FastItalian LearningSign in
B2 Verbs

Italian word

preservare

to protect, to preserve, to keep safe

Looks like

to preserve

to keep something in its original state / to make jam/conserves

⚠️ The trap

Not a total false friend but the emphasis differs. In Italian 'preservare' = to protect/safeguard. To preserve food Italians say 'conservare'. Also 'preservativo' = condom (not preservative!).

To say "to keep something in its original state / to make jam/conserves" in Italian:

preservare works, but 'conservare' is more common for food

"preservare" in English means:

to protect, to preserve, to keep safe

Example

"Dobbiamo preservare l'ambiente per le future generazioni."

"We must protect the environment for future generations."

Test your Italian level

Find your level and start the right lessons for you.

Take the test →