Genoese · Liguria
Genoa
The Genoese dialect, word by word: what it means, where it comes from and who checks it. Meanings are in English where we have them, otherwise in Italian.
The dictionary
The words of Genoa
The list shows the English meaning where we have it; each word page is in Italian.
845 words, from A to Z
How to read it
Reading the Genoese
eu
Read like the French «eu» or the German «ö»: cheu, heart.
x
Read like the «s» in «pleasure»: dêxe, ten.
o = u
An «o» without an accent is read «u»: gàtto, cat, sounds like «gàttu». With the accent, «ò», it is an open o.
â, ê, æ
The little hat makes the vowel long: mâ, sea. «æ» is a long, open «e»: poæ, father.
n-
An «n» said in the throat, like the n in «sing». It is written «n-» or «ñ»: lùnn-a and luña, moon.
Source: Wikipedia · Lingua ligure (CC BY-SA)
Words with a story
The stories of Genoa
In English here; the word page, with its source, is in Italian.
The keepers
The keepers of Genoa
Three people from the town who really speak the dialect. They confirm the words, correct them and add the missing ones. Their name stays on this page, only if they want.
The supporter
This bell tower is looking for a supporter
A shop, a bakery or an association from Genoa: a single sign per bell tower, here, with no pop-up ads.
Coming after the site opens: if you are interested, write to us.
Nearby bell towers
The whole page in Italian
Phrasebook, quiz, «si dice così?» and the poster are on the Italian page of Genova.