ficcanaso
/ˌfik.kaˈna.zo/
The English phrase "nosy" is translated into Italian as ficcanaso.
ficcanaso is used to describe someone who is prying, inquisitive or curious about the affairs of others, tending to snoop or meddle. This word can function as both an adjective to describe a person and as a noun to call someone a nosy person.
Meaning: prying, inquisitive or curious in other’s affairs, tending to snoop or meddle (adj)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is composed of the verb ficcare (to stick or poke) and the noun naso (nose), literally meaning "nose-poker."
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 4 syllables, with the stress on the third syllable: /ˌfik.kaˈna.zo/.
Did you know?
- In some Italian regions, a person who is overly nosy might be called a curioso, but this can be a compliment or an insult depending entirely on the tone of voice used.
- The structure of ficcanaso is a classic example of an Italian 'compound noun' created from a verb and a noun, a common way to create descriptive insults in the language.
- The word ficcare implies a forceful or sudden motion, suggesting that a ficcanaso does not just look, but actively 'shoves' their nose into situations.
Examples in context
- Tom è un ficcanaso.Tom is nosy.This sentence shows how to use ficcanaso as a noun to identify a person.Tatoeba #5985788 by Guybrush88, translation #5859012 by CK
- È un ficcanaso, vero?He's nosy, isn't he?This sentence uses ficcanaso in a question to confirm someone's nosy nature.Tatoeba #8694346 by Guybrush88, translation #8526224 by CH
- È ficcanaso.He's nosy.This sentence demonstrates using ficcanaso as an adjective to describe a person.Tatoeba #10002513 by Guybrush88, translation #8475769 by CH
- Mi scusi, ma trovo un po' indiscreto fare domande così personali.Excuse me, but I find it a bit indiscreet to ask such personal questions.
- 4 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alessandro and Martina are talking about their neighbor in the hallway.
- AlessandroHai visto che la vicina guarda sempre dalla finestra?Did you see that the neighbor always looks from the window?
- MartinaSì, è proprio una ficcanaso.Yes, she is quite a nosy person.
- AlessandroCerca sempre di sapere tutto di noi.She always tries to know everything about us.
- MartinaÈ davvero fastidiosa.She is really annoying.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry ficcanaso, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
