fortunato
Lemma: fortunato
Translation: lucky; fortunate; blessed; successful (adjective)
Etymology: From Latin 'fortunatus' meaning 'blessed, happy, lucky', derived from 'fortuna' (fortune, luck, fate). The English word 'fortunate' shares the same Latin root, making them cognates. The concept of fortune in Roman culture was personified by the goddess Fortuna, who was believed to bring good or bad luck to people.
Example Usage
Sei molto fortunato ad avere trovato un lavoro così buono.
You are very lucky to have found such a good job.
Mi considero una persona fortunata.
I consider myself a fortunate person.
È stato fortunato a non farsi male nell'incidente.
He was lucky not to get hurt in the accident.
Chi è fortunato in amore è sfortunato nel gioco.
Who is lucky in love is unlucky in gambling.
Mnemonics
- Sounds like 'fortunate' in English, with the same meaning
- Think of 'Fort-unato' as someone who has built a 'fort' of good luck around themselves
- Remember the phrase 'Fortunato è nato' (Fortunato is born) to recall that someone fortunate is 'born lucky'
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
In Italian culture, the concept of 'fortuna' (luck) is important, and many superstitions exist around attracting good luck or avoiding bad luck. Calling someone 'fortunato' can refer to their general success in life or a specific instance of good luck. Italians often use amulets or gestures to ward off bad luck, such as the 'corno' (horn) or making the 'corna' gesture (extending the index and little finger).
Easily Confused With
Explanation: 'Fortunato' is the adjective (lucky, fortunate), while 'fortuna' is the noun (luck, fortune).
This word:
Lui è molto fortunato.
He is very lucky.
Confused word:
Ha avuto molta fortuna.
He had a lot of luck.
Notes: The adjective 'fortunato' describes a person or situation that has good fortune, while the noun 'fortuna' refers to the abstract concept of luck or fortune itself.
Mnemonic: 'Fortunato' ends with '-ato' like many Italian adjectives, while 'fortuna' is the noun form.
Explanation: 'Fortunato' means 'lucky' or 'fortunate', while 'fortuito' means 'accidental' or 'by chance'.
Confused word:
È stato un incontro fortuito.
It was a chance encounter.
Notes: Though both words relate to chance, 'fortunato' has a positive connotation of good luck, while 'fortuito' is neutral, simply indicating something happened by chance.
Mnemonic: Think of 'fortuito' as related to 'fortuitous' in English (happening by chance), while 'fortunato' relates to being blessed with good fortune.