Learn Italian in Signs: E’ Stato Bello

^ above: This restaurant in Lecco was named Malpensata: “badly thought of” or “badly thought out.” Apparently either or both was the case – it’s for sale. ^ “BHW mortage, the German mortgage that protects your house. BHW: The German bank specialized in home mortgages at fixed interest rates.” Pastore tedesco = German shepherd Interesting… Continue reading Learn Italian in Signs: E’ Stato Bello

Learn Italian in Signs: Horses and Dogs

^ Milan billboard advertising a van: “Milanese Proverb. The master commands, the horse [he] trots.” ^ This sign on a train has been altered from “service rooms” to “torture rooms”. ^ I don’t remember where I took this picture, but it says “Dogs have the right to make dirty [poop], masters have the duty to… Continue reading Learn Italian in Signs: Horses and Dogs

Everyday Italian: Signs of the Times

^ above: Occasione means “For sale, great deal!” (And no wonder…) ^ June 14, 2006 – This new shop in Lecco is “opening soon” (prossima = soon or next, apertura = opening [noun]). But maybe it’ll close soon after? ^ English education in Italy clearly never includes proper use of the apostrophe (a common mistake… Continue reading Everyday Italian: Signs of the Times

Learn Italian in Song: L’Emozione non ha Voce

Emotion has No Voice Adriano Celentano. The video above comes from Rockpolitik, a variety show hosted by Celentano in 2006. Io non so parlar d’amore l’emozione non ha voce E mi manca un po il respiro se ci sei c’e troppa luce La mia anima si spande come musica d’estate poi la voglia sai mi… Continue reading Learn Italian in Song: L’Emozione non ha Voce