italian Lessons in Living
1) Anni, amori e bicchieri di vino, non si contano mai - years, lovers and glasses of wine, these should never be counted.
Many Italian concepts celebrate life, and the practices of living in the moment. So this specific italian proverb suggests that age, romantic experiences and simple pleasures like wine should be enjoyed to their completeness rather than measured and stressed over.
2) La Dolce Vita - The Sweet life
Perhaps the universal motto that emerged during Italy’s 1960s economic boom. Appreciate the finer things such as beauty, art and again the joy of living.
3) Lupus in Fabula - The wolf in the fairytale
This one’s interesting, it quite literally means ‘speak of the devil’ but in other instances it can mean that you need to be mindful of your words and speak about others with respect. There’s always a wolf in fairytales..
4) Piano Piano - Slowly slowly
Slow down. Be mindful with whatever you do. Coffee on the run? Try and enjoy it in the sun for five minutes longer, there doesn’t need to be a constant rush in life. Perhaps that’s why Italians tend to live a little longer.
5) Prima La Famiglia - Family first
Like all good Mafia films “A man who doesn’t soend time with his family, can never be a real man” (Don Corleone | The Godfather 1972)
Emphasising unwavering loyalty, trust and the protection of our families above all else.
6) Fare La Scarpetta - Sopping up the sauce
A favourite among Italian households. You never finish a plate of pasta without using a piece of bread to scoop up leftover sauce on your plate. Never.
7) Sfortunata Al Gioco, Fortunato in Amore - Unlucky at gambling, lucky in love
Literally - You can’t win at everything in life.
8) Pieno Come Un Uovo - Full like an egg
This one is my favourite, and I used it a lot all over Italy. It means you’re completely full so use it if anybody pressures you to eat more. You know how there’s always something else after lunch.. more dessert.. espresso..
“Basta, sono pieno come un uovo.” - That’s it, I’m full like an egg. The concept of an egg is used because they think of a boiled egg perfectly filled with no extra space. Smart when you think about it.
BUT only use it when you’re in a complete food coma state, don’t disrespect the hand that feeds you.
9) Tutto Fumo e Niente Arrosto - All smoke no roast
You’re all talk.
10) Chi Dorme Non Piglia Pesci - Those who sleep don’t catch fish
The early bird gets the worm. You snooze you lose.
Laziness leads to missed success, so every opportunity you get in life, don’t procrastinate and work hard. That’s the thing about Italians, they tend to rest well but work harder. It’s a common friendly reminder or encouragement to be proactive.
11) La Vita e Bella - Life is Beautiful
This one speaks for itself, but if you feel like crying watch the Italian film and then see how much you appreciate your life..
12) Dolce Far Niente - The Sweetness of Doing Nothing
I threw in a bonus one. This is another commonly used concept these days and I’m here for it.
Especially when you’re on vacanza in Italy, the sweetness of doing nothing. Enjoying life’s simple pleasures of rest.
These aren’t just sayings, they’re small philosophies stitched into everyday life. A reminder to slow down, to speak kindly, to eat well, to love deeply, and to rest without guilt.
And maybe therein lies the real secret, a life not built on urgency but on appreciation. Not on doing more, but feeling more.
In a world that constantly asks things of us, think of the Italians, because maybe just maybe… what we’re really looking for has been enough all along.
A life well lived isn’t measured in years, but in moments you were fully present for.
