Glossary
Balance (Diet & Fitness)
The key concept in Italian lifestyle emphasizing equilibrium between enjoying rich food and maintaining an active physical routine.
Example:
Italians often demonstrate a healthy balance by enjoying delicious meals while also prioritizing walks and outdoor activities.
Calcio
Soccer, the most popular sport in Italy, serving as a significant unifying force in communities across the country.
Example:
Every Sunday, Italian families gather to watch a thrilling game of calcio, cheering for their favorite team.
Cena
Italian dinner, typically lighter than lunch, often including a first course or soup, and sometimes a second course.
Example:
After a busy day, a simple minestrone soup is a perfect cena for many Italians.
Colazione
Italian breakfast, typically a light meal consisting of coffee (like caffè latte) with bread, butter, and jam, or a pastry.
Example:
Before starting the day, many Italians enjoy a quick colazione with a strong espresso and a sweet cornetto.
Contorno
A side dish, usually vegetables or salad, served alongside the second course in an Italian meal.
Example:
I always order a fresh green salad as my contorno to balance out the richness of the main dish.
Conveniente
Convenient or affordable, depending on the context. In food, it often refers to ease of preparation or access.
Example:
Buying pre-cut vegetables can be very conveniente for busy weeknights, even if they cost a little more.
Cuisine (Italian)
The culinary traditions of Italy, characterized by a deep connection to fresh, local ingredients and the communal aspect of meals.
Example:
Italian cuisine is renowned worldwide for its emphasis on simple, high-quality ingredients and family gatherings around the table.
Diet and Health (High-Value Topic)
A crucial exam theme exploring various dietary choices, their impacts on well-being, and the Italian approach to balancing rich meals with an active lifestyle.
Example:
Understanding the nuances of Diet and Health in Italy, including the popularity of the Mediterranean diet and vegetarianism, is key for exam success.
Dolce
Dessert in Italian cuisine, often served after the main meal and sometimes followed by coffee.
Example:
After a delicious meal, a slice of tiramisù is the perfect dolce to satisfy a sweet craving.
Food and Culture (High-Value Topic)
A critical exam theme focusing on how food is deeply intertwined with Italian values, traditions, family life, and social gatherings, reflecting a cultural cornerstone.
Example:
The AP Italian exam frequently explores how Food and Culture are inseparable, asking students to analyze the significance of meals in Italian society.
Gli alimentari
A general term for food or groceries.
Example:
We need to go to the market to buy gli alimentari for the week.
I videogiochi
Videogames, electronic games played by manipulating images on a video screen.
Example:
My younger brother spends hours playing i videogiochi with his friends online.
Il cinema
Movie theater or cinema, a place where films are shown to the public.
Example:
Let's go to il cinema tonight to see the new Italian comedy.
Il dietologo
A dietician, a healthcare professional specializing in diet and nutrition, often in a clinical or medical context.
Example:
My doctor recommended I see il dietologo to help manage my specific dietary needs.
Il giocatore
Player, an individual who participates in a sport or game.
Example:
Lionel Messi is considered by many to be the best giocatore in the world.
Il nutrizionista
A nutritionist, a professional who provides advice on food and nutrition for health and well-being.
Example:
If you're looking to improve your eating habits, consulting il nutrizionista can offer valuable guidance.
Il peso forma
Perfect or ideal weight/form, referring to one's optimal body weight for health and fitness.
Example:
After months of consistent effort, he finally reached his peso forma and felt great.
Il primo
The first course of an Italian meal, commonly consisting of pasta, rice (risotto), or soup.
Example:
My favorite il primo is a rich, creamy lasagna, especially when it's homemade.
Il secondo
The second course of an Italian meal, typically featuring a main protein like meat or fish.
Example:
For il secondo, we often have grilled chicken or fresh seafood, depending on what's available.
Il tifoso
Fan, specifically a passionate and dedicated supporter of a sports team.
Example:
As a loyal tifoso, he travels to every game to support his favorite soccer club.
Il zucchero
Sugar, a common sweetening ingredient found in many foods and drinks.
Example:
Many people are trying to reduce the amount of il zucchero in their daily intake for health reasons.
Integrale
Whole wheat or whole grain, referring to food products made from unrefined grains, often considered healthier.
Example:
I prefer integrale bread because it has more fiber and keeps me full longer.
L'allenatore
Coach, the person responsible for training and guiding a sports team or individual athlete.
Example:
L'allenatore gave a passionate speech to motivate the team before the big match.
L'hockey
Hockey, a sport played on ice or a field with sticks and a puck or ball.
Example:
Although not as popular as soccer, l'hockey has a dedicated following in some northern Italian cities.
La Dieta Vegana
A vegan diet, a more restrictive dietary choice than vegetarianism, excluding all animal products, including meat, dairy, eggs, and honey.
Example:
For ethical reasons, some people choose la dieta vegana, avoiding all foods derived from animals.
La Dieta Vegetariana
A vegetarian diet, a dietary choice that excludes meat, often adopted for ethical, animal welfare, or health reasons.
Example:
My cousin follows la dieta vegetariana because she believes it's better for both her health and the environment.
La linea
Figure or physique, often used in the context of maintaining one's body shape or weight.
Example:
She exercises regularly and eats well to maintain la linea.
La migliore dieta/la peggiore dieta
The best/worst diet, used for comparative evaluation of different dietary approaches.
Example:
Many studies suggest that the Mediterranean diet is la migliore dieta for heart health.
La musica
Music, an art form whose medium is sound, organized in time.
Example:
Italian musica is famous worldwide for its opera and romantic songs.
La pallavolo
Volleyball, a team sport played with a ball over a net, where players hit the ball to the opposing side.
Example:
My sister plays la pallavolo for her school team and they are very good.
La squadra
Team, a group of players forming one side in a competitive game or sport.
Example:
Our squadra trained hard all season and finally won the championship.
La televisione
Television, an electronic device used for broadcasting and receiving visual and audio programs.
Example:
Many Italian families gather to watch la televisione together in the evenings.
Lo sci nautico
Water skiing, a recreational sport performed on water.
Example:
During the summer, many enjoy practicing lo sci nautico on the beautiful Italian lakes.
Lo stile di vita
Lifestyle, encompassing a person's way of living, including their habits, activities, and choices.
Example:
An active stile di vita that includes regular exercise and healthy eating is crucial for overall well-being.
Mantenere la linea
To maintain one's figure or physique, typically through a combination of diet and exercise.
Example:
To mantenere la linea, I try to walk for at least 30 minutes every day.
Pranzo
Italian lunch, often considered the main meal of the day, traditionally featuring multiple courses like a primo and secondo.
Example:
For Sunday pranzo, our family always gathers for a long, leisurely meal with homemade pasta and roasted meat.
Prodotti commerciali
Commercial products, typically referring to mass-produced goods, often contrasted with fresh, local, or artisanal items.
Example:
Italians often prefer fresh produce from local markets over packaged prodotti commerciali.
Provare
To try or to taste, often used when sampling food or attempting something new.
Example:
Would you like to provare this delicious homemade pasta?
Salutare
Healthy, referring to something that is beneficial for one's health.
Example:
Fresh, seasonal produce is always a salutare choice for any meal.
Sports and Society (High-Value Topic)
An important exam theme examining the role of sports, particularly soccer, as a unifying force in Italian communities and its contribution to health and well-being.
Example:
The exam might require you to analyze how Sports and Society connect in Italy, highlighting the passion for calcio and its community impact.
Una buona dieta/una cattiva dieta
A good/bad diet, used to describe the quality of one's eating habits.
Example:
Eating fast food every day is considered una cattiva dieta by most nutritionists.
Una dieta sana
A healthy diet, characterized by balanced and nutritious food choices that promote well-being.
Example:
Eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains is fundamental to una dieta sana.
Una dieta varia
A varied diet, which is a healthy eating pattern that includes a wide range of food groups like fruits, vegetables, proteins, and carbohydrates.
Example:
To ensure good health, it's essential to maintain una dieta varia with plenty of colorful produce.