In some previous articles I talked about the importance superstition has for Italians. In particular, I talked about some of the gestures and objects used to ward off bad luck.
Today I’d like to go a step further and talk about some basic Italian phrases Italians use to talk about good luck and bad luck.
Let’s start from the basic Italian phrases Italians use to talk about good luck.
BASIC ITALIAN PHRASES TO TALK ABOUT GOOD LUCK
Finally, you’ve been kissed by luck. You won 20.000 euros at the lottery. Italians might use one of the following expressions to underline your good luck.
CHE FORTUNA!
Che fortuna is the standard expression used to say how lucky in Italian. It can be preceded by some expressions like mamma, ammazza, porca vacca, etc, to give more emphasis.
Examples:
Mamma che fortuna!
Ammazza che fortuna!
Porca vacca che fortuna!
CHE CULO!
Che culo literally means what an ass. Also this expression is used to say how lucky but it’s definitely informal.
Also in this case, if you want to add more emphasis you can add some more words before it.
Ex: Che botta di culo!
BASIC ITALIAN PHRASES TO TALK ABOUT BAD LUCK
Imagine you wake up, you’ve an important interview today! So, you shower, you dress and you get in your car. But you realize it doesn’t start. Shit! You decide to take the bus. You get to your destination with some delay, your interview is a total mess and while going back home you also realize someone stole your wallet.
In short, if the universe is against you Italians might use one of the following expressions:
CHE SFORTUNA!
This is the standard Italian expression to say how unlucky!
CHE ROGNA! – CHE SFIGA! – CHE IELLA!
These three Italian expressions both mean how unlucky and are usually informal.
If you want, you can also change these three nouns into adjectives.
Examples:
Che rognato!/ Che sfigato!/Che iellato!
Sei proprio rognato!/Sei proprio Sfigato!/Sei proprio iellato
You’re really unlucky!
Finally, if you’re walking down a street with some very superstitious Italian and a hearse drives near you, your Italian friend might tell you:
TOCCA FERRO
Literally this Italian expression means touch iron. Indeed, in Italy it’s thought that touching something made of iron ward off bad luck.
Did you know these basic Italian phrases to talk about good luck and bad luck? Do you have a favourite Italian superstitious expression? Let me know!
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Credits
Original image by Unsplash
Italian catacombs to visit
