We all have a personal set of words and phrases that we tend to use over and over when we talk. These are often influenced by local expressions, family habits, friends and even our favorite TV shows. It is these phrases that characterize our speech and personality.
If you’re an Italian learner, you might be interested in knowing some of the things I’ve been saying in Italian as a native Italian speaker. I also provide some examples to give you a better idea of how I use them in my daily life. let us begin!
1. How come?
significance: how did it get here?
This is an expression that all Italians use in speech, not just me. how did it get here much like a question word because (why), the biggest difference is that because can be both a question and the beginning of an answer or explanation, while how did it get here Can only be used to start asking questions.by using how did it get hereyou show interest in the other person’s reasons for doing something, and the tone is far less than because.
- Why didn’t you come to the cinema last night?
- Why didn’t you go to the movie last night?
- Why are you sweating so much?
- Why are you sweating so much?
2. Wear!
significance: hurry up!
It’s an expression of exhortation and encouragement, much like “Come on!” in English. I use it on adults and kids constantly, but be careful not to use it on someone you don’t know very well: it sounds rude!
- Come on, nothing happened!
- Come on, nothing happened!
- Come on let’s go!
- Come on let’s go!
3. Cabbage
significance: damn / man / god
Every language has euphemisms to avoid foul language, and Italian is no exception.the word cabbageliterally cabbageReplaces a very common bad word for surprise, anger, and absolute certainty.
- I got fine, man.
- I got fine, damn it.
- Are you sure what you said?damn it’s ridiculous.
- Are you sure what you are talking about? Damn, this is ridiculous.
4. How is it?
significance: what do you say? / How about it…? / what do you think?
This is a very common way of saying “what’s your opinion on…?” In Italian, I use it all the time, especially when I want to suggest doing something.
- How about ordering a pizza tonight?
- How about ordering a pizza tonight?
- How about we organize a tennis match?
- How about we organize a tennis match?
5. You must
significance: need/have to
I usually use must Said that something needs to be done, but did not specify who will do it, hoping that someone will take the initiative.
- You have to go to the bank.
- someone needs to go to the bank.
6. I’ll call you
significance: I will call you
It’s an expression I use to my family and friends a few times a week when I want to call them.instead of text call (Call up) or Telephone (Call up), I use the verb ring (sounded). The verb “ringtone” refers to the ringing tone of the phone.
- I will call you tonight.
- I will call you tonight.
- I just want to give you a ring.
- I really want to call you.
7. Better late than never
significance: Better late than never
I always use this phrase whenever I lose hope that something will happen, but it finally does. Now that I think about it, I also use it as indirect blame when someone does something later than I would like!
- Ah, here you come, better late than never.
- Ah, here you come, better late than never.
- Better late than never to get my money.
- I received my money, better late than never.
8. What is this?
significance: What is it? / What’s wrong?
This phrase literally means “What is there?”, but I often use it as an abbreviation to ask if something happened, or to find out if something is needed. It’s a colloquial expression that should only be used with people you know well.
- How is this going? what do you need?
- What is it? what do you need?
- I see, what is this?
- I see, what’s wrong?
9. I can’t believe it
significance: I can not believe it
I always default to that look of disbelief whenever I’m surprised, especially when I simply can’t believe what I’m being told.
- Maria and Antonio are getting divorced, I can’t believe it.
- Maria and Antonio are getting divorced, I can’t believe it.
- I can’t believe it, but are you sure?
- I can’t believe it, are you sure?
10. What tuna (you are)
significance: how stupid (you are)
This is a very funny Italian expression that literally means “you are such a tuna”. I use it every day to refer to people who are gullible or fail to complete what I consider to be an easy task. Why tuna, you might ask?Well, in ancient times people believed tuna is pretty stupidbecause despite their size they are easily lured into fishing nets.
- If you think he’s going to invite you to his birthday, you’re a tuna.
- If you think he’s going to invite you to his birthday, you’re a fool.
- Can’t unscrew the lid?what tuna are you.
- Can’t unscrew the lid? What a fool you are.
