Untranslatable Italian phrases

Every language has phrases or words that can stump a local when translating to an outsider. Italian has many untranslatable terms that are woven into not only the language but culture, too.

1. Boh

This is my favorite one. It’s so hard for me to refrain using it when I’m speaking in English because it’s very common and easy to say. Literally, it doesn’t mean anything but we use in place of “non lo so” (I don’t know). While you say it, shrug your shoulders and twist your mouth downwards. It’s the laziest word we have.

2. Ti voglio bene

It puzzles me how to differentiate between friendship and love with someone in English, if you say “I love you” to both friends and lovers. In Italian, we have two different and separate expressions: “ti amo” for your partner and “ti voglio bene” for your friends and family. It avoids any misunderstandings.

3. Abbiocco

The closest word to translate “abbiocco” is food-coma. It’s that feeling you get after you stuffed yours at Sunday's lunch. The only thing you’re capable of doing during an “abbiocco” is hit the couch and give out some sort of death rattle.

4. Spaghettata

As you can imagine, “spaghettata” has something to do with spaghetti. If you get a call from friends inviting you to have a “spaghettata” you are obviously going to a spaghetti-party. Spaghettata can be early morning after a crazy night our with friends.

5. Tizio, Caio e Sempronio

Tizio, Caio e Sempronio is used in a dialogue when referring to multiple unspecified people. It is the equivalent of Tom, Dick, and Harry. But sometimes we only use “Tizio e Caio” without including “Sempronio“. We also use “Tizio” to refer to a random guy.

Why these names in particular? Because they were the most popular ones in juridical exemplifications and they were first used in the 1100s.

6. Mamma mia

It’s a classic and I use it very often. If someone bothers you, say “Mamma mia”. If you’re in front of the Colosseum and you find it beautiful, say “Mamma mia”. If you’re enjoying your mom’s spaghetti always say “Mamma mia che buoni!” (Mamma mia, it’s so good!).

7. Magari

Magari has many meanings depending on the context but generally, they can be translated with “I wish, If only, maybe, I desire that”. For example: “Did you win the lottery?” “Magari!”

8. Che figata

The expression essentially means “cool!”. But if you pulled out a dictionary you’d find that “What a fig!” is the exact translation. For example: "What you doing?" "I'm an astronaut" " Che figata!"

9. Conosco i miei polli

Conosco i miei polli, or literally “I know my chickens,” actually means “I know who I’m dealing with” or “I know what I’m talking about.”

10. Passeggiata

This word has a literal translation but we use it for something else too. “Passeggiata” means to walk. However, when a situation is straightforward we say it’s a “passeggiata”. For example: “How was the exam?” “Una passeggiata!”

11. Dolce far niente

“Dolce far niente” translates to “sweet doing nothing” and it’s a thing we love. Having a break after lunch, a walk on the beach while eating gelato, reading a book — they’re all dolce far niente activities.