Believe it or not, Italian is much more than just a language. Hand Gestures are the fun part!
Learning Italian is not just Italian language classes, it’s an experience that involves all the senses. Gestures are an integral part of communication in Italian, so much so that sometimes they seem almost like a language unto themselves. It’s not just about amplifying what you say, but often about expressing entire concepts without uttering a word, it is about speaking Italian with your hands! How many times have you seen an Italian mime a “what do you want?” with the right hand, or indicate a “perfect!” by joining two fingertips?
Think about it: if an Italian tells you “Basta!” but their hands don’t move, something is not quite right. Gestures add emphasis, emotion, and sometimes even a touch of theatricality that makes Italian so fascinating.
If you’re planning to Lern or Improve your Italian, studying grammar and vocabulary isn’t enough.
There’s an equally important non-verbal element: gestures. Speaking Italian with your hands is key for communicating with Italians. Here some “Essential” Gestures for Survival.
* The “Ma che vuoi?” (or “What’s up?”, “What are you saying?”): Join all your fingers together and move them ‘up and down’ and towards you. This is the most iconic and versatile gesture, used to express perplexity, irritation, or simply to ask for clarification.
* The “Perfetto!” (or “Good!”, “Excellent!”): Join the fingers of your hand into a “pouch” and bring them to your mouth as if to kiss the air. This gesture expresses appreciation and can be used for a good meal, a good wine or some other positive emotion.
* The “Non mi frega!” (or “I don’t care!”): Rub the back of your index first finger on your chin, moving it outwards. It means you don’t care about something at all.
* The “Andiamo!” (or “Let’s go!”, “Hurry up!”): Move your hand with the palm down, simulating a “pushing” motion forward. Used to invite someone to move or hurry up. Often used after the expression “Dai Ragazzi!”
* The “Attenzione!” (or “Watch out!”, “Be careful!”): Point your index finger towards your eye and lower it slightly. Used to warn about something or to advise caution.
More Than an Addition, a Necessity!
Don’t underestimate the importance of these gestures. Learning to use them will not only make you more understandable, but it will also help you feel more comfortable and more “Italian” when you speak. Italian language lessons are not only grammar at Podere Cerbaia, here you will fully immerse yourself in Italian culture and mindset. Living with your teacher means learning the different dimension of communication that really makes the difference to learn how to speak Italian with your hands. Want to Know More?
https://www.poderecerbaia.it/italian-lessons-in-chianti/
If this has piqued your curiosity, we encourage you to explore more of the world of Italian gestures! An excellent starting point for further study is the book “Speak Italian: The Fine Art of the Gesture” by Bruno Munari, a classic that illustrates in a fun and brilliant way the importance of gestures in Italian communication.
For a more visual and interactive approach, also check out this: Top 10 Italian Hand Gestures Italians Use All The Time | Mondly Blog
And you, which Italian gesture are you most looking forward to learning? Let us know in the comments!
