The words of Italy

Italy — quotes, proverbs & wisdom

Real words from the people of Italy, each with a verified source. New quotes are added as each is fact-checked.

“He who goes slowly, goes safely; he who goes safely, goes far.”

Chi va piano, va sano e va lontano.

Source: Traditional Italian proverb, public-domain oral tradition

“The morning has gold in its mouth.”

Il mattino ha l'oro in bocca.

Source: Traditional Italian proverb, public-domain oral tradition

“Between saying and doing lies the sea.”

Tra il dire e il fare c'è di mezzo il mare.

Source: Traditional Italian proverb, public-domain oral tradition

“Not all doughnuts come out with a hole.”

Non tutte le ciambelle riescono col buco.

Source: Traditional Italian proverb, public-domain oral tradition

“A good wine makes good blood.”

Buon vino fa buon sangue.

Source: Traditional Italian proverb, public-domain oral tradition

“He who is content enjoys.”

Chi si contenta gode.

Source: Traditional Italian proverb, public-domain oral tradition

“The world is made of stairs; there are those who go up and those who go down.”

Il mondo è fatto a scale, c'è chi scende e c'è chi sale.

Source: Traditional Italian proverb, public-domain oral tradition

“He who finds a friend finds a treasure.”

Chi trova un amico trova un tesoro.

Source: Traditional Italian proverb, public-domain oral tradition

“When the cat is away, the mice dance.”

Quando il gatto non c'è, i topi ballano.

Source: Traditional Italian proverb, public-domain oral tradition

“Whoever sleeps catches no fish.”

Chi dorme non piglia pesci.

Source: Traditional Italian proverb, public-domain oral tradition