary.

How many of you are learning another language? And how many of you have come across words that immediately after hearing or reading them for the first time your lips curl into a smile or you laugh and you instantly fall in love with the word. I have to admit, that in Italian, that happens to me a lot. There are so many great words that just roll off your tongue and you want to find every possible way to use that word as much as you can!

In May, the Dolce Vita Bloggers topic was Five Italian Words.  Learning Italian has been so important to me and the progress I’ve made over the years since my move to Italy still impresses me.

As a writer, I think adjectives are super important. They evoke images, feelings and emotions that bring whatever you are reading to a whole other level.  Through teaching and reading more Italian literature, I’ve come across some really fun adjectives, that I think come alive when you use them.

Here are five Italian adjectives I just love!

MERAVIGLIOSO
(English: wonderful)

I absolutely love this word,  I think it’s because it takes me back to my younger years listening to Domenico Modugno’s song “Meraviglioso” in the car with my dad as we listened to the Italian radio station or one of his many mixed tapes/CDs.  I will admit, I stumbled trying to pronounce this adjective in the beginning – I mean, look at all those vowels!!  But, now it’s one of my fave words – your eyes can’t help but get big and bright when you utter this word, whether you are describing a person, a view or even those wonderful experiences that make up your Dolce Vita!!

SQUISITO
(English:  delicious)

In May, the Dolce Vita Bloggers topic was Five Italian Words, and this particular adjective was a fave for many. It’s the perfect word to describe the exceptional and unparalleled deliciousness that is the Italian cuisine!

PAZZESCO
(English:  crazy)

Just like the English word, crazy is used in so many different ways. We use it to exaggerate whatever it is we are talking about. So it can have either a more negative tone or positive one depending on the situation. You can go from “C’è un traffico pazzesco oggi!” (The traffic is crazy today!) to “Che vista pazzesca!” (What a crazy – aka incredible – view!). Don’t you just love how versatile it is?! And you have to admit, it’s fun to say!

STUPENDA 
(English:  stupendous,marvelous)

This can be used as a synonym for meraviglioso  and I really enjoy using this word.  I often use it to describe people.  When you meet someone that you find incredible, fascinating and interesting, you’ll often say “Sei davvero stupenda!” (You are really amazing!).  Or when you hear some marvelous news you can say “Che stupenda notizia!” (What wonderful news!). I don’t know about you, but my eyes light up when I use this word in conversation.

AFFASCINANTE  
(English:  charming)

When you are irresistibly attracted to someone or something, to the point that you find yourself staring in complete awe, you would use affascinante to describe it.  I actually learned this word during a conversation in one of my advanced classes. One of the students was looking for the English meaning of this word (which at the time I didn’t know). We looked it up and presto, I had another great adjective to add to my vocabulary.  It’s just sound so romantic and poetic! When I look out at the city of Cosenza at night, I am drawn to its beauty and charm – “Cosenza è molto affascinante di notte” (Cosenza is very charming at night). And, I’ve certainly met a fair share of Italian man that upon meeting them think to myself, “Wow, questo uomo è molto affascinante!” (Wow, this man is really charming!).

Have you ever heard of or used any of these adjectives? Let’s help each other learn some new Italian words by sharing one of your favourite Italian adjectives in the comments below.