falso
/ˈfal.so/
The English phrase 'two-faced' can be translated into Italian as falso.
The word falso is used to describe someone who is deceitful or duplicitous. Beyond describing a person's character, it is also the standard term for things that are 'false' or 'fake', such as a false statement or a counterfeit object.
Meaning: Deceitful, duplicitous (adj)
Which one should you use?
While falso can be used to describe a person's character as two-faced, the phrase doppia faccia (meaning 'two faces') is often used in the idiomatic expression persona dalla doppia faccia to specifically denote a two-faced person.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective falso must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies. Use falsa for feminine singular nouns, falsi for masculine plural nouns and false for feminine plural nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /ˈfal.so/. The stress is on the first of two syllables.
Did you know?
- The Latin root fallere suggests that being 'false' is not just about lying, but about 'tripping up' or 'stumbling' someone, which explains why the word carries a sense of betrayal in Italian.
- If you call someone falso in Italy, it is often perceived as a deeper moral judgment of their character than calling someone 'fake' in English, frequently implying a lack of integrity.
Examples in context
- Non posso fidarmi di lui, ha sempre dimostrato una grande doppiezza.I can't trust him, he has always shown great two-facedness.
- Non mi fido di Marco, è falso come una lira da tre!I don't trust Marco, he's as two-faced as they come!
- Non fidarti di lui, è un falso amico.Don't trust him, he is a false friend.
- Quel collega è un uomo falso.That colleague is a deceitful man.
Example conversation
Giulia and Alessandro are discussing a mutual acquaintance at a cafe.
- GiuliaMarco non è una persona sincera.Marco is not a sincere person.
- AlessandroLo sapevo, è un tipo molto falso.I knew it, he is a very two-faced guy.
- GiuliaDice sempre cose belle, ma poi ti tradisce.He always says nice things, but then he betrays you.
- AlessandroHai ragione, Giulia, meglio stare lontani da lui.You're right, Giulia, it's better to stay away from him.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry falso, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries falso, CC BY-SA 4.0.
