Because Italian isn’t just a language — it’s music, art, and pure emotion.
Planning a trip to Italy? You’ve probably already mastered the essentials: ciao, grazie, pizza. But what if we told you there’s a whole world of irresistible, poetic, and uniquely Italian words that capture the soul of the country better than any travel guide?
These are the words Italians use to express love, beauty, nostalgia, pleasure, and even sweet laziness — words that might not translate directly into English, but speak volumes about the Italian way of life.
Here are 20 of the most beautiful Italian words that every traveler (and language lover) should know.
🧳 1. Meriggiare
(v.) To rest in the shade during the heat of the day.
A word for that peaceful, lazy moment in the afternoon — ideally after a long Italian lunch, preferably under an olive tree.
🌇 2. Tramonto
(n.) Sunset.
More than just the end of the day, tramonto is a mood — especially when seen from a hilltop village with a glass of wine in hand.
❤️ 3. Struggimento
(n.) A sweet, aching kind of longing.
When you’re deeply moved, nostalgic, or in love… but in a beautifully painful way. Only the Italians could make heartbreak sound romantic.
🥂 4. Brindisi
(n.) A toast.
Raise your glass and say cin cin! A brindisi isn’t just about drinking — it’s about celebrating together.
🍂 5. Passeggiata
(n.) A slow, social stroll — usually after dinner.
Italians love to walk just for the pleasure of it. No destination. No rush. Just people, conversation, and maybe a gelato.
🍝 6. Scarpetta
(n.) The act of mopping up pasta sauce with bread.
Delicious, satisfying, slightly messy… and 100% Italian. You’re not supposed to leave sauce on the plate.
🌙 7. Notte
(n.) Night.
It sounds like a whisper, doesn’t it? Buona notte — goodnight — might just be the most comforting phrase ever.
😌 8. Abbiocco
(n.) That drowsy, happy sleepiness after a big meal.
You know the feeling. You’ve just eaten way too much lasagna. You’re not ready to sleep — but your body says otherwise. That’s abbiocco.
🌊 9. Innamorarsi
(v.) To fall in love.
Literally: “to get oneself in love.” Romance is baked right into the language.
🎭 10. Meraviglia
(n.) Wonder, awe, amazement.
The feeling you get standing in front of the Colosseum, the Sistine Chapel, or a perfectly simple plate of spaghetti.
☀️ 11. Soleggiato
(adj.) Full of sunshine.
Not just “sunny” — soleggiato feels like warmth on your skin and light on your face.
👒 12. Dolce far niente
(phrase) The sweetness of doing nothing.
This iconic Italian lifestyle concept invites you to slow down, relax, and simply enjoy existing.
🎶 13. Cantare
(v.) To sing.
Italian is so melodic, even the word for “sing” sounds like part of a song.
☕ 14. Caffettiera
(n.) A stovetop espresso maker.
It’s not just a kitchen tool — it’s the sound of morning in an Italian home.
💌 15. Tesoro
(n.) Treasure — often used to mean "darling" or "sweetheart."
Used for loved ones, kids, pets… or even when you're trying to win over your Airbnb host.
🌻 16. Spensierato
(adj.) Carefree, without worries.
That magical state of being you’ll (hopefully) reach on vacation in Italy.
🧳 17. Viaggiare
(v.) To travel.
Because in Italian, even the word travel sounds romantic and full of promise.
🍋 18. Zest (Limone)
(n.) The peel of a lemon — and the spark of life!
Italians even make lemons poetic. Have you tasted a real Amalfi lemon?
😍 19. Colpo di fulmine
(phrase) Love at first sight (literally: a lightning strike).
Whether it’s for a person, a town, or a plate of gnocchi — you’ll feel this in Italy.
🏛️ 20. Storia
(n.) Story — and also, history.
In Italy, every stone has a storia. Every family, every recipe, every corner of Rome.
✨ Bonus Tip: Use These Words While You Travel!
Learning even a few Italian words can transform your trip. Locals appreciate it, and you'll start to feel more connected to the culture.
Want to sound more Italian while you travel? Ask us about private language & culture experiences on our tours — or join a cooking class where scarpetta is mandatory.
📲 Follow Us on Instagram @baccotours
For more stories, language tips, and off-the-beaten-path Italian magic — in your feed, every week.
Because the more you understand the words…
the more you’ll fall in love with Italy. 🇮🇹❤️
