47 Profound Italian Sayings To Enhance Your Life

Italian sayings are like windows into the soul of Italy. They capture the essence of a culture deeply connected to art, family, food, and timeless values.

We’ve pulled together a rich collection of traditional proverbs and more modern Italian sayings drawn from everyday life. Some carry the weight of centuries-old wisdom, while others reflect the humor and quirks of contemporary Italian culture—insights only those who grew up in Italy may know. Use these Italian sayings in conversations during Rosetta Stone tutoring sessions to wow expert speakers!

Italian sayings about life

Whether you’re learning Italian or want to understand and connect more deeply with Italian speakers, these sayings will enrich your conversations and help you dive into the heart of the language and the Italian way of life.

1. Il buongiorno si vede dal mattino. (The good day is seen in the morning.)

This Italian saying reflects the belief that the way a day begins is a strong indicator of how it will unfold. If the morning goes well, it’s likely that the rest of the day will, too.

2. Chi ben comincia è a metà dell’opera. (Well begun is half done.)

This is another saying reminding people that taking the first step with the right mindset makes the rest of the journey easier. Starting a task with dedication sets the foundation for success, just like when you start learning a new language by fully immersing yourself in it from the beginning.

3. Chi ha tempo non aspetti tempo. (If you have time, don’t waste it.)

Procrastination is not your friend. You know it, and this ancient Italian proverb is here to remind you. It translates literally to, “Those who have time must not wait to have time.”

4. Chi va piano, va sano e va lontano. (Slow and steady wins the race.)

Sometimes, you need to remind yourself that life is not a sprint. This traditional Italian proverb is translated literally as “Who goes slow, goes safely and far,” and teaches the value of patience and perseverance.

5. Il dolce far niente. (The sweetness of doing nothing.)

You may have heard this sentence in the famous movie Eat Pray Love, but its origin goes way back in time. It could even be an expression derived from the Romans.

The Treccani dictionary describes the dolce far niente as a stato di beata inerzia (a state of blissful idleness.). It’s a saying often used to describe the quiet Italian summers and the peaceful times lounging in the sun, sipping a coffee at a café, or simply daydreaming.

6. Chi la dura, la vince. (The one who perseveres wins it.)

This simple yet powerful saying is a favorite among Italians. It’s a reminder that perseverance is the key to success. Whether learning Italian or tackling a challenging project, this proverb encourages you to keep going because persistence always pays off.

7. La calma è la virtù dei forti. (Calmness is the virtue of the strong.)

In just a few words, this short sentence captures the idea that true strength lies in keeping composure, especially in difficult situations.

8. Il mondo è bello perché è vario. (The world is beautiful because it’s varied.)

This saying has a double meaning. It celebrates diversity, suggesting that differences make the world so wonderful. However, it’s also a subtle way to suggest that you accept someone’s opinion but disagree with it.

9. Chi troppo vuole, nulla stringe. (Those who want too much end up with nothing.)

This saying about greed and overreaching suggests that those who try to grasp too much often become empty-handed.

10. Meglio soli che male accompagnati. (Better alone than in bad company.)

It’s better to be alone than be dragged down by negative influences. Surround yourself with good people, and use this saying to comfort someone after a breakup or the end of a friendship.

11. A buon intenditor poche parole. (A word to the wise is enough.)

A few words or hints are enough for a sharp mind to understand. Italians often use this expression to set boundaries without the need to explain, much like giving a subtle side-eye.

12. Il diavolo fa le pentole ma non i coperchi. (The devil makes the pots but not the lids.)

This funny Italian proverb suggests that while someone might plot something sneaky, they often overlook key details that could expose their plans—no scheme is foolproof.

13. Nel mezzo del cammin di nostra vita, mi ritrovai per una selva oscura. (In the middle of the journey of our life, I found myself in a dark forest.)

The iconic opening line of Dante Alighieri’s The Divine Comedy begins Dante’s symbolic journey through Hell, Purgatory, and Heaven, guided by the poet Virgil and later by his muse, Beatrice.

The phrase is widely known by Italians and is often referenced in literature and conversation to signify a period of hardship or personal crisis. It resonates deeply as it captures the universal experience of feeling lost.

14. Lasciate ogne speranza, voi ch’intrate. (Abandon all hope, you who enter.)

Another profound verse from The Divine Comedy is the sentence written at the doors of Hell in the book. Nowadays, Italians often use this phrase humorously to describe daunting and tedious situations they cannot avoid. For instance, when students are about to dive into studying The Divine Comedy—a challenging task, as it’s written in the Florentine dialect of the Middle Ages—they might joke lasciate ogni speranza (abandon all hope) as they enter the classroom.

Italian sayings about love

Italy is a synonym of romance and passion, and the Italian language is filled with sayings about love. Whether passionate or bittersweet, these proverbs capture the highs and lows of relationships in a unique Italian, poetic way.

15. Al cuor non si comanda. (The heart wants what it wants.)

Or, more literally, “The heart cannot be commanded.” Emotions are beyond rational control. No matter how much one might try to reason with or control one’s feelings, the heart ultimately follows its path.

This is a universal truth in many cultures. People overlook flaws or imperfections when they are in love.

17. L’amore non è bello se non è litigarello. (Love isn’t beautiful if it’s not a little stormy.)

Literally, this means “Love is not beautiful if it’s not quarrelsome.” This playful saying captures the Italian way of spicing up things in relationships and their belief that a bit of arguing can make love more alive.

18. Chi s’assomiglia si piglia. (Those who are alike get together.)

This phrase is the Italian version of “birds of a feather flock together.” It’s based on the idea that people with similar values, habits, and interests naturally gravitate toward one another. Italians often apply this saying to friendships and families, too—indicating that shared traits bring people together in every kind of relationship.

19. In amor, vince chi fugge. (In love, the one who runs away wins.)

This is the Italian version of “playing hard to get.” In romantic pursuits, sometimes, the person who distances themselves becomes more desired.

20. Galeotto fu il libro e chi lo scrisse. (The book and the one who wrote it were to blame.)

Dante Alighieri wrote this line in The Divine Comedy. In this passage, Francesca da Rimini narrates her tragic adultery love story with Paolo, revealing that they fell in love while reading the story of Lancelot and Guinevere. The book they read was a galeotto (a go-between or matchmaker).

In modern Italian, the phrase is often used metaphorically to describe a thing or a situation that initiates or facilitates a romance.

21. Chi disprezza, ama. (Whoever despises, loves.)

Negative feelings like disdain or criticism can sometimes mask affection or love. The proverb is often used when someone’s harshness or dismissiveness toward another person is interpreted as a sign of attraction.

22. Chiodo scaccia chiodo. (One nail drives out another.)

This means that a new lover or relationship can help you move past a previous one, and it’s frequently used when dealing with heartbreak.

Italian sayings about food

There’s no need to explain how passionate Italians are about food. So, while you learn how to order food in Italian, play with these sayings. You will see how they can explain Italians’ relationship with food in fun ways.

23. Chi mangia bene, vive bene. (Those who eat well, live well.)

No sentence sums up the Italian philosophy about meals better than this. Eating well is about nourishing the soul, enjoying quality time with loved ones, and appreciating the finer things in life.

24. A tavola non si invecchia. (At the table, one does not age.)

Time around a table is time well spent and so pleasant that it does not seem to pass. So, good company, good food, and lively conversation make life well-lived.

25. Chi non beve in compagnia è un ladro o una spia. (Who doesn’t drink in company is a thief or a spy.)

This proverb seems odd but reveals much more about Italian culture than you may think. Italians see drinks as a social activity. Drinks are mostly paired with food and are a way to enhance the dishes you are tasting. If you drink alone, you must have something to hide.

26. Chi ha il pane non ha i denti. (Those who have bread don’t have teeth.)

This is the irony of life: People who have what they need often don’t know how to enjoy it. Usually, someone with a valuable resource takes it for granted, while others who might appreciate it more don’t have access to it.

27. La cucina è il cuore della casa. (The kitchen is the heart of the home.)

Cooking and sharing meals play a central role in family and social life. Italians are sure about that!

28. C’è sempre posto per un dolce. (There’s always room for dessert.)

This lighthearted saying needs no further explanation: if you have a sweet tooth, you know.

29. Non si vive di solo pane. (Man does not live by bread alone.)

This saying from the Bible conveys the idea that physical nourishment alone isn’t enough for a fulfilling and meaningful life.

Funny Italian sayings

Popular wisdom can also give rise to some hilarious sayings. These Italian expressions may sound odd, but they tell you a lot about the culture and spirit of Italy.

30. Non tutte le ciambelle riescono col buco. (Not all doughnuts have a hole.)

Life is unpredictable, and not everything turns out as planned—just like doughnuts that sometimes lack their iconic hole.

31. Ogni morte di papa. (Once in a blue moon.)

This is one of the most used Italian idioms, and it literally means “Once every pope’s death.”

It’s a humorous way to refer to events that rarely happen, like family gatherings or activities that don’t happen as often as you may like.

Ci vediamo a ogni morte di papa. = We see each other once every pope’s death.

32. Meglio un uovo oggi che una gallina domani. (Better an egg today than a chicken tomorrow.)

Italy’s version of “a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush” emphasizes the value of appreciating what you have now rather than waiting for something better that may never come.

33. Chi dorme non piglia pesci. (Who sleeps catches no fish.)

This is the Italian version of “If you snooze, you lose.” If you want something in life, you must be proactive. You will need more than sleeping in to get the results you want.

34. Non si può avere la botte piena e la moglie ubriaca. (You can’t have a full wine barrel and a drunk wife.)

This saying may sound weird, but it’s actually the Italian version of the English “You can’t have your cake and eat it too.”

35. L’acqua fa male e il vino fa cantare. (Water is bad, and wine makes you sing.)

This fun saying pokes at the Italian love of wine. It’s a lighthearted reminder that wine is often associated with celebration, joy, and good times.

36. A caval donato non si guarda in bocca. (Don’t look into the mouth of a horse you got for free.)

You can determine a horse’s age and value by its teeth. So, inspecting the teeth of a horse given to you for free would be considered ungrateful. Accept gifts with gratitude without examining their worth, and, of course, be sure to know how to say “Thank you” in Italian.

37. Tanto va la gatta al lardo che ci lascia lo zampino. (The cat goes to the lard so much it loses its paw.)

The idea here is that if you keep going after something forbidden, you’ll eventually get caught, just like a sneaky cat after the lard.

Short Italian sayings

Sometimes, brevity is key. Some of these are familiar as common Italian expressions, while others may be totally new to you.

38. Il tempo vola. (Time flies.)

It is a simple yet profound statement that reminds us how quickly life passes. Italians use it when they meet someone they haven’t seen for a long time, to acknowledge the growth of kids, and when they get a little melancholic.

39. Mamma mia! (Oh my!)

This may seem just the title of a popular musical to English speakers, but mamma mia is one of those Italian phrases that are part of every day for native speakers. This exclamation usually implies surprise or impatience. It literally means “Mother of mine!”

40. Non c’è due senza tre. (There’s no two without three.)

If something has happened twice, it will likely happen a third time. This Italian saying is used ironically to say that bad luck is recurrent.

When someone says it, reply e il quarto vien da sé (and the fourth one comes with it). You’ll sound like a native speaker.

41. Mal comune, mezzo gaudio. (Misery shared is half joy.)

When people share their struggles with others, it helps them feel less alone. Connections can make troubles feel lighter.

42. L’abito non fa il monaco. (The clothes don’t make the monk.)

Refrain from judging a book by its cover. This is a common saying in many languages since it originated in Latin, with the Italian version appearing in literature as far back as 1840 with I promessi sposi by Alessandro Manzoni.

Italian sayings in popular culture

Advertising, movies, and songs—popular culture has a huge impact on language. This is where your cultural knowledge can make you stand out! These slogans have found their way into everyday Italian conversations, but you’ll rarely find them in language books.

43. Come la famiglia del Mulino Bianco (like the Mulino Bianco family)

Mulino Bianco is a famous baked goods brand in Italy, and its commercials feature an idyllic family living in a mulino bianco (white water mill). These ads struck such a chord with Italians that the phrase is now used to describe the idea of a perfect family. However, it’s often said with a hint of irony, implying that the family isn’t as perfect as it seems.

44. Non ci resta che piangere. (We have nothing left but to cry.)

This iconic line comes from the 1984 cult Italian film of the same name, starring Roberto Benigni. It’s used humorously when a situation feels hopeless, and over the years, it’s become a go-to expression in Italian comedic pop culture.

45. Non è proprio fame, è più voglia di qualcosa di buono. (It’s not really hunger; it’s more a craving for something good.)

This phrase became famous thanks to an iconic chocolate advertisement of the ‘90s. Today, it’s used casually to describe a craving for something indulgent.

46. Chi mi ama, mi segua. (Who loves me, follow me.)

Originally from the Bible, this saying was popularized in the 1970s by a controversial advertising campaign. It’s still used today in various contexts, although most young people probably won’t know where it comes from.

47. È la dura legge del goal. (It’s the harsh law of the goal.)

This famous song by the Italian band 883 holds a special place in the hearts of millennials. The soccer metaphor perfectly captures a fundamental truth about life: Sometimes, no matter how well you play, you just can’t score a goal. It describes the bittersweet reality that success is often random.

Fortunately, learning a new language has nothing to do with soccer. Immersing yourself in Italian culture while learning the language guarantees you’ll become proficient faster!

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