Italian and Spanish Similar Words: A Guide to Cognates, False Friends, and Shared Vocabulary

Do you know some Italian and Spanish similar words? You might be surprised at how much of the other you can already understand. That’s no accident—these two languages are deeply connected, sharing roots that go back centuries.

Italian and Spanish come from the Romance language family, which means they evolved from the everyday Latin spoken in the Roman Empire. Due to this common history, a large number of words have similar appearances and sounds, which facilitates vocabulary acquisition and helps visitors feel at home in both Italy and Spain. Examining these parallels can help you discover new cultures and make learning a second language seem much less intimidating, whether you're a language enthusiast or organising your next trip to Europe.

Why Are Italian and Spanish So Similar?

Vulgar Latin, the common tongue of the Roman Empire, is the linguistic ancestor of both Italian and Spanish. Latin became the common tongue in areas that are now part of Italy and Spain when the empire spanned Europe. Local dialects in these regions gradually changed into the unique languages we know today over centuries as the empire waned, but they retained a large portion of their original Latin ancestry.

These languages were shaped by geography and history in addition to their common ancestry. Latin developed differently in the Italian and Iberian peninsulas because they were both cultural crossroads. For instance, during times of conquest and colonisation, Spanish absorbed new vocabulary from Arabic and indigenous languages, while Italian retained many words close to their Latin roots. The fundamental vocabulary, grammar, and even musical sound of both languages are remarkably similar despite these external influences, which makes it simpler for speakers to identify well-known terms and patterns.

Types of Similar Words

Not all Italian and Spanish words that look alike are created equal. Some are trustworthy allies, while others might trick you. Here’s how to tell them apart:

Cognates

These are words with the same Latin roots and nearly identical meanings. Think of them as linguistic twins separated at birth. For example many end in -zione (Italian) and -ción (Spanish), like informazione/información (“information”).

False Friends

They look harmless but pack a linguistic punch. These words share spelling but not meaning, often leading to awkward mix-ups.

Identical Words

These are the easiest to spot—they’re written the same in both languages, with the same meaning.

Most Common Italian and Spanish Similar Words

Italian and Spanish linguistic siblings share hundreds of everyday words that are either identical or so close you’ll recognize them instantly. Whether you’re ordering caffè in Rome or café in Barcelona, these terms act like secret keys, unlocking comprehension in both languages simultaneously.

Here’s a practical, everyday vocabulary list across key categories. These words are either identical or near-identical in Italian and Spanish, making them instant vocabulary boosts for learners.

Numbers

Note: While spellings differ slightly, numbers 3-10 are still recognizable across both languages.

Days of the Week

Tip: Days ending in -dì (Italian) often correlate with -es (Spanish), except weekends.

Months

Months like marzo, agosto, and diciembre are identical. Others like luglio/julio are easily decipherable.

Food

Watch Out: Pescado (Spanish) means “fish” (as food), while pesce (Italian) means “fish” (alive or cooked).

Travel

Professions

Pronunciation and Accent Differences

Think Italian and Spanish sound the same? Think again. Even identical words can trip you up if you ignore pronunciation quirks. Here’s how to avoid sounding like a tourist in Rome and Madrid.

Where Pronunciation Diverges

Vowels

• Italian vowels are pure and stretched (casa = “CAAH-sah”).
• Spanish vowels are crisper and shorter (casa = “CAH-sah” but faster, with less emphasis on the second a).

Consonants

• C and G: Cena (“dinner”) is “CHEH-nah” in Italian but “SEH-nah” in Spanish.
• Double consonants: Italian emphasizes them (notte = “NOT-teh”); Spanish doesn’t (noche = “NO-cheh”).
• J: Juego (Spanish “game”) = “HWEH-go,” while Italian lacks this guttural j sound.

Accent Marks: Small Symbols, Big Meanings

Accents in both languages change stress and sometimes meaning:

Conclusion: Italian and Spanish Similar Words

Italian and Spanish aren’t just languages—they’re linguistic siblings with a shared DNA rooted in Latin. By focusing on cognates, identical words, and even false friends, you’ve unlocked a shortcut to understanding both faster. Remember: pronunciation quirks and accent marks might trip you up at first, but they’re also the secret sauce to sounding authentic. Whether you’re ordering caffè in Florence or café in Seville, these similarities turn language learning from a chore into a treasure hunt.

So why stop here? Use these overlaps as a springboard. Try watching an Italian film with Spanish subtitles, or test yourself by translating a menu in both languages. The more you explore, the more you’ll notice patterns—and the closer you’ll get to thinking in both tongues. After all, mastering one Romance language is impressive, but conquering two? That’s pure bragging rights. Andiamo and ¡vamos!—your bilingual journey’s just getting started.