bugie
The Italian word for 'lies' is bugie.
The word bugie refers to false statements made with the intention to deceive others. To express the action of 'to tell lies', use the phrase dire bugie, pairing the noun with the verb dire.
Which one should you use?
While bugie is the standard term, other words can be used depending on the desired emphasis. The word stronzate is a colloquial way to refer to lies while emphasizing how absurd or stupid they are. The word cazzate is an informal way to express lies and may be considered slightly vulgar.
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular form of bugie is bugia.
Did you know?
- When someone is caught in a lie, an Italian might say mi stai prendendo in giro. This doesn't mention bugie at all, but literally means 'you are taking me for a ride'.
- In Italian literature, particularly in Commedia dell'Arte, characters often use bugie as a tool of wit to escape difficult situations, turning the negative word into a sign of cleverness.
- The word mentire can be used as a reflexive verb mentirsi in some contexts, implying that a person is lying to themselves, not just to others.
Examples in context
- Non dire mai bugie.Never tell lies.This sentence is useful for learning how to command someone not to tell bugie.Tatoeba #1547603 by Guybrush88, translation #65614 by CK
- Continuò a dire bugie.He kept on telling lies.This sentence shows the continuous action of telling bugie.Tatoeba #1534945 by Guybrush88, translation #293885 by CK
- È sbagliato dire bugie.It is wrong to tell lies.This sentence demonstrates that telling bugie is considered wrong.Tatoeba #612652 by Guybrush88, translation #26650 by CC
- Stai dicendo una menzognaYou are telling a lie
- Stai raccontando balle!You are telling lies!
- 60 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Giulia and Lorenzo are discussing a story told by a friend.
- GiuliaNon credo a queste bugie.I don't believe these lies.
- LorenzoPerché pensi che menta?Why do you think he is lying?
- GiuliaLe sue bugie sono troppo ovvie.His lies are too obvious.
- LorenzoHai ragione, Giulia.You are right, Giulia.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
