Learning how to say good luck in Italian is easy and fun! This guide covers all the essentials, including fun facts like why ‘whales’ asses’ are linked to good luck or why Italians can’t resist a quick touch of ‘iron’ when they need a bit of fortune. Make sure you read till the end to discover 7 quirky ways Italians ward off bad luck!
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10 Ways to Say GOOD LUCK in Italian
In Italy, luck is often seen as a powerful force that can shape one’s happiness or misfortune. Whether someone is baciato dalla fortuna (blessed by luck) or experiences some fortuna del principiante (beginner’s luck) when embarking on new adventures, the concept of luck often comes up in everyday conversations. To help you join these conversations and spread some good vibes, here are ten different ways to wish someone good luck in Italian.
1. Buona fortuna!
Literally: Good fortune
The most straightforward way of wishing someone good luck in Italian is Buona fortuna! (Good luck!). This expression is perfect for pretty much any situation, and is made up of the adjective buona (good) and the noun fortuna (fortune).
You can use it on its own or as part of longer sentences, in which case you’ll typically pair it with the preposition per (for) or con (with). While there are no strict grammatical rules, everyday usage generally follows these patterns:
- con (with), when wishing good luck for a specific task, as in Buona fortuna con quella torta, è parecchio difficile da fare! (Good luck with that cake, it’s quite difficult to make!)
- per (for), when cheering someone on for something more generic, as in Buona fortuna per i tuoi progetti (Good luck for your projects)
Here’s a fun fact: Italians avoid using the expression Buona Fortuna in certain situations, like before a performance, a game, or when they’re hitting the casino. Why? Superstition! They think it could bring bad luck. But don’t worry – there are some quirky alternatives that we’ll dive into later in this guide.
2. Auguri!
Literally: Wishes
Auguri comes from the verb augurare (to wish) and it’s the Italian way of saying “best wishes.” Here’s a cool tidbit if you’re into your history: back in ancient Rome, auguri were actually priests who interpreted the will of the gods by watching birds fly around. Over time, that mystical bird-watching evolved into the auguri Italians use today – wishing people all the best for happy moments and positive outcomes!
You’ll hear auguri frequently during celebrations, such as birthdays, anniversaries, and major holidays – Christmas, Easter, you name it. Beyond that, auguri is also used for wishing someone good luck and happiness in new ventures, whether it’s a new job, a pregnancy or any other exciting life change. Here are some examples:
- Auguri di buon compleanno! – Happy birthday! (Pro tip: according to Italian customs, it’s bad luck to say Auguri! before someone’s actual birthday, so keep your auguri on standby until the big day!)
- Tanti auguri di Buon Natale! – Merry Christmas!
- Ti faccio i miei migliori auguri per il nuovo lavoro! – Good luck with your new job!
Sometimes, Italians say Auguri! with a cheeky grin when someone’s about to face something tough or just plain ridiculous. It’s like a sarcastic “good luck with that!” – perfect for adding a little humor to the conversation, but keep this one for casual chats. For example:
- A: Domani devo alzarmi alle 4 per prendere l’aereo – Tomorrow I have to wake up at 4 a.m. to catch my flight
- B: Auguri! – Good luck!
3. Incrociamo le dita!
Literally: Let’s cross the fingers
Incrociamo le dita is the Italian way of saying “fingers crossed” whenever you’re anxiously waiting for something to go your way. But did you know this simple gesture has a fascinating history rooted in religion? Christians would use it as a secret code to symbolize Jesus’ cross during the persecutions. Then, in the Middle Ages, people started crossing their fingers to keep the devil at bay because they thought the devil could sneak into one’s soul through the fingertips!
Today, incrociamo le dita is one of the most popular expressions in Italy when you’re hoping for something to turn out well, whether for you or for someone else. And because Italians are all about using hand gestures, they often accompany this phrase with the act of crossing their fingers. For example:
- A: I risultati escono domani, che ansia! – The results come out tomorrow, I’m so anxious!
- B: Dai, incrociamo le dita! – Come on, let’s cross our fingers!
Here’s another example:
- A: Ti hanno richiamato dopo il colloquio? – Did they call you back after the interview?
- B: Non ancora, ma incrociamo le dita, ho davvero bisogno di quel lavoro! – Not yet, but fingers crossed, I really need that job!
4. Tocchiamo Ferro!
Literally: Let’s touch iron
When it comes to warding off bad luck in Italian, forget about wood – Italians prefer iron! Similar to the English “knock on wood,” tocchiamo ferro is the Italian way of making sure things don’t go bad, not necessarily to bring good luck, but definitely to keep the bad luck away. It’s a bit like saying Speriamo che vada bene (Let’s hope it goes well). And yes, many Italians will actually reach for something metal when they say it, just to be safe! Here are a couple of examples:
- Quest’anno non ho ancora preso una multa, tocchiamo ferro! – I haven’t got a fine yet this year, knock on wood!
- Domani mio figlio ha la prima prova della maturità, tocchiamo ferro! – Tomorrow my son has his first high school final exam, knock on wood!
So, why iron and not wood? Well, one theory is that iron has been a symbol of protection for ages, thanks to its role in making shields and swords. Another idea ties back to Saint Dunstan, a legendary blacksmith who supposedly trapped the devil and only let him go after making him promise never to show up where there’s a horseshoe. This might be why horseshoes are still seen as lucky charms today!
5. In bocca al lupo!
Literally: Into the mouth of the wolf
In bocca al lupo literally means “into the mouth of the wolf,” but don’t worry, it’s not as scary as it sounds! This is basically Italy’s version of “break a leg,” and Italians use it to wish someone good luck in almost any situation, whether formal or informal. When you want to get specific about what you’re wishing good luck for, you just add the preposition per (for), like this:
- Buon viaggio Laura, in bocca al lupo per tutto! – Have a great trip, Laura, and good luck with everything!
- Ho saputo che domani sarà il suo ultimo giorno, le faccio un grande in bocca al lupo per tutti i suoi progetti futuri! – I heard tomorrow is your last day. I wish you the best of luck with all your future projects!
Curious about where this funny expression came from? Find out more in my guide on the origins of in bocca al lupo and how to respond like a true Italian!
6. In culo alla balena!
Literally: Into the whale’s ass
The expression in culo alla balena is a cheeky alternative to the more conventional in bocca al lupo for wishing someone good luck in Italian. It’s a favorite among the younger crowd when someone is about to tackle a something challenging, like a big exam or a nerve-wracking project. Just keep it casual—this one is not for fancy dinners! Here’s an example:
- A: Madonna, oggi c’è il compito in classe di latino! – Oh no, today there’s a Latin test!
- B: Allora in culo alla balena! – Into the whale’s ass, then!
- A: Eh, speriamo che non caghi! – Well, let’s hope it doesn’t poop!
And here’s something you might not expect: the whale’s ass is actually a nod to a biblical story! It’s about Jonah, who was thrown into the sea during a storm but managed to survive because it was swallowed by a giant fish. . After three days, the fish spat him out, and voilà – that’s how the whale became a symbol of good luck.
Finally, when someone wishes you In culo alla balena, you’re expected to respond with Speriamo che non caghi (Let’s hope it doesn’t poop), almost conveying the wish to stay cozy inside the whale until needed!
7. Che Dio ce la mandi buona!
Literally: May God send us a good one
When Italians are on the brink of something big and they just need a little extra sprinkle of luck, they often turn to the divine with the expression Che Dio ce la mandi buona!, which is a bit like saying “let’s hope for the best” in English. For example:
- Oggi è la tappa più lunga del trekking e il tempo non promette bene. Che Dio ce la mandi buona! – Today is the longest stage of the trek, and the weather doesn’t look promising. Let’s hope for the best!
This expression is often used with a touch of irony or humor to convey light-hearted concern about everyday situations. Imagine that your friend Marta is in charge of dinner and she’s known for the adventurous cooking style; you might say:
- Stasera cucina Marta… che Dio ce la mandi buona! – Marta is cooking tonight… let’s hope for the best!
Originally, this Italian saying probably started with farmers praying for a bountiful harvest. Now, it’s a versatile expression for wishing good fortune in various situations.
8. Spero che vada tutto bene!
Literally: I hope everything goes well
Spero che vada tutto bene is used to wish someone good luck while conveying your support and positive thoughts. It’s like a verbal hug, saying “I hope everything goes well!”
For instance:
- A: Domani operano mia mamma – Tomorrow, my mom is having surgery
- B: Spero che vada tutto bene, fammi sapere – I hope everything goes well, let me know
A variation of this expression is Vedrai che andrà tutto bene (lit. You’ll see, everything will be fine). It’s particularly useful when someone is stressing about something and you want to reassure them:
- A: E se quando sono sul palco mi blocco e dimentico le parole? – What if I freeze on stage and forget the words?
- B: Basta con questi pensieri, vedrai che andrà tutto bene! – Stop with those thoughts, you’ll see that everything will be fine!
9. Merda merda merda!
Literally: Shit, shit, shit
Similarly to other languages, the practice of shouting merda (shit) is a unique ritual in the theatre world. Actors say it three times before hitting the stage, believing it will ensure a killer performance. And if you want to wish an actor good luck before a show, you’ll say Tanta merda! (A lot of shit!) – like wishing them a boatload of good luck!
The origin of this colorful expression dates back to the 17th and 18th centuries when audiences traveled to theaters in carriages. The streets outside would get covered in horse manure, and the more manure, the larger the audience – a sign that the show was a hit. So, when you wish for merda (shit), you’re basically hoping for a full house and a fabulous show.
10. Auguri e figli maschi!
Literally: Wishes and male children
In Italy, when someone announces an engagement or a wedding, you might still hear people cheer Auguri e figli maschi! (Best wishes and male children!) amidst all the clinking of glasses.
It’s an old expression from a time when family dynamics were quite different. In the past, it was all about having sons because they’d carry on the family name and help with the family business, while women typically stayed at home. Times have changed, of course, but this expression is still used as a way to wish a joyful, prosperous life to a new family.
7 Ways Italians ward off bad luck
While good luck can surprise us in many ways, Italians are known for their foresight and often rely on symbols and gestures to keep bad luck at bay. Below are some of the most popular ones and for a deeper dive, don’t miss my guide to Italian superstitions!
1. Il cornetto (the good luck horn)
First up, meet il cornetto – a red, horn-shaped charm that Italians swear by for good luck. This symbol has been found since ancient times, when it represented strength and fertility. You’ll see it dangling from keychains and necklaces, especially in Naples. Just a heads up: to really work its magic, it needs to be a gift!
2. Il ferro di cavallo (the horseshoe)
The horseshoe is another classic good fortune symbol in Italy. This tradition dates back to the Middle Ages when Saint Dunstan used it as a charm against evil spirits. Just be sure to hang it with the open end facing upwards, so all that good fortune doesn’t slip away!
3. Il quadrifoglio (the four-leaf clover)
Finding a four-leaf clover is not easy, which is why it’s considered a rare and special sign of good luck. Plus, each leaf is said to represent hope, faith, love, and luck, so, if you stumble upon one, consider yourself blessed with a super dose of good fortune!
4. La coccinella (the ladybug)
The ladybug is a well-loved symbol of good fortune believed to be a messenger of divine blessings. Its red shell is supposed to be reminiscent of the cloak with which Virgin Mary was often depicted in paintings, and those black spots are said to represent her “Seven Sorrows.”
5. Le corna (the horns)
Fare le corna (to do the horns) is the ultimate Italian gesture to ward off the evil eye – but only if you point them downward. If you point them up, you are saying cornuto/a (someone being cuckolded). So, direction matters!
6. Le lenticchie (the lentils)
Eating lentils on New Year’s Eve or Day is a beloved Italian tradition. The ancient Romans used to give lentils as a gift to wish for prosperity and wealth in the coming year. So, always indulge in a hearty serving! So, munch away for that extra boost of luck!
7. Toccarsi le palle (touching one’s balls)
When facing bad news or bumping into a funeral, Italian men ward off bad luck by giving themselves a quick, discreet touch of the family jewels! Of course, it’s not exactly the most refined gesture, so maybe save it for when no one’s watching!
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