10 Italian Hand Gestures to Learn Before Travelling to Italy
Posted by Planning a trip to Italy? Before you dive into pasta, gelato, and piazzas, there’s one cultural tool you shouldn’t overlook: your hands. Italians are famous for their expressive gestures, and learning a few of them will not only help you communicate better but might even earn you a smile or two from the locals. Think of it as learning a local dialect—just one that doesn’t involve grammar. In this blog, we’ll go beyond your basic Italian phrasebook to explore 10 iconic Italian hand gestures and explain their meaning so you’re ready to go full Italian (without the jet lag).
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1. What Do You Want? (Che vuoi?)
This is the most iconic of all Italian hand gestures. The fingers and thumb are bunched together and pointed upward, shaking slightly as you speak.
Use it when: You’re confused, annoyed, or just dramatically asking someone to explain themselves.
Meaning: “What do you want?” / “What are you saying?”
2. Delizioso! (Delicious!)
Kiss your fingertips, then open your hand away from your mouth as if releasing a little culinary magic.
Use it when: You’ve just had an amazing bite of pizza or pasta.
Meaning: “That’s delicious!”
3. Ma che sei scemo? (Are you stupid?)
Tap your temple a few times with your index finger.
Use it when: Someone says something ridiculous and you need to let them know.
Meaning: “Are you out of your mind?” / “Seriously?”
4. I Don’t Care (Non mi interessa)
Brush the back of your hand from under your chin outward. It’s sassy. It’s subtle. It’s very Italian.
Use it when: You want to show that something doesn’t bother you or you’re totally uninterested.
Meaning: “Whatever.” / “I couldn’t care less.”
5. Perfecto! (Perfetto!)
Form an “OK” sign with your fingers and give a slight bounce or two.
Use it when: Everything’s just right. Cappuccino? Perfetto. View of the Colosseum? Perfetto.
Meaning: “Perfect!”
6. Let’s Get Out of Here (Andiamo via!)
Cup your hand and move it in a scooping motion over your shoulder.
Use it when: It’s time to go or you’re ready to leave a boring dinner.
Meaning: “Let’s get out of here.”
7. I’m Watching You (Ti tengo d’occhio)
Point one or two fingers toward your eyes, then toward the other person. Yes, it’s that universal “I see you” gesture—but with Italian flair.
Use it when: You want someone to know you’re keeping tabs on them.
Meaning: “I’m watching you.” / “Don’t try anything.”
8. I Swear to You (Giuro!)
Touch your index finger to your chest and hold it there firmly. This gesture adds extra weight to your words.
Use it when: You’re making a serious promise or insisting something is true.
Meaning: “I swear!” / “Honestly!”
9. I’m Fed Up (Mi sono rotto)
Hold one hand horizontally and chop the side of it into your stomach area, or do a quick flick under your chin.
Use it when: You’re totally done with something or someone has pushed your last button.
Meaning: “I’ve had enough!” / “I’m over it!”
10. Be Patient (Aspetta)
Hold your hand out with the palm down and gently move your fingers up and down, like you’re patting an invisible surface.
Use it when: You want someone to calm down or hang tight.
Meaning: “Wait a moment.” / “Hold on.”
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Whether you’re ordering coffee, navigating Roman traffic, or just trying to blend in with the locals, these gestures will go a long way. Master a few before your trip and you’ll be speaking fluent Italian… with your hands. Keep an eye out for the pictures, practise in the mirror, and don’t be afraid to go a little over the top—it’s part of the charm!
Want to really impress the locals? Pair these hand gestures with real Italian phrases by learning Italian with a native teacher. Language Trainers offers personalised Italian courses tailored to your level, schedule, and goals—online or in-person. Let your hands and your words do the talking!