When you’re learning Italian, describing someone’s personality or character is an essential skill. This not only helps you get to know and understand the people around you, but also allows you to express yourself and your own traits more effectively. In this article, we’ll cover several Italian words used for describing personality and character, complete with definitions and examples to get you speaking like a native in no time.

Simpatico/a is used to describe someone who is likable or pleasant. It is a very common word in Italian and is often one of the first adjectives learners come to know.
Marco è molto simpatico, tutti i suoi amici lo adorano.

Antipatico/a, the opposite of simpatico/a, is used to describe someone who is disagreeable or unlikeable. This adjective can quickly let someone know that a person is not on your good side.
Il mio vicino di casa è molto antipatico; non sorride mai!

Cortese means courteous or polite. It’s a trait that’s highly valued and often used to describe someone with good manners.
Giovanna è sempre così cortese con tutti, è un piacere parlarle.

Scortese is used to describe someone who is rude or impolite. It denotes a lack of courtesy or good manners.
Il cameriere è stato molto scortese, non gli è stato lasciato nessuna mancia.

Introverso/a describes someone who is introverted or reserved. It’s someone who tends to be quiet and enjoys spending time alone or with few close friends.
Anita è piuttosto introversa, preferisce leggere un libro piuttosto che andare ad una festa rumorosa.

Estraverso/a (also spelled estroverso/a) is the opposite of introverso/a, used to describe someone who is extroverted or outgoing.
Luca è molto estraverto e ama conoscere nuove persone.

Generoso/a is used for someone who is generous, that is, freely giving and sharing with others whether it be with emotions, time, or physical gifts.
Marta è sempre stata molto generosa con i meno fortunati.

Avaro/a describes a person who is stingy or miserly. This word is used for someone who is reluctant to spend money or share resources.
Non chiedere mai nulla a Giovanni, è troppo avaro.

Gentile is used to describe someone who is kind or gentle. This adjective is often used to express gratitude for someone’s nice behavior or actions.
Il tuo amico è molto gentile, mi ha aiutato a portare la spesa fino a casa.

Sgarbato/a is someone who is brusque or abrasive in manner or speech. This term denotes someone who could be perceived as rude or lacking in social graces.
Il suo tono sgarbato durante la riunione ha sorpreso tutti.

Socievole describes a sociable person, one who is willing to talk and engage in activities with others, often with ease and enthusiasm.
Elisa è molto socievole, adora organizzare cene con amici.

Riservato/a indicates a person who is reserved or private in nature. This word is used when someone does not readily share their thoughts or feelings with others.
Nonostante la sua fama, l’attore è una persona molto riservata.

Exploring these words for personality and character will help you to describe yourself and others with more precision in Italian. Whether you’re discussing a colleague’s generosity or a friend’s outgoing nature, you now have the vocabulary to start these conversations. As you continue to practice and incorporate these words into your everyday language use, you’ll find your Italian becoming richer and more nuanced. Buona fortuna e buono studio!