When it comes to language learning, picking up new expressions and idioms is a fantastic way to bring your language to new heights. Mastering the grammar and foundations of a language are obviously very important, but learning quirky expressions is a simple yet effective way to make you sound more like a smooth-talking native speaker and will undoubtedly impress! During your next trip to Italy or even in your next Italian class, why not try weaving in some of these handy expressions…
“In bocca al lupo” – In the mouth of the wolf
Literally translated as ‘in the mouth of the wolf’, this quirky idiom is the Italian equivalent of ‘break a leg’ and typically the response is “crepi il lupo” (may the wolf die). This classic expression originates from opera and theatre, where superstitious performers believed that wishing someone good luck back stage actually brought bad luck, so instead they wished them the opposite!
“Due dita di vino e una pedata al medico” – A little wine kicks the doctor away
It’s common knowledge that Italians love their wine (who can blame them!) and this expression shows just that. Rather than the old-fashioned proverb of ‘an apple a day keeps the doctor away’, in Italy they say wine is the perfect remedy to keep you healthy and happy… we can get onboard with that!
“Hai voluto la bicicletta? E adesso pedala!” – You wanted a bike? Now ride it!
When someone doesn’t listen to your advice and then it blows back up in their face, this is the perfect saying! Equivalent to ‘I told you so’, I’m sure it will come in handy every now and again…
“Piovere a catinelle” – To rain sinks
If it’s ever absolutely chucking it down with rain, make sure to come out with this saying! In every language, there is always a peculiar variation to ‘raining cats and dogs’. For instance, in Spanish they commonly say “llover a mares“, it’s “tomber des cordes” in French and in Italian it’s “piovere a catinelle“.
“Non avere peli sulla lingua” – To not have hair on the tongue
Are you quite a frank, honest person who speaks plainly? Well you don’t have any hairs on your tongue as they would say in Italy!
“Prendere in giro” – To take for a spin
When you are teasing or winding up a friend, in Italian you say that you’re ‘taking them for a spin’ which has got a very nice ring to it!
“Non vedo l’ora!” – I can’t see the time!
Although it’s only Tuesday, are you already looking forward to the weekend? Us too – “non vediamo l’ora” (we can’t wait)!
“Tenere/reggere la candela” – To hold the candle
Many of us have found ourselves in the uncomfortable position of being the ‘third-wheel’, or “tenere/reggere la candela”, where it’s just you and a very loved-up couple hanging out together.
“Rompere le scatole” – To break boxes
When someone is really getting on your nerves, in Italian they say that they’re ‘breaking boxes’. Can’t quite get our head around that one, but there you go!
“Fa un freddo cane!” – It makes a dog cold!
It’s fair to say that “fa un freddo carne” would’ve been a very appropriate saying to use after the bitterly cold days last week. This is a nice and easy expression to have at your disposal and whip out whenever it’s winter.
These are just a handful of useful day-to-day expressions that you can weave into your Italian to impress any native speaker and enhance your language skills. In reality, there are thousands more out there which you could learn and use at any given time, no matter the situation or place. Have we missed out any big ones? Let us know in the comments below!
Feeling inspired to learn Italian? We have lots of online Italian courses starting next week! Find out more here.
If you don’t want to commit to a course right away, why not join one of our free Online Italian Taster Lessons to experience what a typical online beginner class is like with IH London. Our next session is this Friday, the 19th of February, between 17.30-18.15 so sign up here to not miss out!