18 Useful Italian Colloquial Words and Expressions

Colloquial Italian

One of the most enjoyable aspects of traveling in Italy is picking up on the Italian slang. Each phrase offers a small window into the culture, humor, and unique quirks of Italian life.

The nice thing is that you don’t need to be fluent to use them. Just learning their contextual use will help you connect with locals and gain insights into Italian life.

You will soon notice that most of the expressions I chose and wrote here are those Italian words with no equivalent in English, which is the reason why you need to learn them in context.

Below, I will show you 18 Italian expressions together with practical tips on how to use them, to help you connect with locals and dive a little deeper into Italian culture.

I promise that knowing these few key expressions will open up entirely new experiences with the people you meet.

18 Italian Colloquial Words and Expressions

Aó / Oh

Aó – or oh depending on the region – is a popular, informal greeting in Italy, particularly in Rome. It’s used to get someone’s attention or as a casual “hey!” when seeing a friend.

• Do: use it with friends in informal, friendly settings or to show enthusiasm.
• Don’t: avoid it in professional contexts, as it’s a bit too casual.

Allora

Allora is a filler word, similar to “so” or “um”, often used to give the speaker a moment to think. It’s versatile and adds a natural Italian rhythm to conversations.

• Do: use it to gather your thoughts or add flow to your sentences.
• Don’t: avoid overusing it, or it may come across as hesitancy.

Ammazza

Ammazza is a common exclamation, like saying “wow!” or “OMG!”. Italians use it to express amazement, surprise, or admiration, especially when they encounter something truly remarkable.

• Do: use it to show surprise or admiration; it is great for impressive views or unexpected events.
• Don’t: avoid using it in serious conversations or you’ll end up sounding overly dramatic.

Avere il Ciclo

Avere il ciclo is a casual phrase used to say someone is on their period. It is a neutral way to touch the topic.

• Do: use it in informal settings with close friends or family.
• Don’t: avoid using it in formal or professional conversations. Choose avere le mestruazioni, instead.

Avere un Chiodo Fisso in Testa

This phrase means “to have a nail fixed in one’s head” and refers to someone who is fixated on an idea or goal. It’s ideal for describing someone with intense focus or dedication.

• Do: use it to describe someone passionate or dedicated.
• Don’t: avoid using it to be negative unless you’re joking, as it can imply stubbornness.

Bella

Bella literally means “beautiful“, but it is also commonly used as a greeting, especially among youths. It can be directed at both men and women and adds a warm, affectionate touch to any interaction.

• Do: use it as a casual hello with friends or close acquaintances.
• Don’t: avoid using it with strangers or in formal situations.

Boh

Boh is a classic Italian word to express uncertainty or indifference, like saying “I don’t know”. It’s short, punchy, and useful in many situations.

• Do: use it to shrug off a question or to say you’re not sure.
• Don’t: avoid using it with serious questions, as it can sound dismissive.

Che Palle

Che palle literally translates to “what balls” but is used to express frustration, similar to saying “what a drag!” in English. It’s often used to show annoyance or impatience.

• Do: use it with friends to complain about something tedious or irritating.
• Don’t: avoid using it in professional settings; it can sound rude or unprofessional.

Culo e Camicia

Culo e camicia means “like butt and shirt”, and is an idiom for two people who are very close, like “two peas in a pod” in English. It’s a warm, affectionate way to describe close friendships.

• Do: use it to describe people who are inseparable or share a strong bond.
• Don’t: avoid using it with people you’re not close with.

Dai

Dai is an Italian expression used to encourage someone, similar to saying “come on” in English. Italians use it for everything from motivating someone to hurrying them along.

• Do: use it to cheer someone on or express mild impatience.
• Don’t: avoid using it in formal context or overusing it, as it can sound bossy in excess.

Essere alla Frutta

Essere alla frutta literally means “to be at the fruit” and is used to say someone has reached their limit, as fruit is eaten at the end of the meal. It is common when someone is exhausted or out of ideas.

• Do: use it to express you’re at the end of your rope or mentally drained.
• Don’t: avoid using it too casually, as it implies you’ve truly hit your limit.

Essere tra le Nuvole

This phrase means “to be floating in the clouds” and describes someone who is daydreaming or distracted. It can be positive, implying creativity, or critical, implying they’re not paying attention.

• Do: use it lightheartedly for someone who’s daydreaming or being imaginative.
• Don’t: use it harshly unless it’s a friendly joke as it can imply they’re inattentive.

Essere Fuori Come un Balcone

Essere fuori come un balcone translates to “to be out like a balcony” and describes someone who is “out of their mind” or acting wild. It’s a humorous way to refer to someone being eccentric or out of control.

• Do: use it in friendly situations to joke about someone acting a bit crazy.
• Don’t: use it with strangers, as it might be taken as an insult.

Magari

Magari is a versatile Italian word that means “maybe”, “perhaps”, or “if only”, depending on the context. Italians use it to express a hope or a wish, and is a common word that captures both the uncertainty and the optimism of the Italian outlook on life.

• Do: use it to express hope or wishful thinking when you’re talking about something you’d like to happen but isn’t certain.
• Don’t: avoid using it to give a definite answer, as it implies possibility or hope, not certainty.

Meno Male

Meno male translates as “less bad” but is used to mean “thank goodness” or “luckily”. Italians use it to express relief or a sense that things could have gone worse.

• Do: use it when relieved by a positive outcome or small victory.
• Dont: avoid overusing it, as it’s best reserved for moments of true relief.

Pisolino

Pisolino is the Italian word for a nap, specifically an afternoon rest. In Italy, taking a short pisolino after a long lunch is a beloved tradition that embodies relaxation.

• Do: embrace the pisolino as a way to recharge while in Italy.
• Don’t: do not confuse it with a long sleep. It is usually a short rest.

Una Cifra / Un Botto

Una cifra or un botto mean “a lot” or “a ton”. It is a very colloquial and informal way to describe something in large quantities or to say that something is expensive.

• Do: use it to describe something costly or in great quantity.
• Don’t: avoid using it in formal contexts.

A Fagiolo

A fagiolo literally means “up to the bean” and is used to indicate something that fits perfectly, like the English “on spot”. It’s often used when something is the ideal solution or match for a situation.

• Do: use it to express satisfaction with a solution or fit.
• Don’t: avoid using it as its literal meaning, as it has nothing to do with beans really.