Good Luck in Italian: Buona Fortuna & In Bocca al Lupo

Q: How do you say I wish you luck in Italian?

In Italian, you should say 'in bocca al lupo' if you want to wish someone good luck.

Key Takeaways

The phrase buona fortuna is the most common way to say "good luck" in Italian.
Another traditional expression is in bocca al lupo, meaning "in the mouth of the wolf," often used in challenging situations.
To respond to in bocca al lupo, say crepi il lupo, which translates to "may the wolf die."
The term auguri is a neutral way to wish someone well, often used for celebrations.
For a casual encouragement, use forza, which means "come on" or "you got this."

Stefano's Insights

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Ah, le espressioni italiane per augurare buona fortuna! Certo, c'è il classico "buona fortuna", ma se vuoi fare colpo, devi buttarti su qualcosa di più colorito. "In bocca al lupo" è un grande classico, e non dimenticare di rispondere "crepi il lupo". Poi abbiamo "in culo alla balena", che è decisamente più audace, con la risposta "speriamo che non caghi". E per gli attori, urlare "merda" tre volte è un must. Una volta, prima di un esame, un amico mi disse "in culo alla balena" e non sapevo se ridere o preoccuparmi! Usare queste espressioni ti farà guadagnare punti simpatia in Italia. Quindi, quale ti ha fatto ridere di più?

Ah, the Italian expressions for wishing good luck! Sure, there's the classic "buona fortuna", but if you want to impress, go for something more colorful. "In bocca al lupo" is a classic, and don't forget to reply "crepi il lupo". Then we have "in culo alla balena", which is definitely bolder, with the response "speriamo che non caghi". And for actors, yelling "merda" three times is a must. Once, before an exam, a friend told me "in culo alla balena" and I didn't know whether to laugh or worry! Using these expressions will earn you sympathy points in Italy. So, which one made you laugh the most?

Quick facts

What's the most common way to say "good luck" in Italian?

"Buona fortuna" is the direct translation and most common way.

What's an interchangeable way to wish good luck in Italian?

"Auguri," meaning "best wishes," can also be used to wish good luck.

How do Italians say "fingers crossed"?

Italians say "incrociamo le dita" to mean "fingers crossed."

What does "In bocca al lupo!" mean?

"In bocca al lupo!" translates to "into the mouth of the wolf," akin to "break a leg."

What's the traditional reply to "In bocca al lupo"?

The traditional reply is "crepi il lupo!" meaning "may the wolf die."

What's a humorous and colorful way to say good luck involving a whale?

"In culo alla balena!" translates to "into the ass of a whale."

What is the response to "In culo alla balena"?

The response is "speriamo che non caghi!" meaning "let's hope it doesn't shit."

What's the good luck wish used by Italian stage actors?

Italian stage actors yell "merda!" meaning "shit," three times before a play.

Why are superstitious good luck expressions favored in Italy?

These expressions are considered funnier and more informal than "buona fortuna," earning extra sympathy points.

How do these expressions help in making friends in Italy?

Wishing good luck in these humorous, superstitious ways shows support and friendliness, making it easier to bond.

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Main Article

“Good Luck” in Italian

“Good luck” in Italian is buona fortuna. Before an exam, an interview or a performance, Italians more often say in bocca al lupo, and the reply is crepi il lupo or just crepi.

The standard translation, buona fortuna, is the direct translation of “good luck”, where buona is the feminine adjective “good” and fortuna is the feminine singular noun “luck”.

It’s the simplest and most widely understood phrase used to wish someone well in various situations, and that is commonly used in both formal and informal settings.

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When someone wishes you buona fortuna, you can simply reply with grazie or any other alternative to say “thank you” in Italian. This is a straightforward and appropriate response for any context, for example:

Domani ho un esame importante.

I have an important exam tomorrow.

Buona fortuna!

Good luck!

Grazie!

Thanks!

Good Luck in Italian: Quick Answers

English	Italian	When to use it
Good luck!	Buona fortuna!	Any situation, formal or informal
Break a leg! (literally: into the wolf’s mouth)	In bocca al lupo!	Before an exam, audition, interview, match or performance
Thanks! (the reply to in bocca al lupo)	Crepi! / Crepi il lupo!	The traditional answer
Good luck with your exam!	Buona fortuna con l’esame!	Wishing luck for a specific event
I wish you good luck	Ti auguro buona fortuna	A warmer, more personal wish
Come on, you can do it!	Forza! Ce la puoi fare!	Encouragement, informal
Fingers crossed	Incrociamo le dita!	Hoping together for a good result
Best wishes	Auguri!	Celebrations, and a light good luck

Other Ways to Say “Good Luck” in Italian

In bocca al lupo!

One of the most traditional ways to wish someone luck is in bocca al lupo. This Italian idiom literally means “in the mouth of the wolf”. I know it might sound strange, but it is as metaphorical as the English “break a leg”.

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It’s widely used in Italian culture, particularly for challenging situations, and there is a specific way to respond to this: crepi il lupo or simply crepi, meaning “may the wolf die”.

Domani ho un provino.

I have an audition tomorrow.

In bocca al lupo!

Good luck!

Crepi!

Thanks!

Why do you say “crepi”?

The wish in bocca al lupo is often linked to the theatre and opera world, and it works like “break a leg”: wishing someone good luck directly is thought to bring bad luck, so you wish them something scary instead. Another explanation traces it to hunters and shepherds. The answer crepi il lupo means “may the wolf die”. Most Italians reply with crepi first and add grazie afterwards, because answering only grazie is said to bring bad luck. Some people now prefer viva il lupo (“long live the wolf”).

In bocca al lupo per il colloquio!

Good luck for the interview!

Crepi! Grazie!

Thanks!

Auguri!

Italians also use auguri to wish well in various situations. It is a very neutral expression to greet people. In fact, it is also often used for celebrations like birthdays, ceremonies, festivities…

Auguri per la partita!

Good luck for the game!

Forza!

Learn Italian on the go

A casual and motivating way to wish someone good luck is by saying forza which translates to “come on” or “you got this”. It literally means “strength” and it is often used to encourage someone before a challenge.

Forza! Ce la farai!

Come on! You’ll make it!

How to Pronounce “Good Luck” in Italian

Italian	Sounds like
Buona fortuna	BWOH-nah for-TOO-nah
In bocca al lupo	een BOHK-kah ahl LOO-poh
Crepi	KREH-pee
Auguri	ow-GOO-ree

Luck Words and Superstitions

The word fortuna means “luck”, and it can also mean “fortune” in the sense of wealth, as in fare fortuna (to make one’s fortune). The related words are useful too:

Italian	English
fortunato / fortunata	lucky
sfortunato / sfortunata	unlucky
che fortuna!	how lucky!
la sfortuna	bad luck
portare fortuna	to bring good luck

Sei fortunato: hai trovato posto!

You are lucky: you found a seat!

To touch wood, Italians say tocca ferro and touch iron instead. In Italy 17 is considered an unlucky number, while 13 is seen as a lucky one. You can read more in my article on Italian superstitions.

Key Terms and Concepts

Buona fortuna

A common Italian expression for 'good luck,' used in both formal and informal contexts. Buona means 'good,' and fortuna means 'luck.'

In bocca al lupo

An idiomatic expression meaning 'in the mouth of the wolf,' used to wish someone good luck, similar to 'break a leg' in English.

Crepi il lupo

A traditional response to in bocca al lupo, meaning 'may the wolf die,' symbolizing overcoming challenges.

Auguri

A versatile Italian word used to wish well in various situations, including birthdays and celebrations. It translates to 'best wishes' or 'congratulations.'

Forza

An encouraging phrase meaning 'come on' or 'you got this,' used to motivate someone facing a challenge. It literally translates to 'strength.'

Test your knowledge in 10 quick questions

Words

fortunaluck

auguriwishes

lupowolf

boccamouth

balenawhale

culoass

merdashit

attoreactor

superstizionesuperstition

spettacoloperformance

Phrases

buona fortunagood luck

auguribest wishes

in bocca al lupobreak a leg (literally: into the mouth of the wolf)

crepi il lupomay the wolf die (response to 'in bocca al lupo')

in culo alla balenagood luck (literally: into the ass of a whale)

speriamo benelet's hope for the best

merdashit (used for good luck in theater)

tanta fortunalots of luck

che la fortuna ti assistamay luck be with you

vai e vincigo and win

Sentences

Buona fortuna per il tuo esame domani!

Good luck for your exam tomorrow!

Ti mando tanti auguri per il tuo nuovo lavoro.

I send you best wishes for your new job.

In bocca al lupo per la tua presentazione!

Break a leg for your presentation!

In culo alla balena per la partita di calcio!

Good luck for the soccer match!

Prima dello spettacolo, diciamo 'merda' tre volte per buon auspicio.

Before the show, we say 'shit' three times for good luck.

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Answers

FAQs

How do you say good luck and best wishes in Italian?

4 ways to say good luck in Italian: Buona fortuna! (Good luck!), In bocca al lupo! (Into the wolf's mouth!) In culo alla balena! (In the whale's bottom!) , and Auguri! (Best wishes!).