People who live in Italy talk about time differently. Not because life there is simpler – but because the language knows how to make it easier.
The Germans optimise, prioritise and improve efficiency. The Italians have seven phrases that make all that unnecessary.
1. „Piano, piano.“
Slowly, slowly. Not as an excuse, but as a matter of principle. In Germany, people explain why something isn’t finished yet. In Italy, they say ‘piano, piano’ – meaning: it’ll be finished when it’s finished, and then it’ll be good. That’s not a promise. It’s a way of looking at the world.
10 songs to help you learn Italian
2. „Little by little.“
Bit by bit. The practical cousin of ‘piano piano’ – less philosophy, more toolbox. It’s what people say when someone’s trying to do too much at once. Renovating the house, sorting out their career, losing ten kilos. Poco a poco. First, the next step. Then the one after that. The rest will fall into place.
3. „Che sarà, sarà”.“
Whatever will be, will be. No fatalism, no shrugging of the shoulders – more a pragmatic elegance in dealing with things you can’t control. The cancelled train. The rain at the market. The neighbour who’s playing his music too loudly again. The phrase sounds like something Doris Day might say, but it works better than any resilience workshop.
7 words for ‘sun’ that spring to mind
4. „Tranquillo”.“
Take it easy. Everything’s fine. It’s something people like to say when, clearly, not everything is fine – the coffee’s been knocked over, the bus has gone, the table isn’t free yet. And yet, somehow, it’s true. The sun’s still shining. The next bus is coming. ‘Tranquillo’ isn’t a judgement on the situation, but a decision about how to deal with it.
5. „The food is good.“
Whilst we pore over guidebooks looking for museums, opening times and traditional crafts, Italians ask just one question: ‘Is the food any good there?’ If the answer is a nod, the place is recommended. Before the sights, before the weather, before the hotel. A village where you can eat well is a good village. It’s a way of thinking that makes life so much simpler.
60 Seconds Italy: The Quick Quiz
6. „Thank goodness’.“
Thank goodness. Literally: »not as bad«. A wonderfully honest way of expressing relief. Not »how lovely«, not ‘how brilliant’ – but: it could have been worse, and that’s reason enough to be glad. An attitude that’s sorely needed on the Munich underground.
7. „Dai, dai.“
Come on. Two syllables that mean: things are moving on – and that’s a good thing. After six paragraphs on slowness, serenity and the art of not rushing into things, that’s exactly what’s needed at the end. Even the Italians have to set off at some point. Dai, dai.
Sicily: Italy’s southern spirit
