Learn Italian Culture: Gestures, Unwritten Rules & Social Habits

Learning Italian at Bertamini goes far beyond grammar. It’s about culture, live interaction, and gastronomy. We combine experiential teaching with cultural immersion, helping you understand every nuance of body language and avoid misunderstandings.

Essential Italian Gestures: What Greeks and British Understand

Some Italian gestures are so distinctive that Greeks instantly understand them, while British may find them confusing or misinterpret their meaning.

1. Ma che vuoi? – What do you want?
Movement: Fingers of one hand come together in a conical shape, moving up and down with the palm facing upwards.
Meaning: Expresses surprise or a demand for clarification, e.g., “What do you mean?”

• Greek: Understands immediately.
• British: Might think, “Why are you moving your hands like that?” or perceive it as nervous or awkward.

2. Hai paura? – Are you scared?
Movement: Fingers in a conical shape open and close in front of the torso, palms facing the other person, with an intense gaze.

• Greek: Might think, “Ah, is it very crowded here?”
• British: Could interpret it as a sign of anger or disapproval, somewhat provocative or rude.

3. Non c’è niente / Non c’è più – There’s nothing / It’s finished
Movement: Fist shaking rhythmically in the air, leaving only the thumb and index finger extended.

• Greek: “What’s going on?”
• British: “Gesture I don’t understand”, possibly signaling impatience or nervousness.

4. Ho un po’ fame – I’m a bit hungry
Movement: Open palm on the stomach, performing circular motions.

• Greek: “What’s wrong? Is it your stomach?”
• British: Might think “I’m full” or just a reference to the stomach.

5. Non mi interessa proprio! – I couldn’t care less
Movement: Open palm, sweeping motion from neck outward, chin raised, intense expression.

• Greek: “Are you threatening me?”
• British: Could be interpreted as “Go away”, indifference, slightly aggressive if not accompanied by a smile.

6. Fai attenzione / Tieni gli occhi aperti – Watch out / Keep your eyes open
Movement: Index finger under the eye, lightly pulling the skin.

• Greek/British: Might think “Something in your eye?”

7. Sono rimasta sola – I’m left alone
Movement: Fingers in a conical shape, moving rhythmically back and forth from the wrist.

• Greek: “What happened?”
• British: Could perceive disappointment or tension.

8. Questo piatto è buonissimo! – This dish is delicious!
Movement: Index finger touches the cheek, making a small rotating or vertical motion, accompanied by an expressive look of satisfaction.

• Greek: Needs context to understand.
• British: Might interpret as “My cheek hurts” or “I’m pointing at my face”. The “chef’s kiss” gesture is more universally recognised.

9. Questo non lo sopporto / Mi è proprio antipatico – I can’t stand him / He’s unpleasant
Movement: Open palm hits or presses the diaphragm/stomach.

• Greek: “Are you pointing at me?”
• British: Might understand “Someone is frustrated”, but not know who exactly.

10. Sei testardo / Sei duro – You’re stubborn / Tough
Movement: Fist hits or presses the other hand’s palm.

• Greek: “Are you asking me to do it here and now?”
• British: Could appear aggressive.

11. Stringi, riassumi, vai al sodo! – Get to the point!
Movement: Two open palms pressed lightly together.

• Greek: Might be confused (“Is this about money?”).
• British: Could interpret as compression or difficulty understanding.

12. Sei furbo, eh? – You’re clever, eh?
Movement: Index finger moves from cheek to corner of mouth, gaze full of satisfaction.

• Greek: Might be confused or assume flirtation.
• British: “Flirtatious, teasing or mischievous gesture”, with a cheeky smile, conveys “Clever you!”.

13.Facciamo le corna – Let’s make the horns

Movement: Index and little finger extended.
Meaning/Context: This gesture is traditionally used in Italy as a protective symbol against bad luck or the “evil eye”. It’s similar to saying “knock on wood” or “fingers crossed” in English, but performed with the hand.

• Greek and British: Could perceive it as a rock/metal sign or an informal hand signal, not recognising its traditional protective meaning.

The Coffee Code

Italian culture is also reflected in daily habits such as coffee. Italians, Greeks, and British have very different ways of approaching it.

• Italy – Espresso: Drunk standing at the bar, quickly, anytime during the day. Drinking quickly shows social awareness and respect for tradition.
  ⚠️ Trap: Greeks enjoy their coffee slowly, savoring the moment, while Italians may think that sitting too long means you didn’t like it.
• Cappuccino: Only in the morning, never after lunch.
• Caffè Latte / Latte Macchiato: Considered morning milk-based drinks.
• Corretto: Espresso with a splash of alcohol, ideal after a meal.

Note for Greeks and British: For them, coffee or tea is simply a beverage, accompanying daily conversations and social moments. Greeks drink their coffee slowly, enjoying the moment, while British pair tea with polite, relaxed conversation.

Bella Figura vs. British Understatement

Every culture has unspoken expectations regarding appearance and behaviour. In Italy, Bella Figura prevails, while in Britain, it’s Understatement. Both influence how you speak, move, and present yourself.

• Italy – Bella Figura:
  • Elegance without excess
  • Politeness and proper behaviour in public
  • Expressiveness in conversation and body language
  • Attention to posture, style, and self-presentation
• Britain – Understatement:
  • Measured reactions, limited emotional expression
  • Polite, subtle humour
  • Avoidance of excess or “drama”
  • Low-key appearance and behaviour
  • Preference to not draw too much attention

Summary:

• Italy: Style, vitality, confidence
• Britain: Discretion, politeness, low-key
• Greece: Coffee as a social moment, a means of connecting with others

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