When we think of Italy, what comes to mind is good food, beautiful art and cities full of history. But there’s something else that changes from one region to the next: the way people speak. Italian dialects are incredibly diverse, each one captures the heart and soul of a place.
In this article, we’ll take you on a journey from north to south to discover some of the most fascinating dialects in Italy, including quirky expressions and words you’d never find in a grammar book. Ready to be surprised?
Why are Italian dialects so unique and different from each other?
Italian dialects are actual languages, each with their own history, sounds and grammar. Many of them date back centuries, to when Italy was made up of small states, each with different influences: French in the north, Arabic in the South, and Germanic in parts of the Centre.
That’s why a Sicilian and a Venetian might not understand each other, even though they both speak a type of Italian dialect. In fact, some dialects sound completely foreign to Italians from other regions!
From Piedmontese to Ligurian: northern accents and surprising words
In northern Italy, dialects tend to have sharper, more closed sounds, often with a French influence. In Piedmont, you might hear someone say bogianen (meaning someone who never moves), while in Liguria, belin is a famously flexible word used to show surprise or frustration.
Then there’s fugassa (focaccia), ciassa (square), or expressions like te ghe rason in Venetian, meaning “you’re right”. They sound different from standard Italian, but say a lot about the local character.
Watch out for false friends!
In Piedmontese, fresco can mean “silly”, while in Italian it just means “cool” or “fresh”. Small words, big differences!
Dialects of central Italy: from Roman to Tuscan
In the centre of Italy, dialects are colourful and full of personality. Roman is bold, expressive and often ironic: me viè da ride (I feel like laughing), nun me va (I can’t be bothered), che te possino! (a playful curse).
Tuscan, on the other hand, is famous for its “gorgia”, a feature where “c” becomes softer: casa sounds like hasa, capito becomes hapito. And there are words only a true Tuscan would use: bischero (idiot, affectionately), ganzo (cool), or bono (good) with extra warmth.
The rich sounds of southern Italy
Southern dialects are musical, passionate and full of imagery. In Naples, people say Tengo famme (I’m hungry), in Calabria mi ridi means “you make me laugh”, and in Sicily beddu means “handsome” but with a warmth all of its own.
These are lively, expressive dialects where gestures go hand in hand with words. A chat between two grandparents at the market can feel like theatre. Every word seems to carry its own story.
Fun fact: Fimmina (woman) is a shared word in both Calabria and Sicily.
Why do some dialects survive while others fade away?
Many dialects are still alive in homes, in local bars, and among friends. Others are slowly fading because they’re not passed down or regularly spoken anymore.
Where grandparents speak dialect but their grandchildren reply in Italian, that link can break. Still, today, with the help of videos, music, social media and local projects, young people are starting to rediscover them.
Do younger generations still speak dialects in Italy?
It really depends on the setting. In small towns, you still hear kids and grandparents chatting in dialect. In cities, younger people might know a few words for fun or to make memes, but rarely speak fluently.
That said, some younger Italians are choosing to learn their grandparents’ dialect, a beautiful way to feel more connected to their family and heritage.
Curious expressions you’ll never find in a textbook
Every dialect has phrases that don’t translate easily. Here are a few that say a lot with very little:
- Naples: Ogni scarrafone è bello a mamma soja – Every mum thinks her child is beautiful.
- Rome: M’è cascato l’occhio – I nodded off.
- Sicily: U’ scuru scuru – Deep darkness.
- Milan: A l’è propri un gran bel fiö – He’s a really handsome boy.
These phrases show how much culture is packed into everyday speech.
A living map of Italian dialects
You don’t need a map to realise how different dialects are. Just travel a few kilometres and you’ll hear the change.
Here’s a rough guide:
- Northwest: Piedmontese, Lombard, Ligurian.
- Northeast: Venetian, Friulian.
- Centre: Tuscan, Roman, Marche.
- South: Neapolitan, Calabrian, Lucanian.
- Islands: Sardinian, Sicilian.
Each has its own origin, sound, and development, all worth hearing at least once.
Tips if you’re curious to understand and use a bit of dialect
You don’t need to study dialects like you would standard Italian. Just be curious, pay attention and enjoy the ride. Here’s how:
- Listen to people around you – in markets, bars, queues. Each region has its own musicality.
- Ask questions – people love to explain their local expressions, often with funny stories.
- Follow creators – many YouTube, TikTok or Instagram pages explore everyday life in dialect, often with subtitles.
- Start simple – expressions like ciao bello, uè, babbà, ajò, tòtt say a lot with just one word.
- Repeat out loud – it helps you get used to the sounds.
- Use phrases in relaxed settings – even just one word can build connection and show cultural appreciation.
Even using one word with warmth and respect makes a big difference.
Regional glossary that will make you feel like a local
Lombardy (especially Milan and Brianza)
- Bauscia – Someone who brags a little too much, but in a likeable way
- Balòss – A scoundrel, but not in a serious way, like a “crafty” person
- Sciur – A wealthy gentleman
- Ves – Annoyance, boredom (“Mi dà ves” = “He annoys me”)
- Pirla – Silly, very commonly used, but in a good-natured way
Piedmont (Turin and surrounding areas)
- Bogia nen – Literally “don’t move”, meaning “stay still” or “don’t give up”
- Ciabot – Shed, country cottage
- Ghitin – Tiny
- Soma d’aj – Simple person, literally “sack of garlic”
- Madòss – Exclamation similar to “oh my God!
Liguria (Genoa and surrounding areas)
- Belin – Very commonly used! Can mean anything from amazement to anger to joy
- Sciancato – In poor condition, in pain
- Mugugno – Constant complaining, typical of Genoese people
- U sà – ‘You know”
- Zeneize – Genoese, also used to denote a strong sense of identity
Veneto
- Ciò – Very commonly used interjection, like “oh!”
- Te ga – “You have”
- Sgionf – Swollen or even full, satiated
- Vecio – Old, but also “friend” in an affectionate tone
- Pìti – Hunger, desire to eat
Friuli Venezia Giulia (Friulian)
- Mandi – Hello, very commonly used greeting
- Ducj – Everyone
- Tiere – Earth
- Gno – Mine
- Biel – Beautiful
Emilia-Romagna (Bolognese, Modenese, Romagnolo)
- Azdòra – Housewife, central figure of the family
- Soccia! – Strong exclamation, like ‘damn it!
- Zdaura – Mum, lady
- S’ciupè – To tumble, to fall
- Magnèr – To eat
Tuscany (Florentine, Pisan, Sienese)
- Ganzo – Cool, interesting
- Grullo – Silly
- Bischero – Silly, but likeable
- Ci garba – We like it
- Sciapo – Bland (but also a dull person)
Lazio (Roman)
- Daje – Come on! Go on!
- Aho – Typical interjection, like “oh!”
- Pischello/a – Young boy/girl
- “Namo – Let’s go
- Mo” – Now, right now
Campania (Neapolitan)
- Guagliò – Boy, friend
- Aggio – I have
- Statt’ buon’ – Take care, bye
- Ammò – Again
- O’ pazz’ – Are you crazy? (but also in an affectionate sense)
Puglia (Bari and Salento)
- Ci stai? – Are you there? Are you in?
- Uagnun – Boy
- Mbà – Brother, friend
- Ce stai facenn’? – What are you doing?
- Sciuè sciuè – Things done quickly or roughly
Calabria
- Ajò – Let’s go! Come on! (also in Sardinia)
- Compari – Close friend, buddy
- Maccarruni – Type of handmade pasta, but also a metaphor for abundance
- Mbroglia – Confusion, mess
- Fimmina – Woman
Sicily (Palermo, Catania, etc.)
- Bedda/o – Beautiful
- Picciotto – Boy
- Accattari – To buy
- Taliare – To look
- Fimmina – Woman
Sardinia (Sardinian)
- Ajò – Let’s go! (typical exclamation)
- Pitzinnu – Child
- Inoghe – Here
- Tancas – Enclosures or fields
- Fuedda – Word
Italian dialects teach you much more than words
Knowing Italian dialects opens you up to a completely different perspective than just the standard language. It’s not just a matter of sounds or accents, but of different origins, histories, emotions and social roles.
Each dialect has followed its own path, often separate from standard Italian, which has its roots in Latin but has taken its own direction. Some, such as Milanese, Neapolitan, Sardinian and Emilian-Romagnol, are still used today, while others survive only thanks to oral tradition and local passion.
Understanding these differences helps you to better understand Italy, but also the language itself. In fact, the standard language has often developed alongside dialects, taking something from each one over time. Knowing them allows you to pick up nuances, idioms and words that you won’t find in any grammar book.
And if you too want to go beyond the rules and really discover how people speak, live and think in Italy…
An authentic experience awaits you, designed for those who love to learn with their hearts and minds. Personalised courses, lessons with passionate teachers, workshops where language intertwines with culture, traditions, music and emotions.
Because learning Italian is wonderful.
But experiencing it with all its words, accents and differences… is a journey you will never forget.