To Say ‘Good Luck’ in Italian You Want Wolves and Whales

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Italians take wishing somebody good luck to the subsequent stage. They invoke every part, from the summary concept of fortuna (good luck) to wolves, and even God within the heavens. Amongst all of the widespread Italian expressions, these phrases to say “good luck” in Italian are so enjoyable to be taught as they contain colourful language, animals in Italian, and a wealth of persona.

Find out how to say ‘good luck’ in Italian with 8 expressions

Even when they’re not all superstitious, most Italians use quirky traditions and Italian sayings about good and dangerous luck day by day.

So, studying to say “good luck” in Italian isn’t simply well mannered, it’s a real strategy to join and perceive the Italian mentality.

Buona fortuna

The direct translation of “good luck” in Italian is buona fortuna: buona (good) + fortuna (luck). You need to use this expression in lots of conditions. However by no means say it to a performer or somebody enjoying a recreation otherwise you may in any other case jinx them!

• Buona fortuna per domani. = Good luck for tomorrow.
• Buona fortuna con l’esame. = Good luck with the examination.

In bocca al lupo

One of the vital well-liked Italian idioms to want “good luck” in Italian is in bocca al lupo, which implies “into the mouth of the wolf.”

The origins of this expression are unsure. It most likely began as a strategy to keep off a harmful state of affairs amongst hunters by saying, “Might the wolf eat you.” This explains why the most typical response is crepi or crepi il lupo (might the wolf die).

Others say the wolf’s mouth represents security, like when a mom wolf carries her pups. The she-wolf can be a key determine in Italian tradition, just like the Capitoline she-wolf from the legendary founding of Rome. On this case, you’ll reply with evviva il lupo (lengthy reside the wolf) or grazie (“thanks” in Italian).

In culo alla balena

Slightly extra vulgar, however nonetheless pretty widespread, is the cheeky expression in culo alla balena (into the whale’s butt.) Sure, you learn that proper.

Its colourful response is even cruder: Speriamo che non caghi. (Let’s hope it doesn’t poop.)

Auguri

Auguri means many issues relying on the context: “completely satisfied birthday,” “congratulations,” or “good luck.”

When it means “good luck,” Italians usually use it sarcastically with a smirk. So, all the time say it with an intonation or facial features that makes it sound honest. In any other case, it’d sound such as you’re mocking as an alternative of cheering.

Incrociamo le dita

Incrociare le dita (crossing fingers) is among the most common symbols of hoping for good luck. Italians do it and say it, too.

• Non so ancora i risultati. Incrociamo le dita. = I don’t know the outcomes but. Let’s hold our fingers crossed.
• Incrocio le dita per te. = I’m crossing my fingers for you.

Tocchiamo ferro

Most international locations knock on wooden to forestall misfortune; Italians toccano ferro (contact iron).

Tocchiamo ferro is one other well-liked strategy to want “good luck” in Italian. Typically you’ll say it whereas touching one thing fabricated from iron, like a steel chair leg.

Che Dio te la mandi buona

“Might God ship you a superb one” is a dramatic Italian expression that means “Let’s hope for one of the best.”

Relying on who’s dealing with the state of affairs, you’ll hear it with the Italian pronouns ce (to us) or te (to you). However additionally it is used satirically, like when a pal who can’t prepare dinner is making dinner.

Spacca tutto

Spacca tutto is the Italian model of “Go crush it.” In Italian slang, this can be a strategy to want good luck earlier than a troublesome problem, like an examination or a job interview.

Often requested questions on luck in Italian

Sounding pure when studying to talk Italian additionally means understanding the cultural that means behind widespread expressions. That’s why immersing your self whereas studying Italian is so essential. So, let’s discover what having good luck in Italian actually means.

How do you say ‘want me luck’ and ‘fortunate’ in Italian?

To say “want me luck” in Italian, say Augurami buona fortuna. To name somebody “fortunate” in Italian, the phrase is fortunato/fortunata (m/f).

What do Italians contact for good luck?

Italians contact iron for good luck. In Southern Italy, in addition they contact or kiss a cornicello (or cornetto), the long-lasting horn-shaped fortunate attraction you’ll see hanging in outlets and automobiles or worn as jewellery.

What’s the Italian gesture for good luck?

Making the horns signal (together with your index and pinky fingers) whereas holding your hand horizontally, is among the commonest Italian gestures to ask good luck or keep off dangerous vibes.

However watch out: pointing it at somebody together with your wrist raised turns into an insult. When you flip your hand vertically, together with your palm dealing with somebody, it turns into an insult. It is a totally different that means from the way it’s generally utilized in the USA, so hold your hand extra horizontal to keep away from offense.

What’s the Italian image for good luck?

Italian tradition is wealthy in good luck symbols. Hold an eye fixed out for any of this stuff and or actions.

• cornicello (horn-shaped attraction)
• quadrifoglio (four-leafed clover)
• quantity 13 (besides when it’s the variety of folks on the desk)
• ferro di cavallo (horseshoe)
• coccinella (a ladybug) that lands on you
• consuming lentils and carrying pink underwear on New Yr’s Eve
• getting pooped on by a chook or stepping in canine poop (gross however fortunate!)

What’s dangerous luck for Italians?

The commonest issues Italians imagine about dangerous luck vary from cats to brooms and mirrors. What you gained’t discover is pasta. It’s not dangerous luck to interrupt pasta when cooking, nevertheless it’s undoubtedly cultural sacrilege and can give your candy nonna a coronary heart assault!

• breaking a mirror brings seven years of dangerous luck
• having 13 company on the desk remembers the final supper (all the time add a spot or image for an extra visitor)
• saying buona fortuna to performers
• planning on venerdì 17 (Friday the seventeenth)
• a hat on the mattress is an omen of dangerous information or demise
• spilling salt or inserting bread dealing with down
• toasting with water or empty glasses
• a black cat crossing your path
• strolling underneath a ladder 
• sweeping over your ft (you gained’t get married)
• opening an umbrella indoors