Working with Italy is often perceived as somewhat straightforward for Spanish companies. The language is similar, there are many words that are similar to Spanish, and communication seems to flow right from the first point of contact. However, that closeness is exactly what brings most confusion. That’s why having a Spanish-Italian translator and an Italian translation company right from the start is essential, although being aware of certain basic codes will help interpret conversations and messages.
Professional Italian is more formal that it seems
In the Italian business field, a formal register is maintained for longer than in Spain. The use of correct forms of address, polite phrases, and carefully constructed structures is common even when the relationship is already established.
Whereas in Spanish we tend to simplify and shorten things, in Italian that simplification may come across as carelessness. This has a direct impact on emails, proposals, and presentations and it explains why an Italian-Spanish translator must always work with properly contextualized texts.
Words that seem the same…. but are not
One of the biggest risks when interacting with Italians is relying on similar vocabulary There are some very common terms in the professional setting that a Spanish person will interpret incorrectly:
- Eventualmente doesn’t mean “sometimes”; it means “if necessary”.
- Pretendere isn’t “pretender” (to intend); it’s “to demand”.
- Sensibile isn’t referring to someone “sensible”, but to someone “sensitive” or “delicate”.
These confusing terms are widely documented in contrastive linguistics and frequently arise in initial meetings and emails. That’s why it’s important to work with a Spanish-Italian translator who will avoid these mistakes in written communication right from the beginning.
In Italy, more time is given to explanations and less is taken for granted
Italian business communication tends to be more explicit. Processes, conditions, and responsibilities are detailed that in Spain often go without saying.
This isn’t down to a lack of trust, but to a professional culture that values written clarity. When these texts are excessively shortened or “made too Spanish”, they can lose relevant information.
The tone conveys professionalism
In Italian, the form is as important as the content. A message that is correct but that is too direct may be interpreted as poorly put together. The use of full greetings, the right forms of closure, and formal structures is what reveals the professional standard.
For that reason, even when the language can be understood, working with an Italian translation company from the start avoids mistakes in tone that will affect the brand’s image.
Conclusions: understanding the context improves relationships
The closeness between Spanish and Italian doesn’t remove the need for accuracy; on the contrary, it reinforces it. From the first point of contact, having a Spanish-Italian translator, an Italian-Spanish translator, and an Italian translation agency is essential to guaranteeing proper communication.
Knowing these basic aspects doesn’t replace the need for professional translation, but it does help companies to better interpret their interlocuters and to build relationships that are more solid from the beginning.
At Blarlo, we work as an Italian translation company that specializes in business settings, accompanying businesses from the first point of contact until their relationships with Italy have been consolidated.
