Learning Italian goes beyond just memorizing words and grammar rules.
One fun and insightful way to deepen your language skills is by understanding Italian proverbs and sayings. These are short, often funny or wise expressions used in everyday conversations, and they can help you sound more like a native speaker.
Let’s dive into some popular Italian proverbs and sayings that can add color to your Italian.
CHI DORME NON PIGLIA PESCI.
Translation: Who sleeps doesn’t catch fish.
Meaning: Success comes to those who are proactive. If you want to achieve something, you have to work for it, not just wait for it to happen.
IL MATTINO HA L’ORO IN BOCCA.
Translation: The morning has gold in its mouth.
Meaning: Early risers have the advantage. Starting your day early can lead to greater productivity and opportunities.
MEGLIO UN UOVO OGGI CHE UNA GALLINA DOMANI.
Translation: Better an egg today than a chicken tomorrow.
Meaning: It’s better to have something small now than to wait for something bigger that may not come.
CHI VA PIANO, VA SANO E VA LONTANO.
Translation: He who goes slowly, goes healthily and goes far.
Meaning: Taking your time can lead to long-term success and well-being.
NON TUTTE LE CIAMBELLE RIESCONO COL BUCO.
Translation: Not all doughnuts come out with a hole.
Meaning: Things don’t always turn out as planned, even if you try your best.
CHI SI VOLTA, E CHI SI GIRA, SEMPRE A CASA VA FINIRE.
Translation: Who turns, and who twists, always ends up at home.
Meaning: No matter what we do or where we go, we always return to our roots or comfort zone.
TRA IL DIRE E IL FARE C’È DI MEZZO IL MARE.
Translation: Between saying and doing, there’s the sea.
Meaning: It's easier to talk about doing something than to actually do it.
A CAVAL DONATO NON SI GUARDA IN BOCCA.
Translation: Don’t look a gift horse in the mouth.
Meaning: Don’t criticize or question the value of a gift. Be grateful for what you receive.
MEGLIO SOLI CHE MALE ACCOMPAGNATI.
Translation: Better alone than in bad company.
Meaning: It’s preferable to be alone than to be with people who have a negative influence on you.
CHI TROVA UN AMICO TROVA UN TESORO.
Translation: He who finds a friend finds a treasure.
Meaning: True friendship is invaluable and precious. A good friend is very valuable.
LA GATTA FRETTOLOSA HA FATTO I GATTINI CIECHI.
Translation: The hasty cat gave birth to blind kittens.
Meaning: Rushing through tasks often leads to poor results. Taking your time ensures better outcomes.
QUANDO IL GATTO NON C’È I TOPI BALLANO.
Translation: When the cat's away, the mice will play.
Meaning: People often take liberties when authority is not present. Without supervision, people may do as they please.
RIDE BENE CHI RIDE ULTIMO.
Translation: He laughs best who laughs last.
Meaning: True success or satisfaction comes in the end. The final outcome is what matters.
L’ERBA DEL VICINO È SEMPRE PIÙ VERDE.
Translation: The neighbor’s grass is always greener.
Meaning: People often believe others’ situations are better than their own, even when this may not be the case.
CHI SEMINA VENTO RACCOGLIE TEMPESTA.
Translation: He who sows wind reaps storm.
Meaning: Your actions have consequences. If you do bad things, bad things will happen to you.
OGNI MEDAGLIA HA IL SUO ROVESCIO.
Translation: Every medal has its reverse.
Meaning: Every situation has both good and bad sides.
There’s always a different perspective or a downside to every positive aspect.
TRA MOGLIE E MARITO NON METTERE IL DITO.
Translation: Don’t put your finger between husband and wife.
Meaning: Don’t get involved in other people’s personal relationships.
NON È TUTTO ORO QUEL CHE LUCCICA.
Translation: All that glitters is not gold.
Meaning: Not everything that looks good is actually valuable.
MEGLIO PREVENIRE CHE CURARE.
Translation: Better to prevent than to cure.
Meaning: It’s better to avoid problems in the first place than to deal with them after they arise.
CHI BEN COMINCIA È A METÀ DELL’OPERA.
Translation: A good beginning is half the work.
Meaning: Starting something well makes the rest of it easier.
Using these proverbs in your daily conversations or language practice can make you sound more fluent and culturally aware.
Try to use at least one proverb a day in your conversations.
Pay attention to how native speakers use these proverbs in conversations or media.
Proverbs express complex ideas or morals in just a few words. Learning them helps you understand not just the language, but the culture and mindset of Italian speakers.
Embrace these proverbs in your learning journey, and you’ll not only improve your Italian but also gain a richer understanding of the culture. Start using them today and make your conversations more engaging and authentic!
Buon studio! Ciao😊