How to Speak With a Fake Italian Accent

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Last Updated: October 4, 2024 Fact Checked

Whether it is for acting, or just to pull a prank at some friends, this article will instruct you how to re-create an Italian accent!

Things You Should Know

Start by modifying your vowels: a sounds like "ah," e sounds like "eh," i sounds like "ee," and u sounds like "oo."
Elongate double consonants in words like "azzurro," "pollo," etc. For example, you'd pronounce "better" as "bet-ter" rather than "bedder."
Speak in very simple English phrases to create the illusion that you aren't fluent in English.
End questions with "no?" to sound like an Italian native.

1

Modify your vowels.

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Understand that Italian vowels are different from English ones. In Italian, each letter stands distinctly as one sound, whereas in English, letters can make different sounds depending on the word.^{[1]
X
Research source}It may sound complicated, but it isn't.
- A sounds like the ä in "Father"
- E is pronounced like è in "Vendor"
- I like ï in "Naive"
- U is ù as in "Goo".

2

Blend your “th.”

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Italians often have difficulty pronouncing the English “th.” Instead of pronouncing it how you normally would, pronounce it as either “t” (“think" would become “tink”), or "d" (“the” would become “de.”), respectively.^{[2]
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Research source}
- Additionally, Italians often drop the “h” from the beginning of words.^{[3]
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  Research source}
- Some other common sound mistakes include GL as LL (as in “Million”) and GN as ñ (as in “Canyon”).
- Be careful not to mistake certain sounds too often, as it will make you sound pretentious!

3

Use simple English.

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Since you are pretending to be a foreigner, your working knowledge of the English vocabulary would not be complete. If you’ve learned any other language, think of the simple vocabulary you’re taught when you first begin learning.

4

Elongate double consonants.

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^{[4]
X
Research source} In Italian, words such as “Azzurro,” “Pollo,” and others feature prominent double consonants, so try to draw the sound out when you speak. For example, it would be “Bet-ter” rather than “bedder.”

5

End questions with “no?”.

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This is an optional step, and obviously not done every time. The Italian language uses it, and thus, Italians are familiar with it. Example: “You are going later, no?”

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Question

What if I want to speak the language?

Community Answer

Learn the language first, and then you can start adding the accent. You can also learn the language and the accent at the same time.

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What if I don't live near Italians?

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You can talk to Italian people online, watch Italian videos or take Italian lessons.

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How do I say boyfriend?

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You pronounce "boy" as you would in English, except you exaggerate the "o". The "friend” becomes “fren”, with a subtle “d” sound. To make the subtle “d” sound, curve your tongue upward rather than downward in pronunciation.

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Tips

Observe real Italians. This is by far the easiest way to improve your skills. Watch films with Italians and follow their speech patterns.

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Make sure your "o" does not have a w sound at the end. Make your mouth into an o, start making the sound of an o, and then stop.

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To give your accent a comical feel, you can watch Roary the Racing Car and pay special attention to Maxi and Mr. Carburettor, as they both speak with a comically thick Italian accent.

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Warnings

Do not exaggerate too much! As "Italian" as you may sound, exaggeration will only result in incomprehensible speech.

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Never try to fool the native speakers. Italians will instantly mark you negatively.

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Italian people may get offended. Use with caution.

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Use responsibly. For example, read this article to prepare for a theater play.

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