ITALIAN IN REAL LIFE
The Italian expression avere fretta means “to be in a hurry.”
It is a very common everyday expression used when you do not have much time or need to move quickly.
Example:
“Scusa, ho fretta.”
Sorry, I’m in a hurry.
Another example:
“Abbiamo fretta.”
We’re in a hurry.
You may hear this expression while traveling, commuting, shopping, or during busy daily situations.
Learn practical Italian expressions and how Italians naturally speak in everyday life.
Italian Idioms #12: Essere A Pezzi
The Italian expression essere a pezzi literally translates to “to be in pieces,” but Italians use it to mean being exhausted, extremely tired, or worn out.
You may hear this phrase after work, travel, studying, or any busy day.
“Dopo il lavoro sono a pezzi.”
After work I’m exhausted.
In this lesson, practice pronunciation and learn how Italians naturally use this common expression.
The Italian expression prendere in giro means “to make fun of someone” or “to tease someone.”
It is a common expression used in everyday Italian conversations.
“Mi stai prendendo in giro?”
Are you making fun of me?
You may hear this phrase among friends, family members, or in playful conversations.
Learn real Italian expressions and idioms used by native speakers.
The Italian expression avere un diavolo per capello literally means “to have a devil on every hair,” but Italians use it to describe someone who is extremely angry, irritated, or in a terrible mood.
You may hear this expression when someone is very upset or frustrated.
“Oggi ha un diavolo per capello.”
Today he is in a really bad mood.
Learn common Italian idioms and how Italians naturally use them in everyday conversation.
The Italian expression avere la testa fra le nuvole literally means “to have your head in the clouds.”
It is used when someone is dreaming, distracted, absent-minded, or not paying attention.
You may hear this expression when someone seems lost in thought or not focused.
“Oggi hai la testa fra le nuvole.”
Today you have your head in the clouds.
Learn common Italian idioms and discover how Italians naturally use them in everyday conversation.
The Italian expression avere le mani bucate literally means “to have holes in your hands,” but Italians use it to describe someone who spends money very easily or cannot save.
It is often used for people who buy things quickly or have difficulty keeping money.
“Lui ha le mani bucate.”
He spends money very easily.
Learn common Italian idioms and how Italians naturally use them in everyday life.
The Italian expression essere nei guai means “to be in trouble” or to be in a difficult situation.
It is used when someone has problems, made a mistake, or finds themselves in a complicated situation.
You may hear this expression in everyday conversations, at work, at school, or while talking about life problems.
Example:
“Sono nei guai.”
I’m in trouble.
Learn common Italian expressions and discover how Italians naturally speak in real life situations.
The Italian expression andare piano literally means “to go slowly,” but Italians also use it to mean “take it easy,” “slow down,” or “be careful.”
You may hear this expression when driving, walking, learning, or when someone wants you to calm down and not rush.
Example:
“Vai piano!”
Slow down!
Another example:
“Parla piano.”
Speak slowly.
Learn practical Italian expressions and how Italians naturally speak in everyday life.
The Italian expression fare una figuraccia means “to embarrass yourself” or “make a bad impression.”
Italians use this expression when something awkward, embarrassing, or uncomfortable happens.
Example:
“Ho fatto una figuraccia.”
I embarrassed myself.
Another example:
“Non voglio fare una figuraccia.”
I don’t want to make a fool of myself.
You may hear this expression before meetings, presentations, social situations, or whenever someone feels nervous about making mistakes.
Learn practical Italian expressions and how Italians naturally speak in everyday life.
The Italian expression essere al settimo cielo literally means “to be in the seventh heaven,” but Italians use it to mean being extremely happy, excited, or overjoyed.
In English, it is similar to saying:
“I’m over the moon.”
or
“I’m on cloud nine.”
Example:
“Sono al settimo cielo!”
I’m over the moon!
You may hear this expression after good news, achievements, celebrations, travel, relationships, or special life moments.
Learn practical Italian expressions and how Italians naturally speak in everyday life.
The Italian expression che cavolo! is a mild and common way to show surprise, annoyance, frustration, or disbelief.
Literally, it means “what cabbage,” but Italians use it similarly to saying:
“What the heck?”
or
“What on earth?”
Example:
“Che cavolo stai facendo?”
What the heck are you doing?
It is softer and more polite than stronger expressions and is often used in everyday conversations.
Learn practical Italian expressions and how Italians naturally speak in real life.
The Italian expression non vedo l’ora literally means “I can’t see the hour,” but Italians use it to say:
“I can’t wait.”
It is used when you are excited, happy, or looking forward to something.
Example:
“Non vedo l’ora di vederti.”
I can’t wait to see you.
You may hear this expression before trips, holidays, celebrations, meetings, or exciting events.
Learn practical Italian expressions and how Italians naturally speak in everyday life.
The Italian expression in bocca al lupo literally means “into the wolf’s mouth,” but Italians use it to wish someone good luck.
It is commonly used before:
Exams
Interviews
Trips
Presentations
Important events
Example:
“Domani ho un esame.”
Tomorrow I have an exam.
“In bocca al lupo!”
Good luck!
Traditional response:
“Crepi il lupo!”
May the wolf die!
Today, many people also simply reply:
“Grazie!”
Learn practical Italian expressions and how Italians naturally speak in everyday life.
