Italy is so linguistically rich that, despite having only one official language, it boasts an incredible variety of linguistic variations within its small territory. These are known as the Italian dialects! You can hear them in every market and street in Italy, especially in smaller villages. While there are at least 30 recognized languages in Italy, linguists believe there are potentially hundreds of Italian dialects you could encounter in your travels.
Italian dialects are still relevant because they truly mirror Italy’s different cultures and customs, offering a deeper insight into each area’s identity and history. So, let’s clarify what dialects mean in Italy, the difference between them and regional forms, and how both can impact your conversations in Italian.
Table of Contents
What are Italian dialects and why are they unique?
Did you know that Italian dialects aren’t just dialects?
Usually, dialects are defined as regional variations of a language, with accents, vocabulary, and sometimes grammar differences, and a specific geographical distribution. For example, British English, American English, Australian English, Jamaican English, etc. are all diverse dialects within English.
It’s different in Italy. Italian dialects developed simultaneously or even before modern Italian, so they are sister languages from the same language family instead of variations of Italian.
From Latin to the Italian langauge
It all goes back to the Roman Empire. There were always two forms of Latin: the formal, classical Latin and the spoken, popular Latin (known as Vulgar Latin). Vulgar Latin varied greatly depending on the region, as it adapted to the indigenous languages spoken before the Roman conquest. For example, Sardinians, Siculi, and Umbrians were Indo-European groups already living on the peninsula when Latin started to spread.
The development of Vulgar Latin gave rise to Romance languages like Spanish, French, and Portuguese, as well as the lingue volgari (Vulgar Italian languages) in Italy. So, Italian is just the evolution of one of these vernaculars—the vulgar Florentine—that became relevant during the 14th century due to Florence’s commercial and cultural influence.
This wasn’t a fast process. To put this into perspective, Italian wasn’t even called “Italian” until the 16th century! And at the time of Italy’s unification in 1861, only three out of every one hundred locals spoke Italian. The rest of the population spoke dialects.
Italian language knowledge was still so behind in 1960 that the most popular TV show, Non è mai troppo tardi (It’s Never Too Late), was dedicated to teaching Italian language to adults.
List of the most common Italian dialects
Italy’s linguistic diversity is so rich that each little town or city can use the same dialect differently. So, how many dialects are there in Italy? It’s almost impossible to tell, but there are easily hundreds. Here is a very comprehensive list of the most common or widely known Italian dialects in Italy.
| Italian Dialect | English Translation | Geographic Area |
| Agrigentino | Agrigentine | Agrigento (Sicily) |
| Anconetano | Anconetan | Ancona (Marche) |
| Ascolano | Ascolan | Ascoli Piceno (Marche) |
| Beneventano | Beneventan | Benevento (Campania) |
| Bergamasco | Bergamasque | Bergamo (Lombardy) |
| Bolognese | Bolognese | Bologna (Emilia-Romagna) |
| Bresciano | Brescian | Brescia (Lombardy) |
| Calabrese Meridionale | Southern Calabrian | Southern Calabria |
| Calabrese Settentrionale | Northern Calabrian | Northern Calabria |
| Campano | Campanian | Region of Campania |
| Casertano | Casertan | Caserta (Campania) |
| Catanese | Catanese | Catania (Sicily) |
| Cilentano | Cilentan | Area of Cilento (part of Campania) |
| Emiliano | Emilian | Emilia (part of Emilia-Romagna) |
| Ferrarese | Ferrarese | Ferrara (Emilia-Romagna) |
| Gallurese | Gallurese | Gallura (Northern Sardinia – separate from Sardinian due to Tuscan influence) |
| Fiorentino | Florentine | Florence (Tuscany) |
| Ligure | Ligurian | Region of Liguria |
| Livornese | Livornese | Livorno (Tuscany) |
| Lombardo | Lombard | Region of Lombardy |
| Maceratese | Maceratese | Macerata (Marche) |
| Marchigiano | Marchegian | Region of Marche |
| Messinese | Messinese | Messina (Sicily) |
| Milanese | Milanese | Milan (Lombardy) |
| Modenese | Modenese | Modena (Emilia-Romagna) |
| Molisano | Molisan | Region of Molise |
| Napoletano | Neapolitan | Naples (Campania) |
| Padovano | Paduan | Padua (Veneto) |
| Palermitano | Palermitan | Palermo (Sicily) |
| Piemontese | Piedmontese | Region of Piedmont |
| Pisano | Pisan | Pisa (Tuscany) |
| Pugliese | Apulian | Northern Puglia |
| Romagnolo | Romagnol | Romagna (part of Emilia-Romagna) |
| Romanesco | Romanesco | Rome (Lazio) |
| Salentino | Salentine | Salento (area in Southern Puglia) |
| Sassarese | Sassarese | Sassari (separate from Sardinian due to Tuscan influence) |
| Senese | Sienese | Siena (Tuscany) |
| Siciliano | Sicilian | Region of Sicily |
| Toscano | Tuscan | Tuscany |
| Trevigiano | Trevisan | Treviso (Veneto) |
| Umbro | Umbrian | Region of Umbria |
| Veneto | Venetian | Region of Veneto |
| Veneziano | Venetian (Venice dialect) | Venice (Veneto) |
| Veronese | Veronese | Verona (Veneto) |
*If you want to hear how pronunciation changes depending on the location, check out the progetto Vivaldi. The project collects audio recordings of dialect pronunciations for various words across different regions of Italy, and it’s pretty fun!
@santindarainitaly Places in Italian and Sicilian
♬ suono originale – Santi and Dara#learnitalian #siciliano #dialect
7 main Italian dialects spoken in Italy
Italian is one of the world’s languages that has the most words—and that’s before including the rich lexicon of its dialects!
But don’t worry! Native speakers typically use fewer Italian words than what’s counted in the dictionary. However, depending on the region, you might hear dialectal words popping up in Italian slang. Let’s look at seven main Italian dialects and the most important things to know about them.
Napoletano (Neapolitan)
Spoken in: Campania, primarily in Naples and surrounding areas
Neapolitan is one of Italy’s most widely spoken dialects, still thriving among younger generations. Thanks to its deep-rooted musical and theatrical traditions, it’s known nationwide.
Neapolitan is quite distinct from Italian due to Greek, Spanish, and French influences. For instance, “What are you doing?” becomes:
- Che cosa fai? in Italian
- Che ffaje? in Neapolitan
Other key differences you might notice between Italian and Napoletano include:
- “nd” becomes “nn”
- quando (Italian) = quanno (Neapolitan) = when
- The articles are different, like in the famous song ‘O Sole Mio.
- il sole (Italian) = ‘o sole (Neapolitan) = the sun
| Neapolitan | Italian | English |
| cazzimma | – | Untranslatable, indicates opportunistic cleverness, cunning |
| guaglione | ragazzo | kid/boy |
| Marò! | Madonna! | Oh my goodness! |
| Sciò sciò! | Vai via! | Shoo! Go away! |
| Stai senza pensieri. | Non ti preoccupare. | Don’t worry. |
| zì | (short for) zio | bro/dude (literally, “uncle”) |
Siciliano (Sicilian)
Spoken in: Sicily and some areas of southern Calabria
Sicilian was the first Romance language to replace Latin in literature during the 13th century. This transition was due to the Scuola Siciliana (Sicilian School), a significant literary movement fostered by Emperor Frederick II.
The emperor, who ruled over the Kingdom of Sicily, was renowned for his intellectual pursuits and cultural patronage. His court became such a vibrant center for the arts that he earned the name Stupor Mundi (Wonder of the World).
This pivotal role in literature, its cultural background and identity, and the linguistic influences from Greek, Arabic, Catalan, Occitan, French, Germanic, and Spanish make Sicilian unique. So, many linguists argue that, when comparing Sicilian dialect vs. Italian, they should both be considered a language due to the significant number of differences.
One of the first noticeable differences is the articles. In Sicilian, the articles are lu, l’ and li instead of the Italian il, lo, l’ and le. Word endings are also unique in the dialect:
- l’uomo (Italian) = l’omu (Sicilian) = the man
- le case (Italian) = li casi (Sicilian) = the houses
| Sicilian | Italian | English |
| Amunì/Amunìnni | Andiamo. | Let’s go. |
| Bedda Matri! | Mamma mia! | Holy Mother! (lit. “beautiful mother”) |
| compà/cumpà/’mpare/’mbare | compare | buddy |
| mizzica | – | similar to “wow” (expresses astonishment or annoyance) |
| peri peri | andare in giro | wander around |
| picciottu | ragazzo | kid/boy |
| Sabbinirica. | Che Dio ti benedica. | May God bless you. |
If you visit the island, don’t miss the best beaches in Sicily; you will surely shout Mizzica! (wow!)
Fiorentino and Toscano (Florentine and Tuscan)
The language situation becomes more complicated with the dialects spoken in Tuscany. They are so similar to modern Italian that many prefer to refer to Tuscan dialects as vernacoli (vernaculars) instead of dialects. However, Tuscan dialects have unique characteristics.
First, the aspirated pronunciation makes certain consonants almost inaudible in the Tuscan dialects. For example, casa (house) is pronounced “KA-sa” in Italian, while in Tuscany it is “ha-sa” or “asa.”
Additionally, the Tuscan dialect has a double-subject construction. For example, in Italian, you would say tu sei (you are), while in Tuscan, it would be tu te sei.
- La cosa che hai fatto. (Italian) = A hosa he t’ha’ fatto. (Tuscan) = The thing you have done.
| Tuscan | Italian | English |
| ammodino | bene/nel modo corretto | (something) well done |
| babbo | papà | dad |
| bischero | sciocco | silly |
| buzzo/buzza/bruzza | pancia | tummy |
| cencio | straccio | old clothes or something of little value |
| dindi | soldi | money/cash |
| grullo | tonto | naive |
Veneto and Veneziano (Venetian)
Spoken in: Veneto, parts of Friuli, the western Trento province, and along the coasts of Istria and Dalmatia
Venetian was the language of the Republic of Venice for over a thousand years and gained literary significance through theater, especially the works of Italian playwright Carlo Goldoni.
Speaking of the dialect, Italians call Veneziano the dialect spoken in Venice and Veneto the broader group of dialects spoken across the region. But, in practice, the terms are often interchangeable.
A distinctive detail about the Venetian dialect is the loss of final vowels and double consonants.
- vino (Italian) = vin (Venetian) = wine
- gatto (Italian) = gato (Venetian) = cat
| Venetian | Italian | Meaning |
| bicier | bicchiere | glass |
| carega | sedia | chair |
| ciao | ciao | hi (from old Venetian s’ciavo, meaning “slave/yours”, later evolved into s’ciao, and ciao) |
| fìo/fìa (m/f) | ragazzo, ragazza | boy/girl |
| monea | moneta | coin |
| ocio | occhio | eye |
| puteo | bambino | child |
Venice offers plenty of opportunities to hear the dialect firsthand, whether during Carnival or the Venice Film Festival, two of the most prestigious Italian festivals. Or perhaps you’ll hear it while sipping the region’s signature aperitif: the Spritz.
Piemontese (Piedmontese)
Spoken in: Piedmont and parts of Liguria and Lombardy
The Piedmontese dialect is the most widely spoken among the dialects of the Piedmont region. It shares many similarities with French, not only due to geographical proximity but also because it was the common language during the rule of the House of Savoy, whose court was in Piedmont.
Under the Savoys, Italian and French were the official languages. However, even the ruling class used Piedmontese in everyday situations. This prominence fostered a rich literary tradition and a strong sense of identity that still endures today.
| Piedmontese | Italian | English |
| bicerin | – | Italian coffee in Turin with chocolate and cream (literally, small glass) |
| Boja fàuss! | Caspita! | Damn!/Wow! (literally, false hangman) |
| bom | bene | alright/okay |
| cerea | salve | hello/greetings |
| cicles | gomma da masticare | chewing gum |
| Fuma c’anduma. | Andiamo! | Let’s go! (fare che (do that) + verb is also used widely around Piedmontese) |
| Neh? | Vero?/D’accordo? | Right?/Okay? |
Romanesco (Roman dialect)
Spoken in: Rome and the Lazio region
Romanesco was born closer to Neapolitan and Southern Italian dialects, but it underwent strong Tuscanization during the Renaissance. This influence makes Romanesco more similar to Italian and one of the most easily understood dialects.
This accessibility, combined with Rome’s dominance in the movie industry, has made the Roman dialect part of many comic and realistic movies, strengthening its cultural identity even more. Many Romanesco words have even made their way into Italian slang nationwide.
| Romanesco | Italian | English |
| mo | adesso/ora | now |
| annamo | andiamo | let’s go |
| caciara | chiasso | noise/fuss |
| aò | ehi/ciao | hey |
| fijo | figlio | son |
| Daje! | Forza!/Andiamo! | Come on!/Let’s go! |
| anvedi | guarda | Look at that!/Would you believe it? |
| na cifra | molto/tanto | a lot/a ton |
| sbrocà | perdere il controllo | to freak out |
Emiliano-Romagnolo (Emilian-Romagnol)
Spoken in: Emilia-Romagna, with variations between Emilia (northwest) and Romagna (southeast)-and intermediate dialects in neighboring regions.
Emilia and Romagna have historically maintained a kind of cultural separation, which you can also find in dialects. The linguistic shift is gradual, with Emilian dialects spoken in Piacenza, Parma, Reggio Emilia, and Modena, compared to the Romagnol dialects in Bologna, Ferrara, and the Adriatic coast.
All these dialects share some aspects with the other northern dialects and have survived thanks to their widespread use in the region, even in official contexts. Medieval documents show how vernacular Bolognese words were disguised as Latin to fit in official documents!
| Emilian/Romagnol | Italian | English |
| As vést? | Hai visto? | Did you see? |
| tòtt | tutto/tanto | everything/a lot |
| In bòca al lô (or låuv) | In bocca al lupo. | Good luck! |
| burdèl | ragazzo | kid/boy (Romagnol) |
| andóm | andiamo | Let’s go |
| alóra | allora | so/then |
| magnêr | mangiare | to eat |
The Emilian-Romagnol dialects frequently slip into everyday conversations. So you’ll hear some of it whether you’re in Bologna enjoying a plate of tortellini or in Rimini savoring a piadina by the beach.
What’s the difference between a language, dialect, and regional Italian?
So why is “Italian” considered a language, while others are just dialects? To understand it, you need to know how linguists differentiate between:
- Italian languages
- Italian dialects or primary dialects
- italiani regionali (regional Italians) or secondary dialects.
Language vs. dialect
There is no historical difference between modern Italian and what we consider Italian dialects. It’s the same for grammar: Italian and Italian dialects have both their own vocabulary and grammar rules.
So, the only way to differentiate between a language and a dialect is by using sociolinguistic criteria:
- Distribution: Italian is used nationwide, while dialects are spoken locally and often become almost unintelligible just a few miles away.
- Tone: Unlike standard Italian, dialects are spoken primarily in informal settings.
- Writing standardization: Italian is both spoken and written. Dialects are used almost only in the oral form, so there are no official rules regarding spelling or grammar.
Dialects vs. regional Italian
Among dialects, you can differentiate between:
- primary dialects that originated from Latin
- regional Italians or secondary dialects which are variations of Italian caused by the influence of primary local dialects
Since dialects and Italian coexisted for centuries, the dialects eventually influenced the development of the new official language, resulting in the italiani regionali (regional Italians). It’s not only the accent that helps you know which Italian dialect you’re hearing. You can identify where a speaker is from by hearing how they build sentences and use verbs or words. For example:
- Italian: Ma dici sul serio? = Are you serious?
- Neapolitan dialect: ‘O vero faje? = Are you serious?
- Regional Italian spoken in Naples: Ma veramente fai? = Are you serious?
@antonio_benina If you are visiting Rome: 5 expressions in the Dialect of Rome (romano)
♬ original sound – Antonio Benina#italian #language #languagelearning #italiano #learnitalian #parlaitaliano #hablaitaliano #speakitalian #italianforbeginners #aprenderitaliano #italianlanguage #onthisday
Classification of dialects and languages in Italy
Geographical or political borders do not dictate Italian dialects. A dialect can change between neighboring towns and villages. So, the standard classification for dialects in Italian identifies three main groups that have common traits:
1. Northern Dialects
- Gallo-Italic dialects from Liguria, Piedmont, Lombardy, Emilia-Romagna, and the northern Marche region.
- Venetian dialects spoken in Veneto, coasts of Friuli Venezia Giulia, and Trieste.
2. Tuscan dialects, which are the bridge between northern and southern dialects.
3. Central-Southern dialects
- central dialects from central Italy
- upper southern dialects from south Lazio, north Campania, and north Puglia
- extreme southern dialects spoken in Calabria, Sicily, and southern Puglia
Minority languages spoken in Italy
Besides dialects and Italian, what other languages are spoken in Italy? The Italian law recognizes three Italian minority languages:
- Sardo (Sardinian) spoken in Sardinia
- Friulano (Friulian) spoken in areas of Friuli Venezia Giulia, this is a Latin-based language with strong Celtic, Slavic, and Germanic influences
- Ladino (Ladin), spoken in some areas of the Dolomite Alps, which shares similarities with Romance languages but has unclear origins
In addition, Italy recognizes other minority foreign languages and dialects from neighboring countries and isole linguistiche (linguistic islands). These are small communities that have preserved their languages within Italian-speaking regions:
- Franco-Provençal and Provençal (Valle d’Aosta)
- German and German dialects (South Tyrol, Alto Adige)
- Slovene (eastern Friuli Venezia Giulia)
- Arbëreshë Albanian
- Greek (Griko and Grecanico)
- Croatian
- Catalan (Alghero, Sardinia)
Get familiar with Italian dialects with Rosetta Stone
If you spend enough time in Italy, you’ll pick up dialects through exposure—starting with small expressions and common words. If you’re not moving to Italy, you can still listen to dialectal music or watch local TV broadcasts on YouTube to get used to their sound.
The key is first to learn Italian and build a strong knowledge with a proven approach like Rosetta Stone’s Dynamic Immersion method. It will allow you to engage with Italian culture right away. From there, familiarizing yourself with dialects and regional language forms will be a natural step toward a full immersion in the Italian language, helping you appreciate all its nuances.
0 Commentaires