educazione

upbringing

noun eh-doo-kah-TSYOH-neh Less Common

Origin: from Latin educatio

Also means

good manners

Usage Note

Educazione is a classic false friend: it means 'upbringing' or 'good manners', not formal schooling, which is istruzione. Saying someone has buona educazione praises their politeness, and che maleducazione! scolds rudeness.

Examples

"Ha ricevuto una buona educazione."

Natural Translation

She received a good upbringing.

Literal Translation

Has received a good upbringing.

Related Words

Explore Italian by topic

ItalianNow

Italian Present Tense: -are, -ere, -ire Verbs

Conjugate Italian present-tense verbs fast: one color-coded chart for -are, -ere, and -ire endings, plus the sneaky -isc- group most guides bury.

June 5, 2026 6 min read

ItalianNow

Ti Amo vs Ti Voglio Bene: I Love You in Italian

Ti amo is romantic love; ti voglio bene is tender affection for family and close friends. Here's exactly who to say each phrase to in Italian.

June 5, 2026 5 min read

ItalianNow

C'è vs Ci Sono: There Is/Are in Italian

C'è for one thing, ci sono for many — that's the rule. Master Italian's there is/there are with c'era, ci sarà, è vs c'è, and non c'è nessuno.

June 9, 2026 5 min read

ItalianNow

Italian Question Words: Chi, Cosa, Dove, Quando & More

Master Italian question words: chi, cosa, dove, quando, perché, come, quanto and quale. A usage-first guide that finally sorts che vs cosa vs quale.

June 5, 2026 6 min read