Discover 10 essential Italian slang expressions that are so widely used in everyday conversations, they’re a must-know! This guide covers:
- boh
- figurati
- magari
- cavolo
- che figata
- non ci piove
- dai
- meno male
- che palle
- che casino
- bonus expression: allora
When learning Italian, you might come across words and expressions that don’t have a direct English translation. While these Italian slang expressions often sound unusual when translated literally, they are an integral part of the Italian language and culture. Their meanings and usage are far more nuanced and can help you sound like a true local in no time. In this blog, we’ll explore 10 untranslatable Italian slang expressions, and I’ll show you how they are used in everyday conversations.
Important Note: Most of these expressions are colloquial and should be used with friends or people you are familiar with. They are great for informal situations, but avoid using them with people you don’t know well, especially in formal contexts.
Let’s dive in!
1. Boh
- Meaning: “I don’t know” or “I have no idea.”
- Literal Meaning: N/A – it’s an informal sound used to express uncertainty.
- Usage: A simple, casual way to show that you’re unsure about something.
- Example 1: “Cosa pensi del film?”
- “Boh, non l’ho ancora visto!” (“What do you think about the movie?” “I don’t know, I haven’t seen it yet!”)
- Example 2: “Chi ha lasciato il mio libro sulla scrivania?”
- “Boh, non ne ho idea!” (“Who left my book on the desk?” “I have no idea!”)
- Example 3: “Dove sono i miei occhiali?”
- “Boh, li hai lasciati qui?” (“Where are my glasses?” “I don’t know, did you leave them here?”)
- When to use:
This is quite a childish expression, use it with friends, family and people you know well.
2. Figurati!
- Meaning: “No problem!” or “Don’t worry about it!”
- Literal Meaning: “Imagine that!”
- Usage: Often used to reassure someone or as a response to “thank you,” meaning “you’re welcome.”
- Example 1: “Grazie per il favore!”
- “Figurati, è stato un piacere!” (“Thanks for the favour!” “No problem, it was a pleasure!”)
- Example 2: “Mi scuso per l’attesa.”
- “Figurati, non è un problema!” (“I apologize for the wait.” “Don’t worry about it, it’s no problem!”)
- Example 3: “Ti devo ringraziare per il tuo aiuto.”
- “Figurati, non c’è bisogno!” (“I have to thank you for your help.” “No need, really!”)
- When to use:
This can be used with anyone in any situation. It is informal, for a more formal expressions use: Si figuri!
3. Magari
- Meaning: “I wish!” or “If only!”
- Literal Meaning: “Perhaps.”
- Usage: Used to express a wish or longing for something, often with a sense of desire.
- Example 1: “Mi piacerebbe andare in Italia quest’estate.”
- “Magari!” (“I’d love to go to Italy this summer.” “I wish!”)
- Example 2: “Vorrei vincere alla lotteria.”
- “Magari, sarebbe fantastico!” (“I’d like to win the lottery.” “I wish, that would be amazing!”)
- Example 3: “Penso che dovrei fare più sport.”
- “Magari, ma è difficile!” (“I think I should do more sports.” “If only, but it’s hard!”)
- When to use:
This can be used with anyone in any situation.
4. Cavolo!
- Meaning: “Damn!” or “Wow!”
- Literal Meaning: “Cabbage!”
- Usage: An exclamation used to express surprise, frustration, or excitement.
- Example 1: “Cavolo, non ci posso credere!”
- (“Wow, I can’t believe it!”)
- Example 2: “Cavolo, che giornata faticosa!”
- (“Damn, what a tiring day!”)
- Example 3: “Cavolo, hai davvero ragione!”
- (“Wow, you’re really right!”)
- When to use:
This can be used with anyone in most situations.
5. Che figata!
- Meaning: “How awesome!”
- Literal Meaning: “What a cool thing!”
- Usage: Used to express excitement or admiration for something impressive.
- Example 1: “Hai visto il nuovo film?”
- “Che figata, non vedo l’ora di vederlo!” (“Have you seen the new movie?” “How awesome, I can’t wait to see it!”)
- Example 2: “Hai fatto un viaggio in Giappone?”
- “Che figata! Deve essere stato fantastico!” (“You went to Japan?” “How awesome! It must have been amazing!”)
- Example 3: “Hai preso un biglietto per il concerto di stasera?”
- “Che figata! Sono sicuro che sarà pazzesco!” (“Did you get a ticket for tonight’s concert?” “How awesome! I’m sure it’s going to be crazy!”)
- When to use:
This is rude, it is used with friends, family and people you know really well.
6. Su questo non ci piove
- Meaning: “It’s a sure/obvious thing.” “You don’t say”.
- Literal Meaning: “It doesn’t rain on it.”
- Usage: Used to express certainty or agreement.
- Example 1: “Questa squadra vincerà il campionato. Sicuro, su questo non ci piove!”
- (“This team will win the championship, no doubt about it!”)
- Example 2: “La pizza di Napoli è la migliore, su questo non ci piove.”
- (“Neapolitan pizza is the best, no doubt about it.”)
- Example 3: “La mia situazione è difficile!”
“Vero, su questo non ci piove!”
(- “My situation is difficult!” – “You don’t say!”)
- When to use:
This can be used with anyone in any situation.
7. Dai!
- Meaning: “Come on!” or “No way!”
- Literal Meaning: “Give!”
- Usage: Can express encouragement, disbelief, or impatience.
- Example 1: “Non ce la fai a correre quella maratona?”
- “Dai, non è poi così difficile!” (“You can’t run that marathon?” “Come on, it’s not that hard!”)
- Example 2: “Hai davvero vinto alla lotteria?”
- “Dai, non ci credo!” (“You really won the lottery?” “No way, I don’t believe it!”)
- Example 3: “Devi venire alla festa, dai!”
- (“You have to come to the party, come on!”)
- When to use:
This can be used with anyone in any situation.
If you wish to discover more about Dai, have a look at this quick video.
8. Meno male
- Meaning: “Thank goodness” or “Luckily.”
- Literal Meaning: “Less bad.”
- Usage: Used to express relief or gratitude.
- Example 1: “Meno male che non è successo niente di grave.”
- (“Thank goodness nothing serious happened.”)
- Example 2: “Meno male che ho trovato la mia borsa!”
- (“Thank goodness I found my bag!”)
- Example 3: “Meno male che il treno non è in ritardo.”
- (“Luckily the train isn’t delayed.”)
- When to use:
This can be used with anyone in any situation.
9. Che palle!
- Meaning: “What a drag!” or “How annoying!”
- Literal Meaning: “What balls!”
- Usage: Used to express frustration or irritation, usually about something tedious or bothersome.
- Example 1: “Ho perso l’autobus, che palle!”
- (“I missed the bus, what a drag!”)
- Example 2: “Devo fare le pulizie in casa tutta la giornata, che palle!”
- (“I have to clean the house all day, how annoying!”)
- Example 3: “Che palle, non riesco mai a trovare il mio telefono!”
- (“What a drag, I can never find my phone!”)
- When to use:
This is mildly rude, use it with friends, family and people you know well.
10. Che casino!
- Meaning: “What a mess!”
- Literal Meaning: “What a brothel!”
- Usage: Used to describe a chaotic or disorganized situation.
- Example 1: “Che casino nel traffico oggi!”
- (“What a mess in traffic today!”)
- Example 2: “Che casino nella tua stanza!”
- (“What a mess in your room!”)
- Example 3: “Che casino alla festa, non ci trovavo più nessuno!”
- (“What a mess at the party, I couldn’t find anyone!”)
- When to use:
Use it with friends, family and people you know well.
11. Bonus expression: Allora
- Meaning: “So,” “then,” or “what.”
- Literal Meaning: “At that time.”
- Usage: This versatile word is often used to start a sentence, signal a transition, or express emphasis, and it can vary depending on context.
- Example 1: “Allora, cosa facciamo stasera?”
- (“So, what are we doing tonight?”)
- Example 2: “Non avevo voglia di uscire, allora sono rimasto a casa.”
- (“I didn’t feel like going out, so I stayed home.”)
- Example 3: “Non sei alla moda” “E allora?”
- (“You are not trendy!” “So, what!”)
- When to use:
This can be used with anyone in any situation.
Note: Because this word has at least 7 different meanings, I’ve already covered the expression in another full blog, where I dive deep into all its meanings and uses. There are a few surprises in how this simple word can be used in different contexts, so feel free to check it out for a more detailed exploration!
Here is my article on 7 ways to use ‘allora’ in Italian – Parla Italiano
Conclusion
As you can see, these Italian expressions don’t translate easily into English, but they are an essential part of understanding Italian culture and communication. Whether you’re navigating a conversation with friends, trying to impress locals while travelling, or simply aiming to sound more authentic, these phrases will help you fit right in.
So, the next time you’re in Italy (or speaking with an Italian), try using one of these expressions and watch the reaction you get! Just be sure to start with a friend to avoid any awkward moments. Buona fortuna!
