In our journey through life, we all inevitably encounter moments of doubt and hesitation. Whether starting a new career, navigating the complexities of a foreign language, or chasing a big dream, the road is rarely straight or easy. Sometimes, the right words spoken at the right time can light our path during these challenging times.
As you're about to discover, the Italian language is full of inspiring gems, ready to give us a much-needed boost. Because, every now and then, a little well-crafted Italian food can reset our mindset and reignite our passion, don’t you think?
So let’s dive into these Italian inspirational phrases and let them lift our spirits to new heights!
1. No effort, no gain
If you don't enter the tiger's den, how can you catch the tiger's cubs?
Have you ever had a great idea brewing in your head but lacked the courage to act on it? Then let the Italians say “If you don't enter the tiger's den, how can you catch the tiger's cubs?“(Literally, don't risk, don't cannibalize) becomes your guiding mantra! It means that if you want to reach great heights, you must have the courage to take risks. Essentially, you need to step out of your comfort zone because If you don't try, you will definitely miss out.
This sentence originates from Italian. verb”risk” originates from Tuscany and is a local variant of “go on adventure“, meaning “adventure”. On the contrary, “Rosikare” is slang for enjoying or obtaining something. Interestingly, these two verbs rhyme, making this sentence not only wise but also memorable.
2. Walk slowly, walk healthily, and walk far
Practicality and stability are the keys to winning the game
The next time you feel overwhelmed and unable to keep up with all the tasks you face, remember the Italian proverb “Whoever walks slowly and steadily wins” (literally, go slow, go safe, go far). This quote emphasizes the virtues of patience, calmness, and thoughtfulness, suggesting that taking your time can lead to health and success in the long run. On the other hand, acting hastily or impulsively can lead to mistakes and ill-considered decisions. This emotion is so profound that even Italians say “Haste is a poor advisor” (Hurry is a bad advisor).
Many people don’t know that the original meaning of this sentence is “Whoever walks slowly will be healthy and can go far; whoever walks fast will face death.” In English, this is like saying, “ Walking slowly can take you further and stay healthy, while walking too fast can lead to death. There is no denying that the second part is dark, which is why most people prefer to just quote the inspirational first part.
3. As long as there is life, there is hope
As long as there is life, there is hope
Life is full of challenges and difficult moments. Sometimes, problems seem insurmountable. But the Italian inspirational phrase “As long as there is life, there is hope” reminds us that as long as we are here and fighting hard, there is always a chance to turn the situation around. This is because life continues to provide us with opportunities to bounce back, encouraging us to persevere in the belief that there will be brighter days ahead. This is reflected in another similar inspirational phrase: “La speranza è l'ultima a morire” (Hope is the last to die).
This idea is not new. As early as ancient Rome, the famous Marcus Tullius Cicero wrote in a letter to his friend Titus Pomponius Atticus: “Aegroto dum anima est , spes est”, meaning as long as the patient is breathing, there is hope.
4. He who seeks has found it.
Whoever seeks will find
Among the best Italian inspirational phrases, this one is all about embracing irresistible curiosity. “Those who seek will find“The core idea is that curious souls and tireless explorers eventually find what they are looking for. So whether you're looking for answers to life's biggest questions, getting out of trouble, or chasing a dream too big to whisper, this mantra is for you.
What's special about this inspirational phrase is that it not only celebrates finding what you're after, but it also values the journey of finding it. The bumps, mistakes, and lessons learned along the way are just as important, if not more important, than the end goal.
5. Morning with gold in your mouth
Early bird gets the worm
There is an undeniable pleasure in sleeping late and snuggling up under a warm blanket. But before you let that tempting snooze button lure you back to dreamland, consider the Italian proverb “Early bird gets the worm” (literally means gold in the mouth in the morning). This inspirational phrase propels us toward the dawn, suggesting the delightful and surprising ways in which the world unfolds in these early morning hours.
Delving into the roots of this inspiring Italian phrase is a journey in itself. It is believed to come from an ancient Sicilian tradition in which a golden gemstone was secretly placed in a village fountain on the eve of a family's eldest daughter's engagement party. As dawn approaches, hopeful single women will scramble to find this precious piece, believing it will bring them good luck in love. Of course, the sooner they start exploring, the better their chances.
6. Water drops dig stones
The constant dripping of water wore away the stone
Derived from the Latin proverb “Gutta cavat lapidem”, Italian proverb “Water droplets dig out stones“(literally meaning a drop of water carving stone) is a perfect example of how even the toughest challenges can be overcome through patience and perseverance. Think about it: a drop of water may seem insignificant on its own, but when it drips over time While on the rock, it can shape and carve it.
This reminds us that every effort, no matter how small, has value. The real magic lies in persistence: even though individual attempts may not be fruitful, their collective strength has the power to turn dreams into reality. A similar motivational phrase is “Whoever persists to the end will win.,” which translates to “If you persist, you will win.”
7. Not all evil has a silver lining
There is always a ray of light in the darkness
When bad things happen to us, it's easy to get frustrated and only see the negative. But the Italian inspirational phrase “Not all evil has a silver lining“(literally, not all bad things cause harm) reminds us that even when things go wrong, there can be a silver lining or a lesson worth learning.
Although challenging events may initially dampen our spirits, they often pave the way for valuable insights or unexpected blessings. Therefore, even in the face of adversity, we must maintain an optimistic attitude. After all, when things don't go as planned, they might just be setting the stage for something truly wonderful!
8. The rest is lost.
Any opportunity you don't seize will be lost forever
One of the most important motivational phrases in Italy is “Every point left is lost,” which emphasizes the value of seizing opportunities. In fact, missing them could mean losing that golden moment forever. This sentiment resonates with the timeless Latin proverb “carpe diem,” which emphasizes the fleeting nature of opportunity.
The inspirational point of this quote is clear: we should take the initiative, welcome every opportunity with open arms, and make sure we leave no regrets. It is a call to active, fulfilling life, recognizing that time is a gift that waits for no one.
9. Whoever starts well is half done.
A good start is half the battle
A widely used saying in Italy is “As long as anyone starts well, he has already won half the battle” (literally, whoever starts well is half done) serves as a motivational reminder that starting a business with dedication and enthusiasm puts us on the road to success. It was inspired by the wisdom of the Latin poet Horace, who once said He's finished half of what he started(meaning “He who starts is half done”).
Just as starting out learning a new language with the right tools and habits builds a solid foundation, it's also important to start any task in the right way. Starting right not only makes everything easier, it also gives us the confidence and motivation we need to stay the course and achieve our goals.
10. You can learn by making mistakes
you learn from your mistakes
How many times has fear of making a mistake held us back? Embrace italian inspirational phrase “You learn by making mistakes“(Literally meaning, by making mistakes, one learns), we are reminded that while mistakes may temporarily dampen or bruise our self-esteem, they also hold a wealth of lessons that will shape our journey forward.
This concept is ancient and universal. Many cultures and wise men have emphasized the importance of mistakes as a means of learning. For example, in ancient Rome, Seneca wrote: “Errare humanum est” (Human beings err), acknowledging that making mistakes is an inevitable part of the human experience.
Valentina Nicastro He is a travel writer who loves his motherland, Italy. After traveling around the world, she realized there was more to explore closer to home and decided to put her passport aside for the time being. When she's not immersed in documenting Italy, you'll find her donning her hat as a communications consultant, weaving words as a content writer and bridging language gaps as a translator.
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