Wandering through the streets of Taormina, it’s easy to fall in love with Sicily. The warmth of the people, the flavors of the food, and the echoes of history at every corner create an unforgettable experience. Then, suddenly, you hear a few words in Sicilian dialect, and it’s like stepping into a whole new world.
Sicilian idioms are more than just expressions; they are windows into the island’s culture, its humor, and its way of seeing life. Here are seven of the most fascinating Sicilian proverbs, each carrying centuries of wisdom and a unique way of looking at the world.
If someone were to spend just one day in Sicily and ask, ‘What must be seen?’ I would answer without hesitation: Taormina. [Guy de Maupassant]
7 Sicilian expressions that reveal the island’s spirit
1. Nuddu si pigghia si ‘un s’assimigghia
Italian: Nessuno si sceglie se non si somiglia.
This proverb reminds us how it is easier to surround ourselves with people who are similar to us. Literally we choose to have by our side those who are most akin to our view of things.
Sharing passions, interests and hobbies is the basis of the strongest relationships of love or friendship. The popular wisdom embraces the idea of elective affinity, which makes commonalities the driving engine of attraction.
2. Pignata taliata ‘un vugghi mai
Italian: La pentola osservata non bolle mai.
In this case, the image is immediately meaningful: watching a pot waiting for the water to boil will not make it boil sooner, quite the contrary! It is an invitation not to be impatient and towait for the time to be ripe.
How many times have you been waiting for something with great excitement or anxiety? Time seems to dilate, flow more slowly and move your goal away from you, whether it is a good plate of pasta or an important milestone.
3. Savva a pezza pi quannu veni u puttusu
Italian: Conserva la pezza o la toppa per quando ci sarà il buco.
Folk wisdom teaches us to be shrewd and not to waste our resources. Literally, it invites us to conserve cloth today so that we can mend a hole tomorrow.
A very powerful image that invites us to reflect on how even the things that seem to be of no use to us today can come in handy tomorrow to cope with life’s unexpected events.
4. Cu nasci tunnu ‘un po moriri quatratu
Italian: Chi nasce tondo non può morire quadrato.
This saying is meant to emphasize how difficult it is for human beings to change their nature. Human beings are prone to repeat the same behaviors and sometimes even the same mistakes, even if they do not want to.
It is almost used as a justification for those who fail to realize their limitations. There is another variant of this fishing-related proverb: “cu nasci tunnu ‘un po moriri pisci spata.” The meaning is the same, only the image changes, which brings our minds back to the Strait of Messina or the famous Sicilian tuna nets.
5. Cchiu scuru i menzanotti un po’ fari
Italian: Non può esserci più buio di quanto ce ne sia a mezzanotte.
If you have a Sicilian friend, you will have heard him or her say this phrase at least once. It is almost a mantra to ward off fear in the hardest of times, a way of reminding-first and foremost oneself-that even the worst moments sooner or later pass.
So what does it mean that there can’t be any darker than midnight? It means that if worse comes to worse, things can only get better.
6. Cu mancia fa muddichi
Italian: Chi mangia, fa briciole.
There are two possible explanations for this saying related to the imagery of the table, like many of the Sicilian proverbs.
The idea is “he who does, errs.” It is an invitation not to get angry at the small mistakes one makes on one’s path, because those who set out inevitably have to confront the possibility of making mistakes.
A second meaning refers instead to the impossibility of acting in secret, because the traces of our actions are always visible.
7. Comu veni si cunta
Italian: Come viene si racconta.
It is not easy to translate this expression since it seems to encompass multiple nuances. The idea is not to be disturbed by how a given situation will develop even before it arises.
Literally: we will tell things the way they will develop. This does not mean passively accepting the flow of things, but being ready to welcome even the unexpected events of life and to put ourselves out there, without letting ourselves be blocked by fear of what might happen.
The Sicilian dialect: a language full of history and identity
Sicilian isn’t just a dialect. It’s a language in its own right, shaped by centuries of cultural influences. From Greek and Latin to Arabic and Spanish, Sicilian expressions carry traces of the many civilizations that have called this island home.
Learning even just a few idioms is like stepping into Sicily’s deep-rooted traditions, where storytelling, humor, and philosophy blend seamlessly.
What makes Sicilian proverbs so unique?
Sicilian proverbs are more than just catchy sayings. They reflect a way of thinking that is both poetic and practical.
They often use vivid imagery from nature, food, or everyday life, making them easy to remember and full of meaning.
Whether it’s a lesson in patience, resilience, or human nature, these expressions capture the soul of Sicily in just a few words.
How learning idioms can improve your Italian
Even if you’re studying standard Italian, understanding regional expressions like these will help you grasp the rhythm, humor, and mindset of native speakers.
Learning idioms allows you to:
- understand locals better: Italians love using idiomatic expressions in daily conversations.
- Sound more natural: using proverbs correctly makes your Italian more authentic.
- Connect with culture: language is deeply tied to tradition, and idioms reflect centuries of wisdom.
- Have fun while learning: many idioms have amusing or unexpected meanings, making language study more engaging.
Want to experience Sicily and learn Italian at the same time?
If reading these proverbs has made you curious about Sicily and its vibrant language, why not take it a step further?
With Sì Studiare Italiano, you can improve your Italian while experiencing the magic of Sicily firsthand.
Imagine learning Italian while sipping an espresso in a café, exploring ancient ruins, or chatting with locals at a traditional market.
Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced learner, Sì Studiare Italiano offers immersive courses in Sicily, blending language learning with real cultural experiences.
Ready to bring your Italian to life? Discover our courses and start your Sicilian adventure today!
Explore Italian cities like Milan, Florence, Venice, Rome, and Taormina, and discover the creativity and musicality behind our distinctive proverbs and expressions.
Italian sayings are often untranslatable into other languages and can be tricky to understand. However, playing around with these idioms can be a fun and educational experience that helps you dive deeper into Italian culture in a more authentic way.