Sound Like a Native With 109 Italian Slang Phrases

63

Understanding native Italian audio system speaking at full pace—whether or not in dialog or a film—takes observe and a educated ear. However even while you completely grasp what they’re saying, you may nonetheless wrestle to grasp what they really imply. If that occurs, likelihood is you’ve encountered Italian slang within the wild.

Italian slang phrases are important to completely understanding on a regular basis Italian conversations. These phrases and phrases can vary from slang utilized by teenagers and regional dialects to informal expressions and even vulgar phrases. So, exploring slang phrases when you study Italian is the easiest way to keep away from misunderstandings and excellent your journey to Italian proficiency.

What’s Italian slang and why is it vital?

The phrase “slang” is broadly utilized in Italian to consult with the gergo, a kind of casual language utilized by particular teams of individuals. Studying it’s like opening Pandora’s field; it consists of parolacce (swear phrases), regional expressions, youth slang, informal greetings, and quick casual responses.

Figuring out as many Italian slang phrases as potential is important for 2 causes:

• Understanding native audio system. Italians typically simplify their language when speaking to a non-native speaker primarily based on the listener’s stage. Nevertheless, some expressions are so pure for Italians that audio system might not even notice they’re utilizing slang:
  • Ma dai!  = Come on!/No approach!
  • Ci sta! = It’s okay!
• Figuring out when it’s acceptable to make use of particular expressions. Some Italian slang phrases sound humorous however are inappropriate in lots of contexts. For instance, some of the used slang phrases in Italian is figo (one thing cool/good-looking males), nevertheless it doesn’t work effectively in a proper surroundings. (As well as, the female type is taken into account vulgar regardless of getting used as a filler phrase in Milan!)

Most typical Italian slang phrases

Filler phrases and quick solutions could make a giant distinction when talking with a local Italian speaker. That is the place slang in Italian comes into play, serving to you sound immediately extra pure and filling these pauses that may decelerate a dialog in a second language.

Mammamia/mamma mia (my goodness/wow)

That means: It actually means “mom of mine,” nevertheless it’s an exclamation to specific shock, frustration, admiration, or pleasure.

Mamma mia might be probably the most used slang phrase by Italian natives (and ABBA followers!), so be happy to make use of it each time it feels proper.

• Mamma mia, che buona questa pizza! = Oh my God, this pizza is so good!
• Mammamia, lasciami in tempo. = My goodness, go away me alone!
• Mamma mia, che bello! = Wow, how stunning!

Boh!/bo (I don’t know)

That means: Brief slang reply for “I don’t know” or “I don’t perceive.”

It’s a fast solution to say you’re not sure of one thing, and also you’ll hear it often in casual contexts:

• Cosa vuoi per cena? = What would you like for dinner?
• Boh! = I don’t know!

Italians use it additionally to specific disbelief:

• Boh, mi sembra incredibile. = I don’t know; it appears unimaginable to me.

Allora (so/then)

That means: As some of the used Italian adverbs, allora interprets to “so”, “in that second”, or “at the moment”. As a conjunction, it means “then”. 

Though it’s extra of a filler than a slang phrase, it’s important in on a regular basis spoken Italian. So, it’s an important addition to your sentences like this:

• Beginning a narrative
  • Quindi cos’hai fatto? = So, what did you do? 
  • Allora, innanzitutto l’ho chiamato. Poi… = So, first I known as him. Then… 
• Summing up a dialogue
  • Allora, decidiamo: cosa facciamo stasera? = So, let’s determine: what are we doing tonight? 
• Casually prompting a response (whilst a standalone phrase).
  • Allora, che mi dici? = So, what do you say? 
  • Allora? = Nicely?
• Referring to a time prior to now.
  • Allora si viaggiava a cavallo. = Again then, folks traveled on horseback. 
  • Da allora, ho iniziato a fare sport tutti i giorni. = Since then, I’ve began figuring out on daily basis. 
• On the finish of a sentence when one thing is about:
  • Ti passo a prendere, allora. = I’ll choose you up then.

Dai (come on/actually?)

That means: Italian colloquial expression used to encourage somebody, categorical pleasure, or present shock.

• Dai! Usciamo stasera! = Come on! Let’s exit tonight!
• Dai che ce la fai. = Come on, you are able to do it.
• Ma dai? Non ci posso credere. = Actually? I can’t consider it!

Don’t confuse it with the second-person singular of the verb to provide (tu dai = you give).

Cavolo/cavoli (rattling/crap/nothing)

That means: It actually means “cabbage/cabbages” in Italian. 

Nevertheless, this phrase is kind of versatile and may seem in lots of Italian slang expressions, typically with totally different connotations relying on the context.

• Cavolo, arrivo di nuovo tardi. = Rattling, I’m late once more.
• Fatti i cavoli tuoi./Sono cavoli miei. = Thoughts your individual enterprise./It’s my enterprise.
• Non capisco un cavolo quando parlano in dialetto. = I perceive nothing after they communicate in dialect.
• Centra come i cavoli a merenda. = It’s completely irrelevant. (actually, like cabbages for snack)

Magari (if solely/possibly/I want)

That means: The phrase magari  can categorical a want, remorse, or a chance, relying on the context.

• Parli bene l’italiano? = Do you communicate Italian effectively?
• Magari potremmo andare al cinema. = Perhaps we might go to the films.
• Magari scrivimi quando arrivi. = If potential, textual content me while you arrive.
• Magari avessi iniziato prima! = If solely I had began earlier!

Figurati! (you’re welcome/no approach/you possibly can think about)

That means: More often than not, it’s slang for “don’t point out it.” 

• It’s a helpful various to the Italian phrase prego.
  • Grazie per avermi accompagnato. = Thanks for accompanying me.
  • Figurati! = Don’t point out it!/You’re welcome.
• It’s also possible to use it to politely refuse a proposal:
  • Hai bisogno di un passaggio? = Do you want a trip?
  • Figurati, faccio una passeggiata. = No want. I’ll take a stroll.
• It really works to firmly reject a state of affairs:
  • Figurati se mi faccio fregare ancora! = No approach I’m getting tricked once more!
• It typically expresses disbelief:
  • Ho sentito che pioverà. = I heard it’s going to rain.
  • Ma figurati! Non vedi che sole? = Inconceivable! Can’t you see how sunny it’s?
• Nevertheless, it will possibly additionally imply the precise reverse—expressing lack of shock:
  • Figurati, fa sempre così. = After all, he all the time does that.
• Lastly, figurati means “you possibly can think about/consider” when telling a narrative:
  • Figurati che ci ha messo più di un’ora advert arrivare! = Are you able to consider it took him over an hour to get right here?

Greetings & catching up in Italian slang

One other state of affairs the place slang turns out to be useful is greetings. Once you meet a buddy or chat on the telephone with somebody you already know effectively, you possibly can loosen up and use casual Italian greetings that make the dialog really feel far more pure.

*Very casual expressions.

Italian slang phrases like “bro” for pals and folks

Apart from bro, which is clearly borrowed from English, Italians have many phrases to name a buddy or to talk about folks. These slang phrases can have totally different features in a sentence:

• enjoyable nicknames for pals
• noun replacements
• adjective replacements

Be additional cautious with Italian slang phrases for folks to keep away from sounding impolite or overly assured.

Fratello/fra/bro (bro)

That means: Brother, referring to a detailed buddy. The three variations are largely used amongst very younger folks.

• Ciao bro, come va? = Hey bro, how is it going?

Typically, it’s changed by sore (sis). Nevertheless, it’s additionally common to make use of bro and fra for females.

Raga (guys)

That means: Brief for ragazzi/e (boys/ladies). It’s quite common to name your group of pals raga.

• Ciao raga, ci vediamo stasera. = Bye guys, see you tonight.

Tipo/tipa (dude/chick)

That means: This phrase can translate as “dude” or “chick” and refers to a generic individual you don’t know effectively.

• C’period un tipo che lo aspettava in ufficio. = There was a dude ready for him within the workplace.

It’s also slang for “boyfriend/girlfriend” in casual speech:

• Sono uscito con la tipa ieri. = I went out with my lady yesterday.

Discover how, within the examples above, Italian articles decide whether or not you already know the individual or not: un tipo (indefinite article) suggests an unknown individual, whereas la tipa (particular article) refers to somebody particular.

Lastly, in very casual dialog, the masculine type tipo also can imply “much like” or “sort of like” in English:

• Ho una sensazione tipo quando ti stai ammalando. = I’ve a sense, sort of like while you’re getting sick.

Tizio, Caio e Sempronio (Tom, Dick, and Harry)

That means: Three random names to point folks you don’t know very effectively or generic individuals. You need to use simply the primary two or all three in a sentence.

• Adesso, non andare a dirlo a Tizio, Caio e Sempronio.. = Now, don’t go inform Tom, Dick, and Harry.
• Non posso aiutare ogni Tizio e Caio. = I can’t assist each Tom and Dick.

Optimistic slang phrases for folks

These nouns and adjectives in Italian for persons are typically constructive and protected to make use of. Nevertheless, take into account that not all Italian slang for pals are equal. 

For instance, amo (love) is generally utilized by ladies as a nickname for a greatest buddy. Vecchio (previous man) is extra widespread amongst pals in male teams, with variations relying on the regional dialect. And phrases like fra, bro, sore, and zio are extra appropriate with teenagers and kids.

Unfavorable slang phrases for folks

These Italian slang phrases are trickier to make use of as a result of they are often offensive. Nevertheless, their which means actually will depend on context and supply. For instance, pirla (fool) is an insult in an argument, but when mentioned to a buddy after a foolish joke, it will possibly merely imply: “You’re hilarious!”

Italian slang sentences for casual context

Utilizing and understanding Italian slang goes approach past particular person phrases. Italian slang expressions are ready-made sentences that convey particular meanings which can be onerous to translate word-for-word. Whether or not chatting with pals or sharing fun with locals, they’re your go-to.

Tip: When you’re not sure whether or not a slang expression is suitable for a given context, Italian idioms and customary sayings in Italian can present a superb various, as they’re normally effectively accepted socially.

Mai una gioia (by no means a pleasure)

Mai ‘na gioia is a humorous expression that Italians use when one thing doesn’t go as deliberate or to complain about life generally. It originated as youth slang and as a meme phrase, nevertheless it’s now some of the generally used Italian slang expressions.

• Alla fantastic non ho vinto. Mai ‘na gioia. = In the long run, I didn’t win. By no means a pleasure.

Gettare la spugna (throwing away the sponge)

This phrase in Italian is slang for “to surrender” and comes from boxing the place the sponge is used to wash the injuries in between rounds.

• Mi sa che è ora di gettare la spugna. = I feel it’s time to surrender.
• Basta, getto la spugna. = That’s it, I’m chucking up the sponge.

Che pizza!/It’s a pizza! (what a pizza/it’s a pizza)

This expression is considered one of many meals idioms in Italian you should utilize when one thing may be very boring.

• Guarda che traffico. Che pizza! = Take a look at all of the site visitors. What a bore!
• Il movie period una pizza. = The film was so boring. 

*These expressions could also be thought of vulgar.

Tip: Watch out with Italian slang expressions for disgust, as they’ll sound impolite. When speaking to a buddy a few troublesome state of affairs, it’s fantastic to say:

• Questa situazione fa proprio schifo. = This case actually sucks.

Nevertheless, by no means use this expression in a restaurant or store. A softer phrase like Non mi piace molto (I don’t prefer it very a lot) is extra acceptable in these circumstances.

Slang verbs to explain social life

Social life and going out are normally the very best environments for practising slang. Because you’re usually in these contexts with pals or folks you already know, they’re wealthy with humorous Italian slang phrases. Attempt to embrace these Italian verbs in your each day conversations.

Many Italian slang phrases and neologisms have emerged from the digital world and using social networks.

When to make use of slang in Italian

You need to use slang in casual conversations or with folks you may have a detailed relationship with. Some Italian slang phrases may even match into broader contexts. Nonetheless, it’s typically greatest to stay to greetings, filler phrases, and exclamations—resembling figurati (don’t point out it) or cavoli (crap!)—if you happen to’re nonetheless studying when and the place slang is suitable.

Listed here are some helpful ideas:

• Keep away from slang phrases that categorical an opinion about somebody, particularly if you happen to’ve by no means heard how native audio system use them.
• Check widespread however controversial slang phrases with pals in low-risk conditions to keep away from misunderstandings.
• Keep in mind that tone and Italian gestures play an enormous position in delivering which means.
• Slang varies by area and age. Even when a slang phrase is known throughout Italy, utilizing a dialect-specific time period outdoors its space or calling somebody fra (“bro”) amongst older adults may sound misplaced.

Utilizing slang is a useful a part of your Italian studying journey, alongside grammar and mastering formal and impartial registers. Rosetta Stone is a good way to realize this. Its Dynamic Immersion technique is a confirmed studying path that guides you from primary grammar guidelines to a deep understanding of Italian tradition.