Italy has always been fascinating us. That’s why we have decided to post some of their Wise Italian proverbs. First in its original form. Namely Italian language is so beautiful, so melodic. Then we explained the meaning. You’ll be surprised how many similarities there are between Italian and English proverbs.
The value of Italian proverbs
A proverb is a short, pithy saying that expresses a traditionally held truth or piece of advice, based on common sense or experience. Nothing defines a culture as distinct as its language, and the element of language that best encapsulates a society’s values and beliefs is its proverbs. Proverbs are used in conversation with adults more than children, partially because adults have learned more proverbs than children. Italian proverbs, because they are indirect, allow a speaker to disagree or give advice in a way that may be less offensive.
Many authors have used proverbs in their writings, for a very wide variety of literary genres: epics, novels, poems, and short stories.
With this list of Italian proverbs, you can show off your wisdom and understanding of the Italian culture during your next conversation with a native speaker.
Italian proverbs are a treasure of popular wisdom!
Best known Italian Proverbs
But the best little treasures of advice and insight always come in the form of Italian proverbs. Many Italian proverbs are regional and based on local sayings – but there are a few that you will hear over and over if you live in Italy.
Che sarà sarà.
What is to be, will be. Or better yet Whatever will be, will be, like Doris Day used to sing.
Tutte le strade conducono a Roma.
All roads lead to Rome.
Il buongiorno si vede dal mattino
This proverb, quite literal in meaning, says a good day starts in the morning, and it can be interpreted both as a short or long term. Additionally, it is about the importance of a good start, and how that can be foreshadowing for the rest. If you have a great morning, then it is likely that the rest of the day will also be very positive.
Ride bene chi ride ultimo
A saying that sounds very familiar to many cultures, ‘Who laughs last, laughs best’. Of course it is commonly used also in Italy. But, be careful. As this ancient Italian proverb also warns you, you can never know how something will turn out until the last minute. So make sure you don’t enjoy yourself in advance! Ultimately, this is one of the most common proverbs used in sport, especially in soccer.
Il lupo perde il pelo ma non il vizio.
‘Old habits die hard’ – in this case though, the proverb translates to ‘The wolf loses its fur but not its bad habits’. The saying is from Latin ‘Vulpes pilum mutat, non mores’, and the ‘fox’ in question is originally Emperor Vespasiano, who was known for being greedy and ruthless. So people may change appearances and even behavior but their true nature remains the same.
L’erba del vicino è sempre piu verde.
Another quite international saying, ‘The grass is always greener on the other side’. Namely, literal translation is as follows: ‘The grass is always greener on the neighbor’s side’. The keyword for this classic proverb is envy! Jealousy is a part of human nature. Whether it is in Italy, England or in China. For the most part people tend to want what they cannot have.
Amor senza baruffa fa la muffa / L'amore non è bello se non è litigarello.
Two alternatives of the same saying, ‘Love with no quarrel gets mold’ and ‘Love is not beautiful if it does not include arguments’, these proverbs make the perfect reference to the amiable and passionate nature of the Mediterranean culture. According to these proverbs, a few arguments in the relationship would keep things alive and spicy. However, if you are indeed in a relationship, this proverb comes with a disclaimer: try at your own risk!!!
Meglio solo che male accompagnato
‘Better alone than in bad company.’ Why is this one so important for them? Namely, Italian culture is all about socializing. For example, when you visit the typical Italian family, you are going to see very crowded dinner tables Furthermore, you are going to see many friends sitting together at cafes in “piazas”.
At the end of the day, this proverb warns about how to pick your companionship, and says that it’s better to stay alone than to spend time with unworthy people.
Far d’una mosca un elefante.
My mother used to always tell me to stop making a mountain out of a molehill. Don’t make a big deal out of it! However, in Italian, the proverb is a bit more creative: “To make an elephant out of a fly.”
La famiglia è la patria del cuore.
Which means: home (or in this case, family) is where the heart is.
Senza tentazioni, senza onore.
Translation: Where there is no temptation there is no glory. Or, you have to overcome a few obstacles for real success.
Additional wise Italian proverbs
O mangiar questa minestra o saltar questa finestra.
This literally means “Either eat this soup or jump out of this window,” but it would be better known in English as “you can take it or leave.” Of course, the Italian version has to incorporate food!
Ogni cosa ha cagione.
Everything has a reason. Or better yet everything happens for a reason.
So, there’s a basis, these things happen to you. Namely, failure and tragedy happen on purpose. Why not? Because they are part of nature’s chisel, chipping away at us in an attempt to improve our lives. However, this does not occur while sitting and feeling sorry for yourself. Therefore, you must transform this mess into a message. You might not realize this today, but sooner or later you will.
Tra il dire e il fare c´è di mezzo il mare.
Literal translation: There’s a sea between saying and doing.
English equivalent: Easier said than done.
Also, more easily said than done. Describing something more readily talked about than accomplished. As in Keeping the cats off the sofa is easier said than done. We often use this expression when someone is giving us an advice and we don’t want to follow it, because we are just not ready yet.
Chi non va non vede, chi non vede non sa e chi non sa se lo prende sempre in culo.
If you don’t go you won’t see, if you don’t see you won’t know, if you don’t know you’ll take it in the ass every time.
Il riso fa buon sangue
Literal translation: Laughter makes good blood.
English equivalent: Laughter is the best medicine.
Non c´è rosa senza spine.
Literal translation: No rose without a thorn.
English quivalent: Every rose has a thorn.
O la va, O la spacca.
All or Nothing.
L’amore è cieco.
Love is blind.
A caval donato non si guarda in bocca.
Literal translation: Don’t look a gift horse in the mouth.
English equivalent: Never look a gift horse in the mouth!
Don’t be ungrateful when you receive a present, even if it’s not exactly what you wanted.
The conclusion of this Wise Italian proverbs post
We are in love in Italy, its language and its overall culture. So, what do you like the most about Italy and Italians and which one is your favorite proverb?
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