Italians take wishing someone good luck to the next level. They invoke everything, from…
Italians take wishing someone good luck to the next level. They invoke everything, from the abstract idea of fortuna (good luck) to wolves, and even God in the heavens. Among all the common Italian expressions, these phrases to say “good luck” in Italian are so fun to learn as they involve colorful language, animals in Italian, and a wealth of personality.
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@letsbeitalians Did you know these 3 expressions? Write in the comments your favourite one
Good luck
In culo alla balena”(into the ass of a whale) to wish good luck in a playful way. It symbolizes being swallowed by a whale, like Pinocchio, and safely emerging later. The response, “Speriamo che non caghi” (Let’s hope it doesn’t poop), adds humor.
In bocca al lupo (into the wolf’s mouth) originally symbolized facing danger, like being in a wolf’s jaws. The response, “Crepi il lupo” (May the wolf die), means overcoming the challenge.
Buona fortuna is simply “Good luck!”—a straightforward way of wishing success. More alternatives?
Tanta fortuna!
Lots of luck!
Ti auguro buona fortuna!
I wish you good luck!
Che la fortuna sia con te!
May luck be with you! ….
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How to say ‘good luck’ in Italian with 8 expressions
Even if they’re not all superstitious, most Italians use quirky traditions and Italian sayings about good and bad luck every day.
So, learning to say “good luck” in Italian isn’t just polite, it’s a genuine way to connect and understand the Italian mentality.
Buona fortuna
The direct translation of “good luck” in Italian is buona fortuna: buona (good) + fortuna (luck). You can use this expression in many situations. But never say it to a performer or someone playing a game or you might otherwise jinx them!
- Buona fortuna per domani. = Good luck for tomorrow.
- Buona fortuna con l’esame. = Good luck with the exam.
In bocca al lupo
One of the most popular Italian idioms to wish “good luck” in Italian is in bocca al lupo, which means “into the mouth of the wolf.”
The origins of this expression are uncertain. It probably started as a way to ward off a dangerous situation among hunters by saying, “May the wolf eat you.” This explains why the most common response is crepi or crepi il lupo (may the wolf die).
Others say the wolf’s mouth represents safety, like when a mother wolf carries her pups. The she-wolf is also a key figure in Italian culture, like the Capitoline she-wolf from the legendary founding of Rome. In this case, you’ll reply with evviva il lupo (long live the wolf) or grazie (“thank you” in Italian).
In culo alla balena
A little more vulgar, but still fairly common, is the cheeky expression in culo alla balena (into the whale’s butt.) Yes, you read that right.
Its colorful response is even cruder: Speriamo che non caghi. (Let’s hope it doesn’t poop.)
Auguri
Auguri means many things depending on the context: “happy birthday,” “congratulations,” or “good luck.”
When it means “good luck,” Italians often use it sarcastically with a smirk. So, always say it with an intonation or facial expression that makes it sound sincere. Otherwise, it might sound like you’re mocking instead of cheering.
Incrociamo le dita
Incrociare le dita (crossing fingers) is one of the most universal symbols of hoping for good luck. Italians do it and say it, too.
- Non so ancora i risultati. Incrociamo le dita. = I don’t know the results yet. Let’s keep our fingers crossed.
- Incrocio le dita per te. = I’m crossing my fingers for you.
Tocchiamo ferro
Most countries knock on wood to prevent misfortune; Italians toccano ferro (touch iron).
Tocchiamo ferro is another popular way to wish “good luck” in Italian. Sometimes you’ll say it while touching something made of iron, like a metal chair leg.
Che Dio te la mandi buona
“May God send you a good one” is a dramatic Italian expression meaning “Let’s hope for the best.”
Depending on who’s facing the situation, you’ll hear it with the Italian pronouns ce (to us) or te (to you). But it is also used ironically, like when a friend who can’t cook is making dinner.
Spacca tutto
Spacca tutto is the Italian version of “Go crush it.” In Italian slang, this is a way to wish good luck before a difficult challenge, like an exam or a job interview.
Frequently asked questions about luck in Italian
Sounding natural when learning to speak Italian also means understanding the cultural meaning behind common expressions. That’s why immersing yourself while learning Italian is so crucial. So, let’s explore what having good luck in Italian really means.
How do you say ‘wish me luck’ and ‘lucky’ in Italian?
To say “wish me luck” in Italian, say Augurami buona fortuna. To call someone “lucky” in Italian, the word is fortunato/fortunata (m/f).
What do Italians touch for good luck?
Italians touch iron for good luck. In Southern Italy, they also touch or kiss a cornicello (or cornetto), the iconic horn-shaped lucky charm you’ll see hanging in shops and cars or worn as jewelry.
What is the Italian gesture for good luck?
Making the horns sign (with your index and pinky fingers) while holding your hand horizontally, is one of the most common Italian gestures to invite good luck or ward off bad vibes.
But be careful: pointing it at someone with your wrist raised becomes an insult. If you turn your hand vertically, with your palm facing someone, it becomes an insult. This is a different meaning from how it’s commonly used in the United States, so keep your hand more horizontal to avoid offense.
What is the Italian symbol for good luck?
Italian culture is rich in good luck symbols. Keep an eye out for any of these items and or actions.
- cornicello (horn-shaped charm)
- quadrifoglio (four-leafed clover)
- number 13 (except when it’s the number of people at the table)
- ferro di cavallo (horseshoe)
- coccinella (a ladybug) that lands on you
- eating lentils and wearing red underwear on New Year’s Eve
- getting pooped on by a bird or stepping in dog poop (gross but lucky!)
What is bad luck for Italians?
The most common things Italians believe about bad luck range from cats to brooms and mirrors. What you won’t find is pasta. It’s not bad luck to break pasta when cooking, but it’s definitely cultural sacrilege and will give your sweet nonna a heart attack!
- breaking a mirror brings seven years of bad luck
- having 13 guests at the table recalls the last supper (always add a spot or symbol for an additional guest)
- saying buona fortuna to performers
- making plans on venerdì 17 (Friday the 17th)
- a hat on the bed is an omen of bad news or death
- spilling salt or placing bread facing down
- toasting with water or empty glasses
- a black cat crossing your path
- walking under a ladder
- sweeping over your feet (you won’t get married)
- opening an umbrella indoors
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