Non fai scumbari - Stop embarrassing meĪs far as I know, this phrase has no literal English translation. The phrase cadere a fagiolo (“to fall at a bean”) is roughly equivalent to the English expression “perfect timing.” In Italian, cadere means “to fall” and fagiolo means “bean.” Why don’t you want to go out with me?)ī: Basta! Sono stanco perché lavoro troppo! (That’s enough! I’m tired because I work too much!) 8. It simply means “enough” and you’ll hear it all the time in Italy.īasta is used to put a stop to an undesirable situation or conversation.Ī: Gianni, sei sempre irritato! Perché non vuoi uscire con me? (Gianni, you’re always so irritated. ![]() This is probably the most common Italian word. This phrase literally translates as “to put the carriage in front of the oxen,” which is equivalent to the English phrase “put the cart before the horse.”Īs in English, this Italian slang phrase refers to an action that isn’t done correctly, or an action that is done unconventionally or prematurely.Ī: Ho comprato una macchina! (I bought a car!)ī: Ma, perché? Non hai una patente! Metti il carro davanti ai buoi! (Why? You don’t have a license! You’re acting prematurely). Mettere il carro davanti ai buoi - Doing something badly or too early (No, he’s irritated and a party pooper.) 6. This Italian slang is used for someone who refuses to participate in or ruins fun situations because they’re grumpy.Ī: Viene Gianni al cinema stasera? (Is Gianni coming to the movies tonight?)ī: No, è irritato e una guastafesta. Together, we get the English “party pooper.” Gustafeste is actually the combination of two Italian words: the verb guastare (to spoil/ruin) and the word festa (party). (When I met Gianni, it was love at first sight.)ī: Che bello! (How beautiful!) 5. It literally translates to “love at first sight,” and describes people falling in love at their first encounter.Ī: Quando ho incontrato Gianni, è stato amore a prima vista. Here’s another Italian slang expression that translates almost perfectly into English. Amore a prima vista - Love at first sight (I lost my wallet and can’t go out tonight.)ī: Che palle! (What a pain!) 4. You probably know the more explicit English version of that phrase, which helps you say that something is annoying.īe careful of your company when you use this Italian slang phrase-grandma might not be into it.Ī: Ho perso il mio portafoglio e non posso uscire stasera. Speaking of balls, che palle translates literally to “what balls.” It really means “what a pain in the behind!” ![]() I took advantage of the situation, and I asked for a job.) 3. Ho preso la palla al balzo, e ho chiesto per un lavoro. This phrase literally translates as “to take the ball at the bounce,” but it means something more like “to take the bull by the horns” or that someone is taking control of a situation or taking advantage of an opportunity. Prendere la palla al balzo - To take advantage of an opportunity This means “to have one’s head in the clouds.” As it does in English, this means that someone is distracted or aloof.Ī: Hai la testa tra le nuvole! (You’ve got your head in the clouds!) 2. Avere la testa tra le nuvole - To have one’s head in the clouds (Download) Common Italian Slang Words and Phrases 1. ![]() This blog post is available as a convenient and portable PDF that youĬlick here to get a copy. Someone who’s lively, happy and fun to be around ![]() We’ve also included audio and example sentences with the phrases to help you understand them better. These 30 Italian slang phrases will round out your vocabulary and help you understand native speakers better. Plus you’ll sound more like a local yourself, so it’s a win-win situation! Perhaps what you’re missing is Italian slang. Have you been diligently studying Italian, but still struggle to understand some conversations? 30 Italian Slang Words and Phrases to Make You Sound More Local (With Audio)
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