Italian word
competente
competent, qualified; also the relevant authority (la competente autorità)
Looks like
competent
having the necessary ability or knowledge
⚠️ The trap
Competente in Italian bureaucratic language means the relevant or appropriate authority — not just someone who is skilled. 'L'autorità competente' = the relevant/competent authority. This use is common in official Italian and rare in everyday English.
To say "having the necessary ability or knowledge" in Italian:
competente (near-equivalent with formal legal/bureaucratic use)
"competente" in English means:
competent, qualified; also the relevant authority (la competente autorità)
Example
"Rivolgiti all'ufficio competente per la tua pratica."
"Go to the relevant office to handle your application."
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