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Italian word

cognome

surname, family name

Looks like

cognomen

a third personal name in ancient Rome; also informally a nickname

⚠️ The trap

In Italian 'cognome' means surname (a very everyday word). In English 'cognomen' is a rare, formal term. Do not let the English meaning mislead you into thinking 'cognome' is archaic in Italian — it is used constantly.

To say "a third personal name in ancient Rome; also informally a nickname" in Italian:

soprannome (nickname)

"cognome" in English means:

surname, family name

Example

"Qual è il tuo cognome? — Ferrari."

"What is your surname? — Ferrari."

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