How to get someone's attention in Italian?
One way to get someone's attention is to use the imperative command form of a verb. Two useful verbs for this purpose are ascoltare (to listen) and sentire (to hear).
2. Mi scusi (Excuse me, formal): This is the polite and formal way to get someone's attention in professional settings or when addressing someone older or in a position of authority.
| Greeting | How to pronounce it | How to use it |
|---|---|---|
| Mi scusi | MEE SKOO-zee | A polite way to get someone's attention |
| Ciao bella/bello | CHOW BEHL-la/BEHL-loh | Platonic greeting of affection |
| Ciao cara/caro | CHOW KAHR-ah/ KAHR-oh | Platonic or romantic greeting of affection |
| Come va? | KOM-eh VAH? | Informal with friends |
Mi scusi is the literal translation of excuse me. It can be used in formal situations: to get someone's attention (i.e., when you want to speak in a classroom, or when you're asking for indications, or even to speak to the staff in shops);
After the first catchphrase, an Italian flirting strategy would usually proceed with a ton of compliments and sweet words accompanied by slow movements like holding your hand, caressing your face, blinking, winking, smiling, and looking in your eyes.
In Italian, there are two ways to say “Excuse me.” You should use “Permesso” when trying to get past someone or when you need someone to get out of your way, while “Scusi” is more appropriate when you are trying to get someone's attention.
It's Luna here with a new word in our series Cosa Dici?! This week, we're looking at the Italian American word GOOMBAH or GOOMBA, which is a noun for friend, but more so one of those longtime family-friends. And more specifically, and most often, it's a male family-friend because the word is in the masculine form.
- Ce la puoi fare! (s) You can do it!
- Cosa stai aspettando? (s) What are you waiting for?
- Non sei solo. (s) You are not alone.
- Sono così fiero di te! (s) I'm so proud of you!
- Continua così. (s) Keep up the good work.
- Non mollare! (s) Don't give up!
- Continua a lottare! (s) Keep fighting!
- Vale la pena tentare. (s)
I beg your pardon I'm sorry. pardon me [interjection] expressing a polite apology, especially for not agreeing with someone.
interjection. /'preɡo/ (risposta / invito) please / you're welcome , after you , don't mention it.
Is Ciao Bella flirty?
Ciao bella is a friendly, sometimes flirtatious way to address a singular woman or a friendly way to greet a close female friend. Ciao is an old Italian dialectical word that comes from a Medieval Latin word, perhaps surprisingly, meaning “slave.” It can mean “hello” or “goodbye,” depending on the context.
It can also used in a flirty way for ladies to say hello to a man they are dating. It's an informal greeting but refrain from using it with strangers. It's best to keep it among friends.
With family and friends, ciao is the norm even as a morning or evening salutation, in lieu of buongiorno or buonasera. When used in other contexts, ciao may be interpreted as slightly flirtatious, or a request for friendship or closeness.
It is common to give air kisses on both cheeks (starting with your left) when greeting those you know well. This is called the 'il bacetto'. However, in Southern Italy, men generally only kiss family members and prefer to give a pat on the back to show affection in a greeting.
The best way to know if an Italian man likes you is to ask him! Many Italian men are very upfront about their feelings, and they will be more than happy to tell you if they are interested in you. If he is shy or doesn't seem like he wants to talk about it, there are other ways of figuring out his feelings.
However, in regard to the Italian greeting, I discovered that it is customary to start with the right cheek and then elegantly move to the left cheek. Two “air kisses” will suffice followed by a delicious onomatopoeic “smack”, customary for most women of course, so as to not mess up blush or leave lipstick marks.
I beg your pardon I'm sorry. pardon me [interjection] expressing a polite apology, especially for not agreeing with someone.
Greeting others in Italy
When it comes to greeting new people, Italians shake hands and exchange three kisses on the cheeks. As to greeting friends and relatives, the tradition dictates that you must exchange a hug and two kisses on the cheeks.
And please, do not burp or fart in public, it is considered extremely rude. Also, loud swearing and drinking alcohol from a bottle while walking the street, is frowned upon. Most Italians like some alcohol, but usually avoid to get drunk. Public scenes of drunkenness are much less tolerated than in other countries.
Marone! This is another exclamation that you will hear frequently in The Sopranos and in context, it means "damn it!" Just as with the above examples of slang from the show, this too is actually a corrupted version of a standard Italian word.
What does chooch mean in Italian?
The original of the word “chooch” is Italian, which makes complete sense as most of the Jersey Shore cast is, in fact, of Italian descent. It's a slang term that means a dummy, idiot or […] The post Jersey Shore: What is a 'chooch'?
Fugazi is a family name and a slang word which refers to something that is fake or damaged beyond repair. It may refer to: Fugazi, a post-hardcore punk band from Washington, D.C. Fugazi (EP), the debut EP by the band of the same name.
Basic Etiquette
It is common for Italian friends and families to kiss on the cheek when they meet, irrespective of their gender. Stand up out of respect when an older person enters the room. It is important to dress neatly and respectfully. Cover your mouth when yawning or sneezing.
good luck! an expression of encouragement made to someone who is about to take part in a competition, sit an exam etc. (Translation of buona fortuna from the PASSWORD Italian–English Dictionary © 2014 K Dictionaries Ltd)
Tu and Lei both mean "you". Tu is informal, used when talking to someone your own age or younger, or someone you know well. Lei is formal, used when talking to someone you don't know well or someone older than you.
