Occasionally, Italian and English use the same animal in their idioms but not always. Meaning: This phrase literally means get lost and is used most often when someone is angry or agitated. If you have any romantic phrases that you would like translated into Italian or English for free then submit them in the form at the bottom of this page and check back here. In the United States, at sports events, for example, you whistle (loudly) to show approval. 35 Italian Expressions That Will Help You Sound Like a Native!. Meaning: Every little bit helps. Both the English and the Italian may seem a bit harsh. Meaning: Similar to the English translation ‘to take someone for a ride’, this phrase means to tease someone or pull their leg, and is used often in conversation. You don't have to know the ins and outs of Italian to have a real conversation with someone from Italy. In English, you can feel blue (sad); a day or mood can be gray (depressing, overwhelmed); and humor and films can be black (sardonic). Dough used to be made exclusively by hand (without using machinery) so the flour and water would stick to the fingers. Italian idioms add color to a language and make you sound competent and comfortable. Translation: “To have a fish in your face.”. If someone needs telling off, you can “send them to that country” (mandare a quel paese). Spanish Phrases French Phrases Italian Phrases Meeting people - Conoscere gente Ciao, come ti chiami? Translation: “From the stars to the stable.”. Then, I gave you some pointers on what to say in the bedroom (in the classiest way, of course). I’m not joking. essere in un bel pasticcio (to be in a nice pie): This expression is equivalent to being in a pickle. It means very rarely. They have meanings that are … An unwelcome guest in English becomes un cane in chiesa (a dog in church) in Italian. Here are some of the most common food idioms, followed by their English equivalents: fare polpette di qualcuno (to make meatballs of someone): The English equivalent of this expression is to make mincemeat of someone. It connotes that the woman is sly and teasing, pretending to be innocent but acting in a seductive or flirtatious way. (Into the mouth of the wolf!) If someone needs telling off, you can “send them to that country” (mandare a quel paese). Meaning: This is a pejorative phrase most often used to describe a woman who plays dumb or acts with hidden intentions. Missing you quotes without a doubt is the best way to express your feeling towards your partner. Italian phrases you’ll need at the hotel’s reception Depending on what type of accommodation you’ll choose during your holiday, human interaction may be required. una volpe (fox): Someone clever, who can always work difficult things out. The expression is similar to the English idiom, “When it rains, it pours.”. In bocca al lupo! ): The English equivalent of cavolo! A personal favourite of mine (because it mentions my family name) is when Italians want to call someone a butterfingers, ‘Avere le mani di pasta Frolla’ which literally translates ‘To have pastry hands’. Read on for quirky Italian phrases that have secondary meanings other than their direct translation into English. Meaning: This idiom means it’s extremely cold. Italian is funny. Meaning: This phrase means “Good Luck” and originated in the theater to wish a performer good luck on stage so it is most similar to the English phrase, “Break a leg”. (It‘s dog cold!) avere le mani in pasta (to have your hands in dough): In English, you’d say you have a finger in many pies. Mi chiamo Marco. It probably has its origins in a hunting expression. You don’t reply with thank you but rather Crepi il lupo! Piacere! (cabbage! You should definitely avoid using these Italian curse words (yeah…), but it’s always good to be prepared just in case someone … learning Italian, speak Italian, Speaking Italian, Italian idioms, Italian slang, ... Essere in alto mare - This is a common phrase used when someone has procrastinated and discover that they are behind on a project. The English equivalent is There is many a slip between cup and lip. Also, this expression is a comment on good intentions and the idea that they often don’t come to fruition. In this post, you’ll learn a lot of swear words in the Italian language that you can use to vent your anger or frustration and plenty of ways to insult someone in Italian. Language is an integral part to any culture’s identity. is darn! Of course, you can wish someone buona fortuna, but the idiomatic form is much more common. Do not pass go, do not collect duecento euro (two hundred euros)—just go right on to completely comical.. Italian is full of funny phrases that often have very different meanings from their literal translations. That’s good because it means people will respond in kind and help you both to expand your language skills and ease your acceptance into another culture. il rospo (toad): Instead of eating crow, in Italian, you inghiottire il rospo (swallow the toad). 10 Italian Phrases That Will Instantly Make You Sound more Italian Funny Italian Sayings: 26 Food-Related Insults You Won’t Forget 15 Romantic Italian Films That’ll Make You Love Italy Even More How to Master Common cercare I peli nell’uovo (to look for hairs in the egg): In English, this means to be picky, to nitpick. qualcosa bolle in pentola (something boils in a saucepan): You use this expression to indicate that something‘s up. When others may tell you to get over a lover who seems to have forgotten you, they obviously are forgetting the fact that you have not only missed a romantic partner, but also a best friend. Pails were traditionally used to haul up water from wells and the phrase makes reference to the rope breaking, sending the pail further down the well without the possibility of recovery. Idioms often reflect cultural mores, traditions, and values. It is the opposite of the English phrase, “From rags to riches”. Use these courtesy phrases when speaking in Italian so you can be considerate and … It’s often used in reference to a negative situation, such as being involved in shady dealings. Sexy Phrases to Seduce Your Italian Lover February 14, 2017 By Cher 10 Comments Click play on the player at the bottom to listen to this podcast or find it on Apple Podcasts. Translation: “Something boils in the pot.”, Meaning: This idiom refers to something that is brewing and is often used as a question, ie “What’s cooking?” to also mean “What’s going on?”. Essere al verde (to be “ at the green“) means you‘re broke. Something terrible in English can be ugly as sin; in Italian, that same something is brutto come la fame (ugly as hunger). It is often accompanied with hand gestures that have quite obscene connotations. uno struzzo (ostrich): Someone who can eat anything and suffer no side effects has the stomaco da struzzo (stomach of an ostrich). Learning sentence after sentence, you’ll feel one step closer to fluency. le farfalle (butterflies): To run after butterflies means to chase dreams, not to be realistic. Following are common Italian idioms that not only will make you sound more Italian but also will help you to understand Italian better. Meaning: This phrase literally means get lost and is used most often when someone is angry or agitated. How're you doing? 25 Italian Slang Words to Help You Hit a Bullseye with Your Slangshot! This phrase (every time a Pope dies) is the equivalent of once in a blue moon. Meaning: This means to be involved in something, or have a “finger in the pie”. Meaning: This phrase refers to a person that has their affairs in order, is intelligent and ambitious and is driven by values either at work or in his/her personal life. In fact, there are many romantic ways which you can show what you feel. With these phrases in your back pocket, you will soon find yourself having your first basic conversations with native speakers and getting excited about developing your conversational Italian. Come va? The saying buono come il pane (as good as bread) is indicative of the value assigned to food in Italian culture. Meaning: This idiom means “be done with it” and “that’s that!” It often implies that a person doesn’t understand what you are trying to explain and that it’s easier to leave it be. Un libro giallo (A yellow book) is a detective story or mystery. Tutto fa brodo (everything makes broth, soup) isn’t a cooking reference; it means that every little bit helps. Meaning: An important person, a big shot. Today, “In bocca al lupo” is used more broadly throughout Italy to wish anyone good luck and the correct response is not “Grazie” but “Crepi il lupo” (“may the wolf die”). These top 25 most used and most useful Italian slang words and phrases will make your Italian totally sick! The phrase makes reference to standing up and having your feet on the ground due to one’s good health, as opposed to being ill and reclining. un pollo da spennare (a chicken waiting to be plucked): A mark, someone who can be taken advantage of. You don’t after all want to denigrate the clerk or waiter’s gracious gesture. Hi, what's your name? Here are some examples of animal-related idioms, including their English equivalents and what they commonly refer to in Italian: un pesce (fish): Someone who doesn’t talk. My name is Marco.