Common Italian expressions

Common Italian expressions

Learning Italian will be an experience full of learning and general culture that will give you great opportunities, especially if you are thinking of moving to Italy. This is why, as with any language, it will be important to know and use the Italian expressions most commonly used by the locals.

Importance of knowing these expressions

Knowing the most used Italian expressions will be of great help for your stay in Italy, as it will allow you to have a much more relevant vocabulary and be able to communicate better. The 10 most used Italian expressions you should know are the following:

Common Italian expressions

1.Non mi va

This expression is a typical example of popular Italian conversational expressions. It means ”I don’t like it” and is used to express displeasure when we don’t like something, or also when we don’t agree with an idea or opinion.

2. Acqua in bocca!

This is one of the most commonly used Italian expressions among family, friends and acquaintances. Knowing it will be of great use when you have personal conversations with another person, as it means ”to keep water in your mouth” and is a way of asking you to keep a secret or not to tell anyone else what you are talking about.

Acqua in bocca!

3. In bocca al lupo

Regarding this expression, it is another of those popular sayings that may sound strange in its literal translation (estar en boca del lobo) but has a nice undertone. It is used to wish success or good luck, usually when you have to submit a test or deliver an important report.

To respond to this wish, you can use the expression ”Crepi il lupo”, which will mean ”thank you” and is a polite way of accepting good wishes.

4. Essere in alto mare

This is another of the most common Italian expressions used in informal conversations. It is usually used to refer to projects that still have a long way to go. But you can also use it when you are starting university or a course, as it translates as ”I’m at high sea”.

4. Mangia bene, ridi spesso, ama molto

This popular saying means ”eat well, laugh often, love much”. It is an expression used to give advice or to raise spirits, and some Italians even use it as a mantra. It refers to the Italian way of life itself and is certainly advice we should all follow.

5. Perdere le staffe

This expression refers to ”losing one’s temper” and means losing control or patience. In general terms, the expression comes from the analogy made with riders, when they accidentally take their feet out of the horse’s stirrups and can lose control.

6. Rosso di sera bel tempo si spera

On the other hand, this is one of the most used Italian expressions to talk about weather and climate. Generally, it is used to say that when the sun sets reddish, the chances are that there will be good weather in the morning.

Rosso di sera bel tempo si spera

7. Non vedo l’ora!

It means ”I can’t wait” and is a popular phrase to use when you want to say that you are very anxious about an event that gives you excitement, joy or satisfaction.

8. Prendere due piccioni con una fava

This expression is very similar to the Spanish saying ”matar dos pájaros de un tiro”, only in this case it means ”kill two pigeons with one stone”. Naturally, it refers to achieving two goals by means of a single action.

9. Hai voluto la bicicleta? E adesso pedala!

‘You wanted the bicycle, now you have to pedal’. This is one of the Italian expressions most commonly used by young people, because it refers to those circumstances in which a person becomes infatuated with something, even when everyone else tells them that it is a bad idea.

10. Non avere peli sulla lingua

Finally, this expression is widely used by Italians because it means ”not mincing words” and, as you know, Italians are direct people who tend to be straightforward when giving their opinion.

Benefits of speaking Italian

Importance of knowing these expressions

As we told you, speaking Italian is an asset to your CV and life story. If you want to move to this country, whether to enter a university or get a new job, knowing how to speak Italian properly is a must. For this reason, we recommend you to learn Italian from online teaching professionals.

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