Italy is a country rich in culture, tradition, and, of course, superstition! Italians have a rich tradition of embracing luck and fate, finding solace in ancient customs to navigate the unpredictable path of life. From warding off the evil eye to invoking good fortune, these superstitions play a significant role in everyday conversations.
In this post, we’ll explore eight fascinating Italian expressions about luck that will not only enrich your vocabulary but also give you a glimpse into the Italian way of thinking!
1. TOCCARE FERRO
“Toccare ferro” literally means “to touch iron“. This expression is similar to the English phrase “knock on wood“. Italians believe that touching iron – rather than wood – helps to ward off bad luck after mentioning something positive, or when discussing a hopeful situation. It reflects a desire to protect oneself from the jinxing that can occur when one is too optimistic!
For example: Forse ho trovato un lavoro! Tocchiamo ferro! (I might have found a job! Let's knock on wood!)
2. FARE LE CORNA
“Fare le corna” translates to “to make horns“, and it's always accompanied by the classic hand gesture placing the index and pinky fingers in a way that resembles horns. It is commonly used to protect against bad luck, especially when discussing misfortunes or negative situations. The origin of this gesture is believed to stem from ancient beliefs in warding off evil spirits.
For example: Quando parliamo di sfortuna, faccio sempre le corna! (When we talk about bad luck, I always make horns!)
3. ESSERE BACIATI DALLA FORTUNA
“Essere baciati dalla fortuna” means “to be kissed by fortune.” This expression describes someone who has experienced unexpected good fortune or luck, as if fate has granted them a blessing. It conveys a sense of serendipity and appreciation for those moments in life when everything seems to align perfectly in one’s favor.
For example: Dopo anni di difficoltà, finalmente sono baciati dalla fortuna! (After years of hardship, they are finally kissed by fortune!)
4. TENTARE LA SORTE
“Tentare la sorte” means “to tempt fate“. This phrase captures the essence of taking a chance or risking something in hopes of a favorable outcome, much like “tempting fate” in English. It suggests that sometimes, one must be bold and take risks to achieve their desires, whether it be in games of chance or in life decisions.
For example: Ho deciso di tentare la sorte e giocare alla lotteria. (I decided to try my luck and play the lottery.)
5. FORTUNATO AL GIOCO, SFORTUNATO IN AMORE
“Fortunato al gioco, sfortunato in amore” translates as “lucky at gambling, unlucky in love.” This saying reflects the belief that someone who is fortunate in one area (like winning at gambling) may experience misfortune in another area (like finding love). It humorously captures the idea that luck can be fickle and that one aspect of life may not guarantee success in another.
For example: Mio cugino vince sempre a poker, ma è fortunato al gioco e sfortunato in amore. (My cousin always wins at poker, but he is lucky at gambling and unlucky in love.)
Exploring these expressions not only helps you understand Italian culture better but also adds some fun to your language learning journey! Each saying carries its own story and reflects the rich tapestry of Italian traditions surrounding luck and fortune.
So… why not dive deeper into the Italian language and culture?
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