47 Profound Italian Sayings To Improve Your Life

1. Il buongiorno si vede dal mattino. (The great day is seen within the morning.)

This Italian saying displays the assumption that the best way a day begins is a powerful indicator of the way it will unfold. If the morning goes nicely, it’s seemingly that the remainder of the day will, too.

2. Chi ben comincia è a metà dell’opera. (Effectively begun is half carried out.)

That is one other saying reminding those that taking step one with the appropriate mindset makes the remainder of the journey simpler. Beginning a activity with dedication units the muse for achievement, identical to if you begin studying a brand new language by absolutely immersing your self in it from the start.

3. Chi ha tempo non aspetti tempo. (In case you have time, don’t waste it.)

Procrastination just isn’t your good friend. You already know it, and this historical Italian proverb is right here to remind you. It interprets actually to, “Those that have time should not wait to have time.”

4. Chi va piano, va sano e va lontano. (Sluggish and regular wins the race.)

Generally, you’ll want to remind your self that life just isn’t a dash. This conventional Italian proverb is translated actually as “Who goes sluggish, goes safely and much,” and teaches the worth of persistence and perseverance.

5. Il dolce far niente. (The sweetness of doing nothing.)

You’ll have heard this sentence within the well-known film Eat Pray Love, however its origin goes manner again in time. It may even be an expression derived from the Romans.

The Treccani dictionary describes the dolce far niente as a stato di beata inerzia (a state of blissful idleness.). It’s a saying typically used to explain the quiet Italian summers and the peaceable occasions lounging within the solar, sipping a espresso at a café, or just daydreaming.

6. Chi la dura, la vince. (The one who perseveres wins it.)

This straightforward but highly effective saying is a favourite amongst Italians. It’s a reminder that perseverance is the important thing to success. Whether or not studying Italian or tackling a difficult undertaking, this proverb encourages you to maintain going as a result of persistence all the time pays off.

7. La calma è la virtù dei forti. (Calmness is the advantage of the sturdy.)

In just some phrases, this quick sentence captures the concept true energy lies in retaining composure, particularly in tough conditions.

8. Il mondo è bello perché è vario. (The world is gorgeous as a result of it’s diverse.)

This saying has a double which means. It celebrates variety, suggesting that variations make the world so great. Nevertheless, it’s additionally a refined solution to counsel that you just settle for somebody’s opinion however disagree with it.

9. Chi troppo vuole, nulla stringe. (Those that need an excessive amount of find yourself with nothing.)

This saying about greed and overreaching means that those that attempt to grasp an excessive amount of typically turn into empty-handed.

10. Meglio soli che male accompagnati. (Higher alone than in unhealthy firm.)

It’s higher to be alone than be dragged down by unfavourable influences. Encompass your self with good individuals, and use this saying to consolation somebody after a breakup or the top of a friendship.

11. A buon intenditor poche parole. (A phrase to the smart is sufficient.)

Just a few phrases or hints are sufficient for a pointy thoughts to know. Italians typically use this expression to set boundaries with out the necessity to clarify, very like giving a refined side-eye.

12. Il diavolo fa le pentole ma non i coperchi. (The satan makes the pots however not the lids.)

This humorous Italian proverb means that whereas somebody may plot one thing sneaky, they typically overlook key particulars that would expose their plans—no scheme is foolproof.

13. Nel mezzo del cammin di nostra vita, mi ritrovai per una selva oscura. (In the midst of the journey of our life, I discovered myself in a darkish forest.)

The enduring opening line of Dante Alighieri’s The Divine Comedy begins Dante’s symbolic journey by means of Hell, Purgatory, and Heaven, guided by the poet Virgil and later by his muse, Beatrice.

The phrase is broadly identified by Italians and is usually referenced in literature and dialog to indicate a interval of hardship or private disaster. It resonates deeply because it captures the common expertise of feeling misplaced.

14. Lasciate ogne speranza, voi ch’intrate. (Abandon all hope, you who enter.)

One other profound verse from The Divine Comedy is the sentence written on the doorways of Hell within the guide. These days, Italians typically use this phrase humorously to explain daunting and tedious conditions they can not keep away from. For example, when college students are about to dive into learning The Divine Comedy—a difficult activity, because it’s written within the Florentine dialect of the Center Ages—they could joke lasciate ogni speranza (abandon all hope) as they enter the classroom.

Italian sayings about love

Italy is a synonym of romance and keenness, and the Italian language is full of sayings about love. Whether or not passionate or bittersweet, these proverbs seize the highs and lows of relationships in a novel Italian, poetic manner.

15. Al cuor non si comanda. (The center needs what it needs.)

Or, extra actually, “The center can’t be commanded.” Feelings are past rational management. Regardless of how a lot one may attempt to cause with or management one’s emotions, the center finally follows its path.

16. L’amore è cieco. (Love is blind.)

This can be a common reality in lots of cultures. Individuals overlook flaws or imperfections when they’re in love.

17. L’amore non è bello se non è litigarello. (Love isn’t stunning if it’s not slightly stormy.)

Actually, this implies “Love just isn’t stunning if it’s not quarrelsome.” This playful saying captures the Italian manner of spicing up issues in relationships and their perception {that a} little bit of arguing could make love extra alive.

18. Chi s’assomiglia si piglia. (Those that are alike get collectively.)

This phrase is the Italian model of “birds of a feather flock collectively.” It’s primarily based on the concept individuals with comparable values, habits, and pursuits naturally gravitate towards each other. Italians typically apply this saying to friendships and households, too—indicating that shared traits carry individuals collectively in each form of relationship.

19. In amor, vince chi fugge. (In love, the one who runs away wins.)

That is the Italian model of “taking part in exhausting to get.” In romantic pursuits, generally, the one who distances themselves turns into extra desired.

20. Galeotto fu il libro e chi lo scrisse. (The guide and the one who wrote it have been in charge.)

Dante Alighieri wrote this line in The Divine Comedy. On this passage, Francesca da Rimini narrates her tragic adultery love story with Paolo, revealing that they fell in love whereas studying the story of Lancelot and Guinevere. The guide they learn was a galeotto (a go-between or matchmaker).

In fashionable Italian, the phrase is usually used metaphorically to explain a factor or a state of affairs that initiates or facilitates a romance.

21. Chi disprezza, ama. (Whoever despises, loves.)

Damaging emotions like disdain or criticism can generally masks affection or love. The proverb is usually used when somebody’s harshness or dismissiveness towards one other individual is interpreted as an indication of attraction.

22. Chiodo scaccia chiodo. (One nail drives out one other.)

Which means a brand new lover or relationship may also help you progress previous a earlier one, and it’s incessantly used when coping with heartbreak.

Italian sayings about meals

There’s no want to clarify how passionate Italians are about meals. So, when you study how one can order meals in Italian, play with these sayings. You will note how they will clarify Italians’ relationship with meals in enjoyable methods. 

23. Chi mangia bene, vive bene. (Those that eat nicely, stay nicely.)

No sentence sums up the Italian philosophy about meals higher than this. Consuming nicely is about nourishing the soul, having fun with high quality time with family members, and appreciating the finer issues in life.

24. A tavola non si invecchia. (On the desk, one doesn’t age.)

Time round a desk is time nicely spent and so nice that it doesn’t appear to cross. So, good firm, good meals, and vigorous dialog make life well-lived.

25. Chi non beve in compagnia è un ladro o una spia. (Who doesn’t drink in firm is a thief or a spy.)

This proverb appears odd however reveals far more about Italian tradition than you might assume. Italians see drinks as a social exercise. Drinks are principally paired with meals and are a solution to improve the dishes you might be tasting. For those who drink alone, you should have one thing to cover.

26. Chi ha il pane non ha i denti. (Those that have bread don’t have enamel.)

That is the irony of life: Individuals who have what they want typically don’t know how one can take pleasure in it. Normally, somebody with a precious useful resource takes it as a right, whereas others who may admire it extra don’t have entry to it.

27. La cucina è il cuore della casa. (The kitchen is the center of the house.)

Cooking and sharing meals play a central position in household and social life. Italians are positive about that!

28. C’è sempre posto per un dolce. (There’s all the time room for dessert.)

This lighthearted saying wants no additional rationalization: if in case you have a candy tooth, you understand.

29. Non si vive di solo pane. (Man doesn’t stay by bread alone.)

This saying from the Bible conveys the concept bodily nourishment alone isn’t sufficient for a satisfying and significant life.

Humorous Italian sayings

Well-liked knowledge also can give rise to some hilarious sayings. These Italian expressions could sound odd, however they inform you a large number concerning the tradition and spirit of Italy.

30. Non tutte le ciambelle riescono col buco. (Not all doughnuts have a gap.)

Life is unpredictable, and never all the things seems as deliberate—identical to doughnuts that generally lack their iconic gap.

31. Ogni morte di papa. (As soon as in a blue moon.)

This is likely one of the most used Italian idioms, and it actually means “As soon as each pope’s demise.”

It’s a humorous solution to discuss with occasions that not often occur, like household gatherings or actions that don’t occur as typically as you might like.

• Ci vediamo a ogni morte di papa. = We see one another as soon as each pope’s demise.

32. Meglio un uovo oggi che una gallina domani. (Higher an egg immediately than a hen tomorrow.)

Italy’s model of “a hen within the hand is value two within the bush” emphasizes the worth of appreciating what you’ve got now reasonably than ready for one thing higher which will by no means come.

33. Chi dorme non piglia pesci. (Who sleeps catches no fish.)

That is the Italian model of “For those who snooze, you lose.” If you would like one thing in life, you have to be proactive. You’ll need greater than sleeping in to get the outcomes you need.

34. Non si può avere la botte piena e la moglie ubriaca. (You’ll be able to’t have a full wine barrel and a drunk spouse.)

This saying could sound bizarre, nevertheless it’s truly the Italian model of the English “You’ll be able to’t have your cake and eat it too.”

35. L’acqua fa male e il vino fa cantare. (Water is unhealthy, and wine makes you sing.)

This enjoyable saying pokes on the Italian love of wine. It’s a lighthearted reminder that wine is usually related to celebration, pleasure, and good occasions.

36. A caval donato non si guarda in bocca. (Don’t look into the mouth of a horse you bought without cost.)

You’ll be able to decide a horse’s age and worth by its enamel. So, inspecting the enamel of a horse given to you without cost could be thought of ungrateful. Settle for presents with gratitude with out inspecting their value, and, after all, you’ll want to know how one can say “Thanks” in Italian.

37. Tanto va la gatta al lardo che ci lascia lo zampino. (The cat goes to the lard a lot it loses its paw.)

The concept right here is that in case you hold going after one thing forbidden, you’ll ultimately get caught, identical to a sneaky cat after the lard.

Quick Italian sayings

Generally, brevity is vital. A few of these are acquainted as frequent Italian expressions, whereas others could also be completely new to you. 

38. Il tempo vola. (Time flies.)

It’s a easy but profound assertion that reminds us how rapidly life passes. Italians use it once they meet somebody they haven’t seen for a very long time, to acknowledge the expansion of youngsters, and once they get slightly melancholic.

39. Mamma mia! (Oh my!)

This may increasingly appear simply the title of a preferred musical to English audio system, however mamma mia is a kind of Italian phrases which can be a part of day-after-day for native audio system. This exclamation often implies shock or impatience. It actually means “Mom of mine!”

40. Non c’è due senza tre. (There’s no two with out three.)

If one thing has occurred twice, it can seemingly occur a 3rd time. This Italian saying is used mockingly to say that unhealthy luck is recurrent.

When somebody says it, reply e il quarto vien da sé (and the fourth one comes with it). You’ll sound like a local speaker.

41. Mal comune, mezzo gaudio. (Distress shared is half pleasure.)

When individuals share their struggles with others, it helps them really feel much less alone. Connections could make troubles really feel lighter.

42. L’abito non fa il monaco. (The garments don’t make the monk.)

Chorus from judging a guide by its cowl. This can be a frequent saying in lots of languages because it originated in Latin, with the Italian model showing in literature way back to 1840 with I promessi sposi by Alessandro Manzoni. 

Italian sayings in well-liked tradition

Promoting, films, and songs—well-liked tradition has a big impact on language. That is the place your cultural data could make you stand out! These slogans have discovered their manner into on a regular basis Italian conversations, however you’ll not often discover them in language books.

43. Come la famiglia del Mulino Bianco (just like the Mulino Bianco household)

Mulino Bianco is a well-known baked items model in Italy, and its commercials characteristic an idyllic household residing in a mulino bianco (white water mill). These advertisements struck such a chord with Italians that the phrase is now used to explain the concept of an ideal household. Nevertheless, it’s typically stated with a touch of irony, implying that the household isn’t as good because it appears.

44. Non ci resta che piangere. (We now have nothing left however to cry.)

This iconic line comes from the 1984 cult Italian movie of the identical identify, starring Roberto Benigni. It’s used humorously when a state of affairs feels hopeless, and through the years, it’s turn into a go-to expression in Italian comedic popular culture.

45. Non è proprio fame, è più voglia di qualcosa di buono. (It’s not likely starvation; it’s extra a longing for one thing good.)

This phrase grew to become well-known because of an iconic chocolate commercial of the ‘90s. Immediately, it’s used casually to explain a longing for one thing indulgent.

46. Chi mi ama, mi segua. (Who loves me, observe me.)

Initially from the Bible, this saying was popularized within the Nineteen Seventies by a controversial promoting marketing campaign. It’s nonetheless used immediately in varied contexts, though most younger individuals in all probability gained’t know the place it comes from.

47. È la dura legge del aim. (It’s the tough legislation of the aim.)

This well-known track by the Italian band 883 holds a particular place within the hearts of millennials. The soccer metaphor completely captures a elementary reality about life: Generally, irrespective of how nicely you play, you simply can’t rating a aim. It describes the bittersweet actuality that success is usually random.

Thankfully, studying a brand new language has nothing to do with soccer. Immersing your self in Italian tradition whereas studying the language ensures you’ll turn into proficient sooner!