Learning how to speak Italian? You better become familiar with Italian expressions.

Knowing how and when to use expressions can be the difference between sounding fluent or amateur. The key is to focus on learning the most common ones that you already use in your native language. This way, when you do use these Italian expressions, it feels and sounds natural to you.

With that said, these words and phrases may not directly translate. It's important to know the nuanaces and the slight variations of these definitions.The good news is, that's exactly what this article will focus on. We'll share with you 17 useful Italian expressions that you can start using immediately, and how to use them.
‍

17 Useful Italian Expressions That You'll Have to Know

1. Boh

Meaning: Dunno

How to use it: If you thought the English expression of this was short, the Italian word is even shorter. Keep in mind that the actual translation of 'I don't know' is 'non lo so', and this is just a casual way of saying it. Next time a friend asks you the meaning of life, you know what to say :)
‍

2. Acqua in bocca

Meaning: Keep it to yourself (literal meaning: Keep the water in your mouth)

How to use it: To be honest, we like the literal meaning better. It's these direct translations that make languages so interesting to learn. Either way, you can imagine what the English translation is. We have a feeling you'll know exactly how to use this, unless you and your friends love to gossip. In that case, babble away!
‍

3. A proposito

Meaning: By the way

How to use it: This Italian phrase is very useful when you're trying to transition from one sentence to another. Or if you are talking about one topic, but want to bring up a new one in a natural way, you can say 'a proposito...'
‍

4. Non mi va

Meaning: I don't agree (Literal translation: It doesn't go with me)

How to use it: You'll hear this often when two people or a group is having a heated discussion. Whether it's sports, politics, or a business strategy meeting, 'non mi va' is used to express that you don't agree with someone. Another popular way to use this phrase is when a stranger is trying to sell something to you on the streets. They should get the message when you say this.
‍

5. Sono d’accordo

Meaning: I agreeHow to use it: The opposite of 'non mi va' is of course, I agree. You can also use 'Hai/Ha ragione' if you want a bit of variety on how you want to show your support. The way to use this would be when you agree with what someone is saying.

6. Chiodo scaccia chiodo

Meaning: You'll get over it (Literal translation: A nail drives out another nail)

How to use it: Life brings with it ups and downs, turmoils, and surprises. While it's easy to be down on yourself, you can always remind yourself that you'll get over it. Or if a friend comes to you because they just broke up with their partner or was let go from their workplace, you can help toughen them up.
‍

7. Ne conosce qualcuno?

Meaning: Do you know anyone here?

How to use it: I don't know about you, but this is one of the first questions I ask when I enter a party. Or someone will likely ask you, so you should know how to respond.
‍

8. Ho da fare

Meaning: I'm busy

How to use it: This is for all the workaholics out there who always find themselves piling up with more work. You can also use this if you can't work up the courage to reject someone on a date because you have no interest. Although, depending on how you tell them you're busy, they may get the message anyways!
‍

9. Piove sul bagnato

Meaning: When it rains, it pours (Literal definition: It rains on wet ground)

How to use it: You've probably had this happen at least once in your life. It's when everything you can imagine going wrong, goes wrong. Perhaps you break up with your girlfriend/boyfriend, then something tragic happens at work. A week later, you lose your wallet. Another term for this is 'Murphy's Law'.
‍

10. Che palle!

Meaning: Sh*t!

How to use it: While the literal definition of this is 'what balls', the situation(s) that you'd use it in would be similiar, if not same. It's more of a self-expressionism to share your frustration when something is not going your way. This could be because you realize you're going to be late for work due to traffic or because you stump your toe on your dining table.
‍

11. Vuoi limonare?

Meaning: Wanna make out?

How to use it: This is a fun experiment. Try going on a social media profile of an Italian person, and see if you can spot any lemon emoji's sprouting around in the comments section. Now you know what the underlying meaning is.
‍

12. Sto solo guardando

Meaning: I'm just browsing

How to use it: We've all been there. We're walking around a store for the simple sake of browsing, and you're bombarded by sales reps trying to help. Except you don't need any. Well, this may be easy to say in English, but if you're in Italy or an Italian store, you can add a personal touch to let them know.
‍

13. Vorrei una birra

Meaning: I'd like a beer

How to use it: Yes, you're welcome. We know this is what you were going to ask eventually. If beer is not your thing, you can always replace birra with 'vino' for wine. Like English, this question can be used in any setting you'd like, whether you're at a restaurant, at a party, or bar.
‍

14. Ci diamo del tu?

Meaning: Let's use 'tu' (the informal 'you')

How to use it: Often times, when you meet someone for the first time, you'll resort to using 'lei' which is the polite way to say 'you'. Resorting to the polite version is certainly the safer route, but it may not be needed as you get to know someone better. In fact, it may cause a barrier because you can't casually talk to one another. If you want to keep things less formal, you can suggest that you stop using 'lei'.
‍

15. Ho fatto una cagata

Meaning: I messed up

How to use it: When speaking a foreign language, you're going to mess up a lot. Maybe you ordered the wrong item on the menu, or you mispronunced something. Or it may have nothing to do with speaking Italian incorrectly, but you just plain messed up.
‍

16. Mangia bene, ridi spesso, ama molto

Meaning: Eat well, laugh often, love much

How to use it: If there's any expression that symbolizes the lifestyle and values of Italians, this is it. It's a beautiful way to say that life is short, so why not enjoy and make the most of what we have? If you're giving a toast in front of those you love, or just want to impress a date, there's no better expression.
‍

17. Bere come una spugna

Meaning: To drink like a sponge

How to use it: Italians have certainly crafted a unique way to describe someone who's overdrinking. While the English use 'fish' instead of sponge, this Italian expression makes just as much sense. If not more!
‍

How to Memorize these Italian Expressions

The best way to store these expressions and phrases in your brain is to use them. Instead of reading and forgetting them, we recommend you start practicing with a native speaker or a professional teacher on Rype.

Research has proven that immersing ourselves immediately after learning something new is the best way to retain information. When it comes to language learning specifically, there's probably no better solution than conversing with someone else.

Here's a few more Italian expressions in video for you to keep learning from: