The Secret Language of Italian Hand Gestures, Explained
If you've ever watched Italians in conversation and thought, "Are they casting spells with their hands?" — you're not entirely wrong. Italians are masters of non-verbal expression. In fact, in Italy, your hands speak almost as much as your mouth!
From frustration to flattery, affection to anger — Italian gestures are an art form of their own, and if you're traveling to Italy, knowing a few of them will make you feel like a local (or at least get a few smiles from the locals!).
Here’s your ultimate guide to 10 of the most iconic Italian hand gestures — what they mean, when to use them, and how not to get them wrong.
🤌 1. Ma che vuoi?!
The classic “What do you want?” or “What are you saying?!”
How to do it:
Bunch your fingertips together, palm facing up, and move your hand up and down repeatedly.
Use it when:
Someone says something ridiculous, confusing, or just... dumb. A true staple of the Italian emotional range.
👌 2. Perfetto!
“Perfect!”
How to do it:
Form a circle with your thumb and index finger (like the "OK" sign), then give it a little kiss with your lips.
Use it when:
The pasta is al dente. The espresso hits just right. The view from Positano? Bellissimo. Perfetto!
🤷 3. Non lo so
“I don’t know.”
How to do it:
Shrug your shoulders slightly, tilt your head, and open your hands with palms facing up.
Use it when:
Someone asks you where the nearest bus stop is and you just arrived yesterday.
🤏 4. Un pochino
“Just a little bit.”
How to do it:
Hold your thumb and index finger close together, as if you're holding a tiny grain of salt.
Use it when:
They ask if you want more wine and you do — but just a bit (wink wink).
🙄 5. Mi rompe…
“This is annoying me” or “It’s driving me crazy.”
How to do it:
Raise one hand, palm down, and rotate it in small circles near your head or chest with an exasperated face.
Use it when:
You've been waiting 40 minutes for your pizza and someone at the next table is FaceTiming on speaker.
✋ 6. Stai calmo!
“Calm down!” or “Take it easy!”
How to do it:
Push your hand down repeatedly, palm facing the ground, like you're lowering invisible air.
Use it when:
Your travel buddy is panicking over a late train, but you're already on Italian time.
💥 7. Ti faccio vedere io…
“You’ll see what happens” (warning/teasing/threat).
How to do it:
Tap your fingers on your chin or flick them forward from under your neck, eyebrows raised. Add a little attitude.
Use it when:
Half-joking. Half-serious. Fully Italian.
🤐 8. Zitto!
“Shhh!” or “Be quiet!”
How to do it:
Put your index finger vertically over your lips. Classic — but when combined with a sharp look, very effective in Italy too.
Use it when:
You’re sneaking into a church mid-mass… or someone’s talking during the movie at the outdoor cinema.
✌️ 9. Andiamo!
“Let’s go!”
How to do it:
Flick the fingers of one hand out from under your chin, forward and fast.
Use it when:
You’re ready to leave, move, eat — basically when action is needed now.
🫶 10. Cuore
“Love” or “I love you.”
How to do it:
Form a heart with both hands. While not traditionally Italian, it’s modern, universal — and a hit on Instagram in front of the Colosseum.
✨ Bonus: Why Italians Speak with Their Hands
It’s not just for drama! Gestures help emphasize emotion, clarify meaning, and keep conversations lively — especially in crowded cafés, noisy streets, or between passionate friends.
Knowing a few hand gestures can:
✅ Make your interactions more fun and expressive
✅ Help you understand conversations even if you don’t speak fluent Italian
✅ Win over locals with your effort to blend in (and maybe make them laugh!)
🇮🇹 Want to Practice in Real Life?
Join one of our walking tours, market visits or cooking experiences with Tour Guide Erik — and see these gestures in action, all while tasting, talking, and laughing your way through Italy.
👉 Book your Roman adventure now
Follow us on Instagram @baccotours
For reels, stories, and behind-the-scenes of daily Italian gestures — with real locals (and plenty of pasta).
Because in Italy, words are just the beginning. The rest? It's all in the hands. 🇮🇹🤌
