For a full year now, I have been studying Italian, a language rich in love, humor, and joy. Though Italian trades words with many other romance languages, such as French and Spanish, there’s something about it that makes it entirely its own; something that makes it incomparable to other languages. It’s no surprise that Italian is dubbed the “language of music,” not only due to its internationally-renown musical vocabulary but also because of its intrinsic melodiousness. This melody exists in the very words that Italian is composed of, whether they are musically related or not. So, without further ado, here are five of my favorite Italian sayings:
- Buono come il pane
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Starting off with a food-related one, this expression literally translates to “good like bread,” though its figurative meaning is something along the lines of “you are a good person;” one that is loyal, kind, and generous. What makes this expression even better is that we learn something about Italian culture just by reading it, even if we aren’t necessarily familiar with it. We get the sense that Italians really appreciate their bread, and one quick Google search tells us that bread in Italy has a rich cultural history that dates all the way back to the Ancient Romans. And really, who wouldn’t want to be compared to a warm loaf of bread?!
Alex Frank / Spoon - Sfortunato al Gioco, Fortunato in Amore
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This is another expression that reveals something about the wider Italian culture. It means “unlucky at cards, lucky in love,” highlighting the commonness of playing cards as a social activity in Italy. The saying itself can be interpreted as a consolation for those who lose the game, though it can also be seen as a lesson that you can’t be good at everything, a thought I find reassuring.
- Ti Sta a Pennello
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This saying is beautiful, both in meaning and auditorily. Its direct translation in English is; “it fits you like a paintbrush,” which honestly…doesn’t make much sense. But, upon further reflection and research, we understand that it’s mostly used when talking about clothes, as in the way something fits. It resembles our English expression; “it fits you like a glove,” though it elevates it a notch higher by bringing in art — another one of Italy’s points of pride. Simply put, it means something fits you so well it looks like it was painted onto you. How charming!
- Essere in Alto Mare
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Perhaps the most relatable, this saying is more humorous than the rest. Literally, it means “to be on the high seas,” though it’s used in the context of procrastination. Basically, it means you’re nowhere near done. It conjures up images of a sailor struggling to control his boat in the wild sea, giant white-capped waves splashing the sides of his vessel, as he meanders unsteadily on the deck. Frankly, that’s kind of how I feel when I have a fast-approaching deadline.
- Vivi e Lascia Vivere
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I love this expression a lot! Its meaning is the same as its direct translation in English, which is “live and let live.” It encourages you to focus on your own life and not to criticize others and the decisions they make. Something about it is very freeing.
Italian has many, many, many more sayings about life, love, and food. They are truly music to my ears.
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