Six common Italian Proverbs

Italian proverbs offer profound insights into the country’s culture and values. These expressions, passed down through generations, often encapsulate cultural norms, beliefs, and traditional wisdom, providing guidance and understanding in various situations.

So, learning Italian proverbs not only helps you grasp elements of Italian culture but also enhances your ability to speak like a native Italian.

Let’s see six common Italian proverbs.

Italian proverbs

Ogni cosa a suo tempo

This expression literally means “Everything in its own time.” So, this proverb emphasizes patience, suggesting that everything will happen or should be done at the right time, not rushed.

Example: Non preoccuparti, arriverà il successo. Ogni cosa a suo tempo.

Don’t worry, success will come. Everything in its own time.

Chi non risica, non rosica

This expression literally means “Who doesn’t risk, doesn’t gnaw.” It encourages taking risks or making an effort, suggesting that without risk, there won’t be any reward.

Example: Ho deciso di investire nel progetto, chi non risica, non rosica.

I’ve decided to invest in the project, nothing ventured, nothing gained.

Chi semina vento raccoglie tempesta

It literally means “Who sows the wind, reaps the whirlwind.” This proverb warns that negative actions or behavior can lead to severe consequences in the future.

Example: Ha agito in modo irresponsabile e ora sta affrontando gravi conseguenze. Chi semina vento raccoglie tempesta.

He acted irresponsibly and is now facing serious consequences. You reap what you sow.

A mali estremi, estremi rimedi

This expression literally translates to “To bad extremes, extreme remedies”. However, it wants to convey that in difficult or extreme situations, unconventional or extreme actions might be necessary.

Example: Non mi piaceva l’idea, ma era l’unico modo per risolvere il problema. A mali estremi, estremi rimedi.

I didn’t like the idea, but it was the only way to solve the problem. Desperate times call for desperate measures.

Non tutte le ciambelle escono col buco

It literally means “Not all doughnuts come out with a hole.” And it suggests that things don’t always turn out as planned or expected; not every endeavor is successful.

Example: Avevo preparato una pietanza seguendo esattamente la ricetta, ma non tutte le ciambelle escono col buco e questa volta non è venuta come previsto.

I had prepared a dish following the recipe exactly, but not all doughnuts come out with a hole, and this time it didn’t turn out as expected.

Meglio un giorno da leone che cento da pecora

This expression literally means “Better one day as a lion than a hundred as a sheep” and it wants to convey that a day of courage and achievement is more valuable than many days of conformity.

Example: Credo che tu debba dire quello che pensi e farti valere. Meglio un giorno da leone che cento da pecora.

I think you need to speak your mind and stand up for yourself. Better one day as a lion than a hundred as a sheep.

Among these Italian proverbs, what’s your favourite?

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Credits

Original image by SarahRichterArt