Calabrisella Mia

Some common Italian expressions will come up often when you are conversing with native speakers. Most textbooks will usually include some expressions or, as they say in Italian, modi di dire. But it isn’t until you truly immerse yourself in the language, that you learn which idioms Italians actually use.

Expressions are very much a part of our everyday life and conversations. But, as you might imagine, an expression we use in English may not be the same in Italian.

If you are on the path to becoming more fluent in Italian, then common everyday expressions are pretty important. Through my many years of living and teaching in Italy, I’ve learned many common Italian expressions.

Here are a few you can add to your Italian vocabulary.

IN BOCCA AL LUPO 

Literal Translation: In the wolf’s mouth
English Equivalent: Break a leg

Like its English equivalent, this Italian expression goes back to the old theatre days. Actors would use it to say good luck before a performance. Nowadays, it’s not only limited to actors and you can hear this expression used by all ages almost daily.

But, why the wolf? Well, the wolf has always been looked at as being an aggressive and dangerous animal. So, you could look at it as going up against a risk or a danger. As a matter of fact, when someone wishes you “in bocca al lupo”, you typically respond “crepi!”. This means “may the wolf die” aka you conquer the danger/risk. But you can also look at it as wishing someone safety and protection. I can hear you asking, how? Well, think of a momma wolf carrying her cubs in its mouth to transport them from one place to the next safely. Cute, right?

Whichever way you want to look at it – you will hear this expression used all the time. Whether it’s before an exam, before an interview, finding a new apartment, going on a date…pretty much any situation that you want to wish someone success in. Another great example of a situation you would use this expression in – passing your driving test. In bocca al lupo per l’esame di guida!

ESSERE IN GAMBA

Literal Translation: To be in leg
English Equivalent: To be good at something / to be on the ball

If someone says you are “in gamba”, then you are getting quite the compliment. This odd Italian expression has a very positive meaning. If someone is “in gamba”, it means a plethora of things. It means a person is intelligent, ambitious, strong, and capable.  

The first time I heard this expression was after I moved here. I was telling a new Italian friend about what brought me to Italy and my early struggles with adjusting here. He responded by saying, “Sei in gamba.” Then he went on to tell me, in typical Italian fashion, how things will only get better.

PRENDERE IN GIRO 

Literal Translation: To take around
English Equivalent: Make fun of someone / Pull someone’s leg

Looking at this Italian phrase, we see another expression often used in Italian, in giro. This essentially means to be around. For example, I’ll get a message from a friend asking – “Sei in giro? Andiamo a prendere qualcosa da bere!” (Are you around? Why don’t we grab something to drink?). This usually means someone is in my area and wants to see if I’m free to meet up. Don’t you just love Italian spontaneity?

But, when we throw prendere into the mix, this modo di dire takes on a new meaning. This common Italian expression has two sides: playfully joking with friends or straight out being a bully. So, the tone of this phrase will obviously depend on the situation you are in. Italians are playful, and it’s not unusual for them to innocently joke around or, prenderti in giro (make fun of you). There is a way more informal rendition of this expression – prendere per il culo, which is, as you might imagine, more vulgar. Just be careful when and where you use this more informal version.

So, the next time your friend starts telling you an incredibly unbelievable and outlandish story, you may want to ask – Mi stai prendendo in giro? (Are you messing with me?)

Now you have some new additions to your list of Italian Expressions. Be sure to start using to get yourself another step closer to Italian fluency.

Have you heard any of these expressions before? Let me know in the comments below and share other Italian sayings you hear frequently.

If you want to find out what I’m up to, you can keep up with my daily life and musings over on the Calabrisella Mia Facebook Page and Instagram!