Author name: lingualungaitaliano

It’s no surprise that Italian is one of the most studied languages worldwide. Besides, the language is romantic, melodic, and rich in history and culture. However, just like with learning any new language, learning Italian, too, can be intimidating.

The good news is that it does not have to be. Why?

The best way to learn Italian fast—and other foreign languages— is to choose a method and learning style that works for you. This is regardless of your native language and the Italian language courses (and books) at your disposal. So, if you are searching for practical tips for learning Italian, you have come to the right place.

Whether you are planning your bucket-list trip to Italy or are simply intrigued by the sweet melodic Italian charm of native speakers, these tips and tricks will accelerate your progress and help you master Italian and reach fluency faster.

Commit to Daily Learning

One of the biggest tips that will accelerate your Italian language proficiency is committing to daily learning and practice. To do this, evaluate your daily schedule and set aside at least 15 minutes for learning and practicing. This could be when you wake up, during your work commute, or before going to bed.

Ideally, you want to make your Italian language learning journey as natural as brushing your teeth or making your bed.

Practice New Italian Words

Learning Italian is a gradual process—starting with basic vocabulary and slowly or fast (depending on your learning speed) moving to more complex areas, like Italian grammar. But, you need to practice new words you learn to speak Italian fast.

For example, instead of memorizing an entire book of travel phrases, you can focus on essential Italian vocabulary for travel and practice how to use the words in real-life situations.

Another trick is to practice ordering your favorite meal in Italian instead of trying to remember random Italian words with no context.

Read Italian Books

Reading, in general, enhances learning and is important for visual learners. Short stories, for instance, help Italian language learners understand and improve their Italian vocabulary and overall fluency.

On top of that, Italian short stories are easy to read, offer a diverse range of vocabulary and topics, and are also fun!

Besides short stories, Italian children’s books make it easy to learn Italian and recall information through illustrations, images, and short phrases.

There’s no limit when it comes to reading Italian content—the menu at your go-to Italian restaurant or pizzeria, the back of your favorite spaghetti, and so on.

Listen to Italian Music

Believe it or not, listening to Italian radio, music and podcasts or audiobooks will accelerate your language skills. Not only will your Italian pronunciation improve, but you will also pick up new words and learn different Italian tones and sounds.

Watch Italian Movies

Watching Italian TV shows and movies is another effective way to learn Italian fast. So, put Italian subtitles on and note down any new words to look up and practice later.

Make Italian Recipes

Love cooking? Learn Italian by making Italian dishes at home. Food is a big part of Italian culture so knowing Italian vocabulary for food and cooking will come in handy on your Italian trip.

So, go on YouTube and search ricetta [ree-cheh-tah] (recipe) followed by anything you would like to make. Then, ensure the chef is speaking Italian and turn on the closed caption. This will improve your pronunciation and vocabulary.

Over time, you will grasp Italian vocabulary for food and cooking besides gelato.

Practice Italian With Native Italian Speakers

Learning and mastering Italian is all about practice and consistency. One way to do this is by practicing with native speakers and other Italian students. If you don’t have access to a native speaker or another Italian student, look for local language meet-ups online or locally in your area, or better yet, teach your friend or family member Italian!

Test Your Italian Knowledge

Testing your Italian skills will help gauge your learning process and progress, and no—it does not have to be an exam. Instead, picture an everyday life scenario, such as telling someone about your hobbies, and act it out in Italian.

You can also ask yourself questions and formulate the answers to assess how much you have learned.

Get an Online Italian Tutor

Having an online Italian tutor is essential for accelerating your progress, especially if Italian is your first foreign language. An online tutor provides personalized attention, learning resources, one-on-one support, and feedback. In addition, online Italian lessons are super convenient, flexible to your schedule, can be tailored to your own learning pace, and more!

Have Fun

The best way to learn Italian, and other new languages, is to try and have fun while at it. Italian is interesting and catchy, almost as if the speaker is singing. Plus, this will keep you excited and motivated to keep learning.

Master Italian With Lingua Lunga!

I’m Alice, founder of Lingua Lunga Italian. Lingua Lunga is an online Italian language school dedicated to helping people achieve fluency in one of the most romantic and melodic languages in the world while discovering the culture behind it.

With Lingua Lunga, you can expect personalized guidance throughout your language learning journey

No matter what age you are, if you have consistency, enthusiasm, and passion, you can learn the Italian language. Book a Free Call with me today to begin!

Learning a new language has many benefits and opens you up to countless personal and professional opportunities. Learning Italian, for example, exposes you to a world rich in art, culture, and tradition. Moreover, Italian is beautiful and musical, and hence why there are millions of Italian speakers around the world.

Many online programs are available to help Italian language learners improve and master the language. However, with so many options available, choosing the best program to learn Italian that fits your needs can take time and effort.

To help you learn and speak Italian fluently, this blog will analyze popular Italian learning programs, such as Duolingo and Rosetta Stone, and other lesser-known but, more effective programs like Lingua Lunga Italian. In addition, I will share a few tips to help you determine what makes a comprehensive Italian course.

Duolingo

While Duolingo is a popular choice for learning Italian, it is an inferior option compared to a one-on-one personalized online Italian tutor. Despite its many Italian lessons and grammar explanations, Duolingo lacks the personalized attention and feedback that a live tutor can provide.

While Duolingo offers a range of tasks, such as filling in the blanks, translating, hearing and saying, and listening and writing, it cannot tailor its approach to your specific needs and learning style. This one-size-fits-all approach can lead to frustration and confusion, particularly for learners who struggle with certain concepts.

Additionally, while Duolingo is free to use, it follows a freemium model where certain features are only available for a fee. This can add up over time and become costly for learners who want to unlock all of the program’s features.

Finally, while Duolingo does offer a user forum where learners can ask questions and find solutions for language learning issues, it lacks the personalized attention that a live tutor can provide. A one-on-one online Italian tutor can provide immediate feedback and tailor their teaching approach to your specific needs, resulting in a more efficient and effective learning experience.

Rosetta Stone

Although Rosetta Stone provides audio lessons by native Italian speakers and interactive activities that include speech recognition, it falls short in personalizing its teaching method to suit your individual learning style and requirements. Consequently, this may cause frustration and bewilderment, especially for learners who encounter difficulties with certain concepts.

Additionally, while Rosetta Stone comes in different levels and allows you to learn Italian online at your own pace, it is a paid program that can become costly over time. Furthermore, while the program may improve your Italian pronunciation and overall language skills, it cannot replicate the conversational and cultural experience of speaking with a live Italian tutor.

To summarize, although Rosetta Stone may present a convenient online alternative for studying Italian, it does not match up to the advantages of having a personalized, one-on-one Italian tutor online who can offer instant feedback, customize their teaching approach to suit your unique requirements, and provide a more comprehensive language learning experience.

Rocket Italian

While Rocket Italian may be an option for learning the Italian language and culture online, it falls short compared to the benefits of a one-on-one personalized online Italian tutor.

While the program offers many audio lessons and interactive activities, it cannot replicate the personalized attention and feedback that a live tutor can provide.

Additionally, while Rocket Italian has a reinforcement and pronunciation tools section to help reinforce what you have learned in each class, it lacks the ability to tailor its approach to your specific needs and learning style. This can lead to learners feeling unmotivated or disengaged.

Furthermore, while the program may offer bonus lessons on various topics, it cannot replicate the cultural and conversational experience of speaking with a live Italian tutor. A one-on-one online Italian tutor can provide immediate feedback, tailor their teaching approach to your specific needs, and offer a more immersive language learning experience.

In summary, while Rocket Italian may offer a convenient online option for learning Italian, it falls short compared to the benefits of a one-on-one personalized online Italian tutor, who can provide immediate feedback, tailor their teaching approach to your specific needs, and offer a more immersive language learning experience.

Babble

While Rocket Italian may be an option for learning the Italian language and culture online, it falls short compared to the benefits of a one-on-one personalized online Italian tutor.

While the program offers many audio lessons and interactive activities, it cannot replicate the personalized attention and feedback that a live tutor can provide.

Additionally, while Rocket Italian has a reinforcement and pronunciation tools section to help reinforce what you have learned in each class, it lacks the ability to tailor its approach to your specific needs and learning style. This can lead to learners feeling unmotivated or disengaged.

Furthermore, while the program may offer bonus lessons on various topics, it cannot replicate the cultural and conversational experience of speaking with a live Italian tutor. A one-on-one online Italian tutor can provide immediate feedback, tailor their teaching approach to your specific needs, and offer a more immersive language learning experience.

In summary, while Rocket Italian may offer a convenient online option for learning Italian, it falls short compared to the benefits of a one-on-one personalized online Italian tutor, who can provide immediate feedback, tailor their teaching approach to your specific needs, and offer a more immersive language learning experience.

Lingua Lunga Italian

Lingua Lunga Italian makes speaking Italian a breeze by offering a comprehensive curriculum for language learning. This gives you a solid foundation and ensures you master Italian grammar, vocabulary, reading, and writing skills. Plus, you can have conversations with native speakers as you learn.

Unlike many Italian courses, Lingua Lunga Italian offers a personalized approach to learning Italian through a one-on-one live instructor. This approach is very beneficial for learners, especially if Italian is your first foreign language, as it provides personalized attention(to your needs, strengths, and weaknesses), support, and feedback, enabling you to learn Italian effectively.

This method is effective and efficient for learning as it allows you to go through the Italian course at your own pace. In addition, it enhances greater retention of information and creates an enjoyable learning experience for you.

Besides a personalized approach, Lingua Lunga Italian learning program provides personalized plans so you can tailor your lessons to your specific language goals, learning style, and schedule. For example, if you want to learn Italian for travel or business, you will get a plan that is customized and structured specifically for you and your unique needs instead of a cookie-cutter course.

Interactive learning is important when mastering a new language, so it is no wonder that Lingua Lunga Italian is keen to provide a wealth of resources for learning and practice. Furthermore, one-on-one instruction with an online tutor also helps you learn and practice with a native Italian speaker!

Lingua Lunga Italian prioritizes cultural immersion activities in the Italian courses to help you learn more about Italian culture and traditions. Whether through short stories, idioms, or Italian expressions, this is an essential aspect of mastering Italian that is often ignored even in the best online Italian courses.

While individual online courses allow you to learn Italian at your own pace, Lingua Lunga Italian also offers on-demand group lessons so you can share this exciting journey with your partner, family, friends, or co-workers.

Overall, Lingua Lunga Italian is the best program to learn Italian, whether you are a beginner, intermediate, or advanced learner. It is personalized, convenient, and flexible, allowing you to explore the Italian language and culture effectively.

Master Italian With Lingua Lunga Italian

I’m Alice, founder of Lingua Lunga Italian. This company started in 2022 after years of me teaching students like you Italian. I’ve had the opportunity to teach people to appreciate and learn this language in over 15 different countries.

No matter what age you are, if you have consistency, enthusiasm, and passion, you can learn the Italian language. Book a Free Call with me today to begin!

Learning a new language is fun and exciting, but sometimes also hard. So, it makes sense to ask the question, how long does it take to learn Italian before dipping your toes into the language.

Italian boasts over 70 million speakers worldwide, with about 40 million being native speakers. It is also the official language of Vatican City, Rome, and Italy. In addition, this rich romance language is also among the six official working European Union languages.

The truth is there is no exact answer to how long it will take you to learn Italian. Mastering any language requires dedication and motivation. These factors, along with your learning speed, will vary from one person to the other. Fortunately for you, I will share tips and tricks to help you learn and speak Italian quickly.

First, let us see the different Italian language levels.

Italian Proficiency Levels

Italian, similar to other foreign languages, has different levels that help determine your proficiency in the language. These levels are based on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR)—and yes, my courses are designed using this framework!

• A1 – Beginner/Novice level
• A2 – Pre-intermediate level
• B1 – Intermediate level
• B2 – Fluent/ Upper-intermediate level
• C1 – Advanced
• C2 – Native/ Proficiency

How long it takes to learn and speak Italian will depend on your language learning goals. For example, learning basic Italian words and phrases for travel will take you a shorter time than language learners whose goal is to speak fluently.

What Determines How Fast You Will Learn Italian?

The US Foreign Service Institute (FSI) says it takes about 600-750 hours of language learning to be fluent in Italian. However, Italian language learning looks different for everyone for many reasons. Some of these reasons include the following:

How much time you have to learn Italian

How many minutes or hours can you set aside to learn Italian daily or weekly? Setting aside time to study Italian can be easy for some or challenging for others, especially if you have many personal and professional life responsibilities.

That said, it is important to spare dedicated time in your day as you start your Italian learning journey if you want to improve your language skills.

Your previous language experiences

Is Italian your first foreign language to learn? Do you already speak another romance language?

Learning Italian can be challenging, especially if it is your first foreign language to learn. Having an online tutor for learning Italian as a first foreign language can be highly beneficial due to its personalized attention, convenience, flexibility, access to resources, and cultural immersion. The tutor can offer one-on-one personalized support, provide flexible scheduling options, offer a wealth of resources for practice, and help students explore Italian culture and customs.

That said, learning and speaking Italian fluently takes some time, despite your native language.

Your learning methods and exposure to Italian

Often, your language learning process determines how fast you learn. For instance, learning Italian will take longer if you do not practice the language outside of a classroom setting.

However, learning Italian is faster for language learners exposed to more Italian. This could be by listening to Italian radio or podcasts, reading Italian material, and writing and speaking Italian. You can also watch Italian movies or visit an Italian-speaking country to improve your vocabulary and pronunciation.

Your confidence and motivation

Overall, your confidence and motivation will determine how long you will take to learn Italian. So, ask yourself your goals for learning Italian, and keep practicing until you get there.

• Are you traveling to Italy and would like to socialize with native Italian speakers?
• Are you fascinated by Italian culture, arts, and gastronomy and would want to learn more?
• Do you have Italian friends or family that you would like to get to know more about or speak to them in Italian?
• Do you have a fun and fascinating opportunity that requires your knowledge of Italian?

Staying motivated ensures you are consistent in your Italian learning process. Additionally, practicing Italian regularly will help you master the language faster.

Learn Italian With Lingua Lunga

I’m Alice, founder of Lingua Lunga Italian. This company started in 2022 after years of me teaching students like you Italian. I’ve had the opportunity to teach people to appreciate and learn this language in over 15 different countries.

No matter what age you are, if you have consistency, enthusiasm, and passion, you can learn the Italian language. Book a Free Call with me today to begin!

Italian is a charming language to learn. It is rich in melody and Italian culture. That said, mastering and speaking Italian language confidently requires time, dedication, and practice. This, paired with Italian language courses, will have you talking to native Italian speakers in no time.

Thankfully, the internet has made accessing Italian courses super easy, whether physical or online. However, if you are considering taking your Italian class online, choosing the best option for you may be overwhelming. Fortunately for you, I will show you how to choose the best online Italian course with ease.

If you are still unsure about online Italian classes, keep reading to see if this language-learning method is for you.

Benefits of Learning Italian Online

Learning Italian language comes with lots of benefits. These include:

• Allowing you to converse with locals on your trip to Italy.
• Appreciating Italian culture, art, fashion, and gastronomy.
• Making new friends.
• New career prospects.

Additionally, taking your Italian classes online comes with further benefits over the in-person learning method, such as flexible schedules, comfort, and lower costs.

How to Choose the Best Online Italian Course

Choosing the best Italian class can be challenging because of the influx of online Italian courses. On top of that, what may work for one learner may not work for you due to differences in learning speeds, what your day-to-day schedule looks like, and other factors.

So, what should you consider when choosing Italian online courses?

Your preferred learning method

Everyone learns differently, making this a huge factor when choosing the best online Italian class for you. For example, some people learn Italian faster by listening to native speakers, while others prefer reading Italian text. Ideally, your choice of Italian course should be tailored to meet your learning needs.

Learning flexibility

Whether you are learning Italian for travel or work, it is important that you dedicate adequate time to improve your language skills. However, this may be tough when you have a tight schedule—a full-time job, children, house chores, and other commitments—and nearly not enough time to work on your Italian grammar.

If this is you, a self-paced Italian course will work best for you than a scheduled one. It is easier to allocate time for language learning when your Italian lessons align with your schedule.

1:1 learning vs. group lessons

Online Italian courses vary in the mode of delivery, be it one on one learning or group lessons. Individual online classes allow you to learn and speak Italian at your own pace. 1:1 learning also allows for personalized attention to the student’s specific needs, strengths, and weaknesses. This can lead to more effective and efficient learning, greater retention of information, and a more enjoyable learning experience for language learners.

Customized language learning plans

The best Italian online courses will meet you where you are in your journey. For instance, intermediate and advanced learners can save valuable time by skipping beginner courses.

Similarly, if you are only interested in learning, say, Italian for travel, a customized learning plan will be structured to only focus on your specific needs. With a virtual instructor, you are getting a plan that was made for and adapts grammar lessons to to you specifically instead of a cookie-cutter course.

Learning support

Learning Italian is demanding, regardless of your native language. So, you need all the learning support you can get. This includes tools to help you keep up with your Italian lessons and practice, such as digital books, grammar worksheets, and homework feedback. Additional assistance from your Italian teacher also helps to keep you consistent and motivated during speaking practice.

Learn Italian Online with Lingua Lunga!

I’m Alice, founder of Lingua Lunga Italian. This company started in 2022 after years of me teaching students like you Italian. I’ve had the opportunity to teach people to appreciate and learn this language in over 15 different countries.

No matter what age you are, if you have consistency, enthusiasm, and passion, you can learn the Italian language. Book a Free Call with me today to begin!

Italian language sounds beautiful, musical, and romantic. The language alone fully depicts the richness of Italian culture and art. So, if you’re planning a trip to Italy and want to learn Italian to interact with the locals or are fascinated by the language, you may be asking yourself this one question – Is Italian hard to learn?

Learning a new language comes with its own set of challenges. However, focusing on the wrong myths, such as learning Italian is hard, can leave you feeling stuck early in your lessons. Fortunately for you, I’m here to help you master the Italian language with ease.

So, read on to find out how fast you can learn and speak Italian!

How Long Can it Take You to Learn Italian?

How fast you learn the Italian language will depend on several factors. These include your attitude, dedication, resources at your disposal, and, most importantly, other languages you already speak. The latter will either accelerate your learning process or make it a little tricky at first, as you will see below.

Learning Italian is not as straightforward as you may think if you are a native English speaker or speak English well. The US Foreign Service Institute (FSI) ranks Italian as a Category I Language, meaning it is closely related to English as they both originate from Latin. Still, you will need a good Italian teacher if you want to learn Italian well and fast.

Speakers of other romance languages—French, Spanish, and Portuguese—may be surprised to find a few common words in Italian. The reason behind this is that romance languages share strong similarities in terms of spelling and pronunciation because they originate from Vulgar Latin.

Is Italian Vocabulary Hard to Learn?

Learning Italian vocabulary can be challenging for English speakers as English is a Germanic while Italian is a Romance language.

The good news is that while English is Germanic, it does have some Latin influence. At least 25% of English words are directly borrowed from Latin or indirectly from Italian or French. Thanks to this etymological relationship, you will find that some Italian words have English counterparts.

A few examples of common vocabulary in Italian and English are:

• Problema – Problem
• Necessità – Necessity
• Melodia – Melody
• Finale – Final
• Concerto – Concert
• Realtà – Reality

Spanish, Portuguese, and French speakers may also notice similarities in some basic words when learning Italian.

Consider the verb – to sing

• Italian – cantare
• Spanish – cantar
• Portuguese – cantar
• French – chanter

Is Italian Pronunciation Easy or Difficult?

When you learn Italian, you will need to focus on pronunciation. It can be difficult to pronounce the words if you’re not a native speaker. This is because Italian is a phonetic language, unlike other languages such as English and French.

Fortunately, once you get a grasp of it, pronouncing many Italian words becomes straightforward, as the rules do not change. In turn, this helps you pronounce even words you are unfamiliar with—a major benefit when learning a foreign language.

Some of the rules you will encounter at the very beginning include:

• c + a, o, u, he, hi   [k] cane (kah-neh) – dog
• c + ia, io, iu, e, i    [ch] cinema (chee-neh-mah) – cinema
• g + a, o, u, he, hi   [g] gatto (ga-toh)  – cat
• g + ia, io, iu, e, i    [dj] gelato (djeh-lah-toh) – ice cream

Before we look at Italian grammar, one of the challenges you may face when learning Italian pronunciation is the rolled “r” sound. Here’s why-

The rolled “R”

Italian is a beautiful melodic language. For this reason, language learners need to pronounce words and speak in a certain way to sound like native Italian speakers.

One of the challenges native English speakers face when learning Italian is the rolled R. This sound, also common in other European languages, is made by vibrating your tongue on the roof of your mouth. The good news is you can learn how to roll your “r” with some practice and patience.

Is Italian Grammar Hard?

The rules for Italian grammar are very specific and have few exceptions. With both regular and irregular verbs, you will notice that most Italian verbs end with -are, -ere, and -ire. The good news, however, is that you can learn to identify and conjugate regular verbs with practice. As for the irregular ones, you will make them out, with time, by heart.

So, Is Italian Hard to Learn?

Put simply, just like any new language, Italian can be challenging to master. But with the right Italian teacher and methods, your dreams of being fluent in this language are very achievable, and in today’s world you can do it through modern methods like online Italian courses or Italian audiobooks at your own pace. This means you can learn Italian anytime and practice Italian anywhere!

Want to learn more Italian? Contact Lingua Lunga!

I’m Alice, founder of Lingua Lunga Italian. This company started in 2022 after years of me teaching students like you Italian. I’ve had the opportunity to teach people to appreciate and learn this language in over 15 different countries.

No matter what age you are, if you have consistency, enthusiasm, and passion, you can learn the Italian language. Book a Free Call with me today to begin!

The Italian language is full of idiomatic expressions that can be difficult to understand for non-native speakers. These Italian idioms add color, humor, and depth to the language, and they are an important part of Italian culture and communication. Some of them are translations of their English equivalent while some of uniquely Italian in origin.

So what is an idiomatic expression? An idiomatic expression is a phrase that can mean a different thing rather than the literal meaning of it. You might have come across one during your day and not notice it. A great example of this is “feeling under the weather”.

Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced learner of Italian, this blog will help you learn italian idioms to improve your understanding of the language and appreciate the nuances of Italian culture. You’ll be surprised as well how English idiom have their Italian version. So many Italian idioms are used in casual conversations that this is a great way to flex your linguistic muscles. So, let’s dive in and explore the world of the most popular Italian idioms together.

Non Piangere Sul Latte Versato (Don’t Cry Over Spilled Milk)

Let’s start with something we’ve all heard before. This Italian idiom “non piangere sul latte versato” has the very popular English equivalent “Don’t cry over spilled milk”. This is used to explain that it is useless to despair and complain after making mistakes that cannot be undone and fixed. 

What do you say to yourself if you accidentally fail an exam? You pick yourself up and say “Potevi studiare di più! Ora non piangere sul latte versato!” which means “You could have studied more! Don’t cry over spilled milk now!”

Ti Sta A Pennello (It Suits You Very Well)

Everyone loves a compliment and this can be the perfect way to break the ice (rompere il ghiaccio) when meeting someone new. This Italian idiom means that the object is befitting to the subject. You can use this for a lot of things, but this is most applicable when it comes to clothing in general. With Italian fashion being so mainstream, this Italian idiom has great meaning conversationally as well as culturally.

What do you say when your best friend got herself a new skirt for the event? You say Oh, quella gonna ti sta a pennello!” which means translates “Oh, that skirt really suits you!”

Piangere come una fontana (To cry a river)

This is different than the english equivalent which typically is used in a joking context when you tell someone to “cry me a river” in response to an overreaction. The beauty of the speaking Italian is that the italian expressions can encompass a multitude of emotions and meanings. Translated literally, the idiomatic expression “Piangere come una fontana” means “to cry a river”. But we don’t read italian idiomatic expressions like that. Native speakers read the italian expression in the context of the sentence, which means the Italian idiom means to cry extensively.

For example, if your friend Matteo lost his cat, you say “dopo la morte del suo gattino, Matteo ha pianto come una fontana”. The English equivalent of this would be “After the death of his kitten, Matteo cried a river”.

Prendere Il Toro Per Le Corna (Take The Bull By The Horns)

When you want to go all out in a situation, this is the best way to describe what you are about to do! It indicates the intention to tackle a problem head-on aiming at solving it as quickly as possible without getting around it.

If your friend doesn’t want to face their problems, you need to give them the push they need. You say “Non puoi andare avanti così, devi risolvere la situazione! Prendi il toro per le corna!” which means “ You can’t go on like this, you must solve the issue! Take the bull by the horns!” This is just like the english idiomatic expression.

Non Stare Nella Pelle (Can’t Wait!)

Are you feeling excited about a situation or an event you are going to? It is a widely used Italian expression to refer to something pleasurable that is being waited with great joy. Perfect when you want to show someone that you’re really excited about the subject! The Italian version is the exact same as the English equivalent, which makes it easier for new speakers to use.

Let’s say someone invited you for a concert? You say “ Non sto più nella pelle per il concerto di domenica!” which means “I can’t wait for the concert on Sunday!”. This Italian idiom is good as it can be used for a lot of casual conversation.

Avere la lingua lunga (Talk too much)

When you get excited about learning a new language, you just can’t wait to try every new word. This Italian idiom has the exact same meaning as its English equivalent: you’re talking too much. This isn’t a bad thing since you just want to learn how to speak like those native speakers. Knowing a language is about diving right into the culture and the words. To do that, you need to learn how to get over this fear of being too much!

For example, someone might say ” Maria ha la lingua lunga, parla troppo!”, which means “Maria talks too much!”. When faced with that, you can use the italian idiom “Avere la testa sulle spalle“. This Italian idiom means “to have a good head on one’s shoulder.“

Unique Italian idioms

Since we just talked about Italian idioms with English equivalents, lets talk about the ones that are uniquely Italian. Since idiomatic expressions are often based in the Italian culture and Italian sayings, we might not have clear connections when you translated literally. For those Italian idioms, it might be best to ask native speakers of the cultural background they might have.

Fa il monaco

The Italian idiom “L’abito non fa il monaco” literally translates to “the clothes don’t make the monk” and it means that no matter how well you dress, your value and personality will not change. It is roughly equivalent to the English idiom “you can’t judge a book by its cover.” This idiom is used to express that one should not judge someone outward appearance, as it does not reflect their true character or worth.

In Bocca al lupo

The Italian idiom “bocca al lupo” literally translates to “mouth to the wolf” in English. It is used as a way of wishing someone good luck or wishing them success in a particular endeavor. The appropriate response to this phrase is “crepi il lupo”, which means “may the wolf die”. This exchange of phrases is a common superstition in Italy, especially in theatrical circles.

Tutto fa brodo

The Italian idiom “tutto fa brodo” literally translates to “everything makes broth” in English. This expression means that every little bit helps or that everything contributes to the final result, even if it may not seem significant on its own.

In other words, “tutto fa brodo” suggests that even small contributions or efforts can help to achieve a larger goal or solve a problem. This expression is often used to encourage someone who may be feeling discouraged or overwhelmed, by emphasizing that even small actions can make a difference.

Ogni morte di papa

This Idiom translates to “every death of a pope” in English. This expression is used to describe something that happens very rarely or very infrequently, implying that the event is so rare that it might only happen once in a generation or even once in a lifetime.

For example, if someone says, “I see my childhood friend every ogni morte di papa,” they mean that they see their friend very rarely or only on very special occasions that occur infrequently.

Ready to Impress?

Now that you know all these Italian idioms and what they mean, you’ll be able to pepper them in casual conversations with your friends. Not only will you impress them with your knowledge of the language, but you are also able to get to know the culture!

What to learn more Italian? Contact Lingua Lunga!

I’m Alice, founder of Lingua Lunga Italian. This company started in 2022 after years of me teaching students like you Italian. I’ve had the opportunity to teach people to appreciate and learn this language in over 15 different countries. 

No matter what age you are, if you have consistency, enthusiasm, and passion, you can learn the Italian language. Book a Free Call with me today to begin!

The Venice Carnival is a world-famous festival that takes place annually in the city of Venice, Italy. The festival dates back to the 11th century and is a celebration of art, music, and food, among other things. The Venice Carnival is an important part of Venetian culture. This celebration is a time for revelry, costumes, masks, music, and food, and it attracts thousands of visitors from all over the world every year.

When is the 2024 Venice Carnival?

The Venice Carnival takes place during the weeks leading up to Lent and is a time of revelry and celebration. The 2023 Venice Carnival takes place from January 28th to February 13th, 2024. 

Origin

The origins of the Venice Carnival can be traced back to the 11th century when the city was still a powerful republic. During this time, Venetians would take to the streets to celebrate spring’s arrival and pay tribute to the city’s patron saint, Saint Mark. Over time, the festival evolved into a more elaborate and elaborate event, and by the 18th century, the Venice Carnival had become one of the most celebrated events in Europe.

What happens at the Venice Carnival?

Participants dress in elaborate costumes, masks, and accessories and roam Venice streets, participating in parades, musical performances, and other festivities. 

Masks and costumes

One of the defining features of the Venice Carnival is the use of masks and costumes. Participants in the carnival are encouraged to wear masks and costumes inspired by the Renaissance styles. The event has become known for its stunning and intricate masks, many of which are made by local artisans. Masks are an important part of the Venice Carnival because they allow participants to express their individuality and creativity while also keeping their identities hidden from others. This anonymity allows for a freer and more uninhibited celebration, as participants can dance, sing, and revel without fear of being judged.

Venice carnival food

Another important aspect of the Venice Carnival is the food. There are many food stands that sell traditional carnival treats, such as frittelle which are small fried doughnuts, and galani, which are sweet fried pastries filled with cream or other sweet fillings.

The flight of the angel

The Venice Carnival is also famous for its grand processions and parades, which take place throughout the city during the festival. One of the most famous parades is the Flight of the Angel, which takes place on the second Sunday of Carnival. This procession features a beautiful angel who descends from the bell tower of Saint Mark’s Basilica and flies over the heads of the crowds below. The procession is accompanied by music and singing, and it is a stunning and unforgettable experience for those who are lucky enough to witness it. The angel, who symbolizes peace and hope, soars above the city, blessing the crowds below with flower petals as they sing and dance in the streets. Whether you’re a lover of art, history, or just looking for a unique and unforgettable experience, the flight of the angel at the Venice Carnival is a must-see event.

Gondola races

The gondola races at the Venice Carnival are a unique and thrilling event that have been a tradition for centuries. During the carnival season, gondoliers from all over the city gather to compete in a series of races, showcasing their skill and strength as they navigate the canals of Venice. The races are fast-paced and competitive, as the gondoliers battle it out to become the champion of the carnival. Spectators line the canals, cheering on their favorite gondoliers and taking in the city’s stunning scenery. The gondola races are not only a test of strength and skill, but also a celebration of Venice’s rich history and cultural heritage.

A Lasting Impression

The Venice Carnival is a magnificent event celebrating the city’s rich history and culture. With its beautiful masks, delicious food, and lively music and dancing, the carnival is a celebration of life and joy, and it draws visitors from around the world to the city of Venice each year. Whether you are looking to experience the thrill of a grand procession, the beauty of an elaborate costume, or the taste of delicious Venetian cuisine, the Venice Carnival is an event that is sure to leave a lasting impression.

MISTERO A CARNEVALE

My short story MISTERO A CARNEVALE is set in fascinating Venice at Carnival time. 

After working side by side with students, I have become aware of their difficulties and weak points, commonly listening and speaking. That is why short stories are so valuable a method to boost your fluency and understanding.

MISTERO A CARNEVALE will be available on Amazon, Apple Books, and Barker & Jules next week. Meanwhile, here is a preview so you can enjoy chapter one while listening to me narrating the chapter. You have two speeds available: normal or slow-speed narration: Chapter 1 Audiobook.