Popular sayings are a fundamental part of any culture and language, and Italian is no exception. Folk sayings, or "proverbi" in Italian, offer a unique insight into Italian folk wisdom and philosophy of life. Here are 16 popular Italian sayings that you might find useful as you delve deeper into studying the language.
1. "Chi dormi non piglia pesci." Literally translated as "He who sleeps does not catch fish", this saying is equivalent to the English saying "The early bird catches the worm". It emphasizes the importance of hard work and initiative.
2. "Tra il dire e il fare c'è di mezzo il mare." This saying, which translates as "Between saying and doing, there is a sea in between", highlights the difference between talking about something and actually do it. It's similar to the English saying "Easier said than done."
3. "Non tutte le ciambelle riescono col buco." This saying translates to "Not all donuts come out with a hole" and is used to express the idea that not everything always goes as planned. p>
4. "L'abito non fa il monaco." This saying, which translates as "Clothes do not make the monk", is equivalent to the English saying "Don't judge a book by its cover". It emphasizes the importance of not judging people just by their outward appearance.
5. "Chi troppo vuole nulla stringe." This saying translates as "He who wants a lot, holds nothing back" and is a warning against greed and excess.
6. "Chi di spada ferisce, di spada perisce." This saying, which translates as "Whoever strikes with the sword will perish by the sword," is similar to the English saying "What goes around comes around." It serves as a reminder that actions have consequences.
7. "Ogni promise è debito." This saying translates to "Every promise is a debt" and is used to emphasize the importance of keeping your promises.
8. "Meglio tardi che mai." This saying, which translates as "Better late than never," is similar to the English saying of the same meaning. It serves as a reminder that it is never too late to do the right thing or right a wrong.
9. "Non c'è due senza tre." This saying translates to "There are no two without three" and is used to express the idea that things tend to happen in groups of three. p>
10. "In vino veritas." This saying, which translates as "In wine is the truth," is a Latin expression that is used in many languages, including Italian. He suggests that people tend to tell the truth when they are under the influence of alcohol.
11. "Chi non risica non rosica." This saying translates as "He who doesn't risk doesn't win", similar to the English saying "He doesn't risk, he doesn't get anything." It emphasizes the importance of taking risks to achieve success.
12. "Ogni scarrafone è bello a mamma sua." This saying, which translates as "Every cockroach is beautiful to its mother", is used to express the idea that beauty is in the eye of the beholder .
13. "Patti chiari, amicizia lunga." This saying translates as "Clear agreements, long friendship" and is used to emphasize the importance of clear communication and honesty in interpersonal relationships.
14. "Non c'è rosa senza spine." This saying, which translates as "There is no rose without thorns", is similar to the English saying "There are no roses without thorns". It serves as a reminder that all good things have their downside.
15. "Chi fa da sé, fa per tre." This saying translates as "He who does it for himself, does it for three", and is used to express the idea that it is more efficient to do something alone than trusting others to do it.
16. "Tutto è bene quel che finisce bene." This saying, which translates as "All's well that ends well", is similar to the English saying of the same meaning. It serves as a reminder that no matter how difficult the journey, what matters is the end result.
Studying popular sayings in Italian can help you better understand Italian culture and improve your communication skills in the language. So next time you're studying Italian, why not try incorporating some of these sayings into your speaking practice?
