We all know that we greatly appreciate Italian food and family. So it’s no surprise that we have many Italian quotes related to both!
While these expressions may appear cryptic or eccentric at times, they are intended to provide insightful guidance and convey wisdom. They’ve become so ingrained in our culture that you’ll hear them used so often in everyday conversation.
So, here are 23 of the most famous Italian quotes and expressions about family and food, along with literal translations and meanings.
family is everything
Literally: family is everything
This quote says it all: In Italy, the family reigns supreme. Rooted in love, loyalty and warmth, families are at the heart of our social fabric, knitting generations together. It’s a place where traditions thrive, recipes are passed down, and life’s milestones are celebrated. In one word: everything!
Whoever wants to live healthy, stay away from relatives
Literally: If you want to survive and be healthy, you should stay away from your loved ones
Well, family holds a special place in our hearts, and the bigger the better. However, with the joy of extended family comes inevitable challenges, often stemming from feelings of jealousy and envy, which can sometimes damage relationships. That’s exactly what this Italian quote about family is all about! This dynamic is captured brilliantly in the film Parenti Serpenti (translated as “Dearest Relatives, Toxic Relations”) directed by the legendary Mario Monichelli.
maternal love, unlimited love
Literally: Mother’s love has no limits
This beautiful Italian proverb celebrates the unbreakable bond we have with our mothers that transcends time and distance.Now, we know what Italian moms always say to their kids [link to previous article] It can appear a little intense at times. But that’s only part of their charm!
Dirty laundry at home
Literally: Dirty clothes must be washed at home
When it comes to dirty laundry—aka a domestic matter—we should dispose of them privately and within the comfort of our family fortress. This quote emphasizes the value of togetherness and discretion, encouraging us to strengthen our family bonds by tidying up our not-too-spotless clothes together at home.
like father, like son
Literally: like father, like son
As this famous Italian quote suggests, a child is like a small mirror that reflects the habits and behavior of the parents. So better heed the example they set for their children! Another Italian proverb with a surprisingly similar message is “Buon sangue non mente”, which literally means “good blood does not lie”. It highlights an undeniable fact: the values, traits and habits of parents are often passed on to their offspring.
Who turns, who turns, always ends up home
Literally: Whoever turns, whoever turns, will eventually go home
It’s just about home, isn’t it? No matter how far we roam, no matter how busy work and life get, the nostalgia for home and the familiar never really goes away, our roots always call us back. Having a stable and comfortable place to return to is a valuable source of grounding and a reminder of who we are and where we came from.
L‘Honoring parents is the foundation of all virtues
Literally: Affection for parents is the cornerstone of all virtue
This insightful Italian quote about family emphasizes that our love for our parents forms the vital basis of all moral character. Generous respect, heartfelt love, unwavering support, voila! We have the perfect blend of virtue and fulfillment!
like parsley
Literally: like parsley
Have you ever met someone who always seems to be there? For example, anywhere, any occasion? Well, here we are saying they are like parsley, an herb that seems to be found everywhere and used in countless dishes!
put slices of ham over eyes
Literally: put a slice of ham over your eye
This funny phrase describes a situation so obvious that it’s impossible for anyone to miss it. There is a wonderful twist when someone misses it, as if they were blindfolded! Here’s an example: “Don’t you see they’re using you? Hai le fette di prociutto sugli occhi?” By the way, we sometimes like to substitute salame for ham and say “Hai le fette di prociutto sugli occhi ?”
good as bread
Literally: good as bread
In Italy, when you want to describe someone with a kind heart, there is no better word than this sentence: “He/she is as good as bread”. The simplicity of bread and its ability to unite people make it the perfect symbol of a truly generous and selfless person.
anything can
Literally: everything can make broth
Back then, when broth was all the rage, poor peasants would throw anything into the pot. Thus, “tutto fa brodo” was born as an idiom meaning that when resources are tight, we should use what we have on hand, because what really matters is achieving our goals. Simply put, every little bit can help.
what’s wrong with you
Literally: eat will pass
Ah, the magical power of good food to lift our spirits and fill our hearts with joy! “Mangia che ti passa” is a lighthearted Italian quote that humorously urges us to find solace in food and let life’s troubles melt away with every delicious bite we eat – naturally, always in moderation!
Love is measured by dishes
Literally: Love is measured by dishes
What an act of love to cook! When we cook for someone, we express our affection through our culinary skills. The phrase “love is measured by the dish” perfectly captures how the time, energy and passion we put into cooking someone’s meal reflects our affection for them.
End with tarallucci and wine
Literally: Finish off with tarallucci biscuits and wine
“Finire a tarallucci e vino” is an Italian saying that refers to ending an argument in an amicable way, usually by sharing food and drinks. It stems from the tradition of serving tarallucci (small ring-shaped salty crackers) and wine to guests as a sign of hospitality. So if you ever find yourself settling a conflict with a friend or colleague over a plate of tasty snacks and a glass of wine, you can say you “Finished with tarallucci and wine” (i.e. ended peacefully)!
all smoke, no fire
Literally: All Smoke No Roast
Imagine picking up a book with rave reviews, only to find the plot lackluster. Or meet someone who is impeccably dressed and exudes elegance, but when you engage with them, they seem to lack depth. To us, “tutto fumo e niente arrosto”, means they look promising on the surface but ultimately fail to live up to their potential. In other words, disappointment.
Alcohol nourishes the blood
Literally: wine makes blood good
This Italian proverb has been around for centuries, since the days of the mighty Roman Empire. There may be some truth to this! Studies have shown that drinking alcohol in moderation is good for the heart. So when you enjoy a glass of wine, you’re not only indulging in a guilty pleasure, but you’re probably doing your heart a favor. Cheers to your health!
Not all donuts have holes
Literally: Not all donuts have a hole
We all have setbacks and failures in life, and that’s normal, right? In Italy we often use this funny phrase to talk about things that don’t quite go according to plan. By the way, it’s interesting to see how we refer to food in almost all contexts, it’s an obsession!
If It’s Not Soup, It’s Wet Pot
Literally: If it’s not soup it’s wet bread
This old Italian quote illustrates how appearances can be deceiving, while the essence of a person or thing remains the same. The phrase brings to mind soup and soaked bread, emphasizing their striking similarities. After all, the foundation of today’s soup can be traced back to wet bread.
talking while eating
Literally: talking while eating
We use this expression when we want to tell someone who is using unnecessarily complicated language that is difficult to understand to speak more plainly, like how we eat. Think of it as a friendly reproach, best used on people you know well, to encourage them to communicate more clearly.
Making Provolone Cheese
Literally: like provolone cheese
Did you know that in Italian, the word “provolone” is not only a delicious cheese, but also a playful way of describing a special kind of man? Yes, we use “Provolone” to refer to those who devote themselves entirely to the art of courtship, courting women through constant flattery and excessive praise. The word “provolone” is derived from the Italian word “prova,” which means “to taste” or “to taste,” which may have led to the use of “provolone” to describe a womanizer trying to get the attention of any woman.
You are salami!
Literally: You are salami!
Among the many Italian quotes about family and food, this one reminds me of my childhood. We use this phrase a lot, especially with children, to gently poke fun at them for being careless or making stupid mistakes. This phrase is used jokingly among friends or family members. Why the mention of salami? Interestingly, before the word “salame” referred to the delicious cured pork sausage we know and love today, it was used to refer to salted fish, also known as “baccalà” in Italian. “essere un baccalà” is an old-fashioned way of describing someone who is dull or dull.
Old chicken soup is delicious
Literally: The old hen makes good soup
You’ll hear this phrase a lot, reminding us to appreciate the wisdom and experience of those older than us, and to acknowledge the value that age can bring to one’s life. It’s also often used jokingly to justify romantic relationships with older women. Its English counterpart is “aged like fine wine”.
nondescript
Literally: neither meat nor fish
This expression describes someone or something that lacks a distinct personality or has uncertain characteristics. It’s a bit like being caught between two different states – not quite meat and not quite fish. But beware, using this phrase to describe someone can give a very negative impression.
Valentina He is a travel writer who loves his country. After traveling the world, she realized there was so much more to explore closer to home and decided to put her passport aside for now.You can follow her adventures in Italy on her blog myitaliandiaries.com
