19+ Italian Proverbs About Life, Family & Friendship to Improve Your English

Italian proverbs are short sayings that offer wisdom and guidance on several life experiences which we all go through. These sayings have been passed down through generations, capturing the cultural values and common sense of Italian society. Not only this, they often focus on themes like family, hard work, patience, and living a good life. They can also be funny, insightful, or just a reminder of some practical advice. Ready to dive into some Italian proverbs? Make sure you continue reading this blog post which talks all about Italian proverbs and how they can be used in improvising your English grammar. 

Read more blogs on Proverbs here from scratch!

What are Italian Proverbs?

Italian proverbs are short sayings that offer wisdom and guidance, often passed down through generations. They cover a wide range of topics, from life lessons to love and friendship. Moreover, Italian proverbs hold a significant place in Italian culture for several reasons:

• Carries values and wisdom: Proverbs act as capsules of accumulated knowledge and traditional values. They offer guidance on navigating life’s complexities, from work ethic to interpersonal relationships. They represent a kind of collective wisdom passed down through generations.

• Cultural Insight: Understanding Italian proverbs provides a window into the Italian way of life. They highlight the importance of family, patience, hard work, and a touch of realism about life’s challenges. By understanding these proverbs, you gain a deeper appreciation for Italian culture.

• Timeless Advice: Many proverbs offer universal truths that remain relevant across cultures and time.  The concept of “better late than never” or “you can’t judge a book by its cover” holds true in many societies.

To find more information about Italian proverbs and how they can be used in all aspects, then you must continue reading. 

Also Read: 9 Best Proverbs on Art that are Full of Creativity with Meaning

Funny Italian Proverbs

Buckle up for a laugh riot! Italian proverbs aren’t all about stoicism and wisdom. They also have a fantastically funny side that uses clever wordplay and vivid imagery. Check out this table below which enlists some of the most funny Italian proverbs along with their meanings. 

Funny Italian Proverbs	Explanation
To have prosciutto over your eyes	This literally translates to “having ham over your eyes” but means to be blind to something obvious, especially due to personal bias.
To be like parsley	This proverb refers to someone who is everywhere and seems to get involved in everything. Parsley is a common garnish, so the image is of someone who pops up like a garnish on every dish!
To fall from the clouds	It translates to “to fall from the clouds” but means to be completely surprised or clueless about something. Imagine someone so out of touch they fall out of the sky!
To close the stable when the oxen have escaped	This proverb means to take action after it’s too late. The image of someone calmly shutting the barn door after the cows have wandered off is quite humorous.
To find yourself with a fistful of flies	This proverb means to be left empty-handed or disappointed after expecting a great outcome.

Also Read: 11 Common Russian Proverbs in English You Should Know

Italian Proverbs about Life

Life’s journey is full of twists and turns, and Italians, known for their love of storytelling and wisdom, have captured its essence in a treasure trove of proverbs. Below is a table which lists some of the some of the famous proverbs about life.

Italian Proverbs about Life	Meaning
Life is beautiful	It carries a message of optimism and appreciation for the wonder and value of life.
Life is like that	This is the most literal translation and simply acknowledges that things happen in life, good and bad.
No news is good news	Sometimes referred to as an Italian proverb, it expresses hope that if you haven’t heard bad news, things are probably going well. The lack of news is interpreted as a positive sign.
Whatever and whoever turns around, you’ll always end up at home	The most straightforward meaning is that no matter how far you travel or how many detours you take in life, you will eventually return home. Here, ‘home’ represents a place of comfort, familiarity, and security.
A dress doesn’t make the priest	It suggests that a priest’s clothing (the habit) signifies their religious position, but it doesn’t tell you anything about the person themself. They could be kind and wise, or arrogant and hypocritical

Also Read: 11+ Famous Afghan Proverbs (with Meaning) that Will Open Your Eyes!

Italian Proverbs about Family

Family is a keystone of Italian culture. It’s no surprise then that Italian proverbs are brimming with wisdom about family life. Get ready to delve into the heart of Italian culture through these time-tested proverbs!

Italian Proverbs about Family	Meaning
Mother’s love is limitless	This proverb beautifully captures the essence of a mother’s love being boundless and unconditional.
Family is everything	This proverb emphasises the central role family plays in Italian culture. Italian society places a high value on family. Family members are expected to support and care for each other throughout life.
Like father, like son	The meaning is very similar to the English proverb. It suggests that a son inherits characteristics, behaviours, or even professions from his father.
Affection towards parents is the foundation of every virtue.	The proverb emphasizes the significance of a strong and loving bond with parents in shaping a person’s character.
A good mother is worth a hundred teachers	It signifies the irreplaceable role of a good mother in a child’s life. Mothers provide not just basic needs, but also love, guidance, and emotional support that are crucial for a child’s development.

Also Read: 9+ Popular Kashmiri Proverbs for Students to Gain Wisdom

Italian Proverbs about Friendship

Friendship is a cornerstone of Italian culture, and their proverbs reflect this value. Check out the table below which lists some of the commonly used proverbs about friendship which you can either use to improve your writing skills or strengthen your friendship. 

Italian Proverbs about Friendship	Meaning
Friends are the family we choose ourselves	This proverb acknowledges the special bond between friends. We choose our friends, and these chosen relationships can be just as important, if not more so, than family ties.
Who finds a friend finds a treasure	It emphasizes the value of good friends, comparing them to precious treasures. True friends enrich your life and bring joy.
A true friend is seen in times of need	It highlights the importance of friends who are there for you during difficult times. True friendship is tested by challenges, and those who stand by you are the ones to cherish.
Walking with a friend in the dark is better than walking alone in the light	It states the comfort and support that friends provide. Even during tough times, having a friend by your side makes the journey easier.
He is not a friend who does not tell you your faults	It signifies honesty and constructive criticism in friendship. True friends will be honest with you, even if it’s difficult to hear because they care about your growth.

Check out more blogs on Proverbs!

19+ Ancient Chinese Proverbs You Must Know!	Funny Chinese Proverbs with Meaning about Life, Love, and Success
11+ Chinese Love Proverbs Which Will Make You Fall in Love!	Chinese Proverb about Family
9+ Timeless Chinese Proverbs about the Future You Should Know	19+ Ancient Chinese Proverb You Must Know!

FAQs

This was all about the “Italian proverbs.” Hopefully, you understand the concept and where it’s used. You can also follow Leverage Edu for more exciting and informative blogs.