What does summer in Italy really feel like? Imagine the smell of espresso mixing with salty sea air, long sunny afternoons that melt into lively evenings, and conversations sprinkled with uniquely Italian sayings. Whether you’re planning a trip or just daydreaming, learning common expressions in Italian used during the summer holidays in Italy will bring you closer to the Italian lifestyle.
In this guide, you’ll find 10 idiomatic expressions in Italian that locals use when the heat rises and the sandals come out. Plus, we’ll explore what these phrases say about culture, travel habits, and how you can speak like a true Italian during your next vacation!
Table of Contents
1. Essere in ferie – To Be on Holiday
Meaning: To be on vacation/leave from work.
Translation: “I’m on holiday.” Example: Finalmente sono in ferie, si va al mare!
(I’m finally on holiday—we’re going to the seaside!)
2. Andare in villeggiatura – To Go on a Summer Getaway
Meaning: A more poetic way to say going on vacation, usually to the countryside or seaside.
Translation: “We’re going to our summer retreat.” Example: Ogni agosto andiamo in villeggiatura in Toscana.
(Every August, we go to our summer retreat in Tuscany.)
3. Fare il bagno – To Take a Dip
Meaning: To go swimming, especially in the sea.
Translation: “Let’s take a swim.” Example: Fa caldo, andiamo a fare il bagno!
(It’s hot, let’s go for a swim!)
4. Prendere il sole – To Sunbathe
Meaning: To lie in the sun and tan.
Translation: “To sunbathe.” Example: Mi piace prendere il sole con un buon libro.
(I love sunbathing with a good book.)
5. Afa estiva – Summer Muggy Heat
Meaning: The humid, oppressive summer heat that sticks to your skin.
Translation: “It’s sweltering out.” Example: L’afa estiva a Roma è insopportabile!
(The summer heat in Rome is unbearable!)
6. Tuffarsi nel blu – To Dive into the Blue
Meaning: To take a refreshing dive into the sea (literal or metaphorical).
Translation: “Dive into the blue.” Example: Non vedo l’ora di tuffarmi nel blu delle Cinque Terre.
(I can’t wait to dive into the blue waters of the Cinque Terre.)
7. Ferragosto – Mid-August National Holiday
Meaning: A national holiday on August 15 that marks peak summer celebration.
Translation: Ferragosto Example: Ferragosto si festeggia con una grigliata e fuochi d’artificio.
(Ferragosto is celebrated with a barbecue and fireworks.)
8. Vacanze da sogno – Dream Holidays
Meaning: A phrase used to describe an idyllic vacation.
Translation: “Dream holidays.” Example: La Sardegna ci ha regalato vacanze da sogno.
(Sardinia gave us dream holidays.)
9. Fare le valigie – To Pack One’s Bags
Meaning: Preparing to travel.
Translation: “To pack.” Example: È ora di fare le valigie per le vacanze estive!
(It’s time to pack for the summer holidays!)
10. Estate italiana – Italian Summer
Meaning: Used to describe the special mood of summer in Italy—sun, relaxation, and food.
Translation: “Italian summer.” Example: Non c’è niente come un’estate italiana.
(There’s nothing like an Italian summer.)
The Italian Lifestyle Through Summer Sayings
These Italian summer sayings reflect more than just language—they reveal values of relaxation, togetherness, and enjoyment. The way Italians embrace their summer holidays says a lot about the Italian lifestyle. Work slows down, families reunite, and long dinners stretch into the night.
Common Expressions in Italian You’ll Hear in August
August is sacred in Italy. You’ll hear expressions like:
- Tutto chiuso, siamo in ferie! (Everything’s closed, we’re on holiday!)
- Ci vediamo a settembre! (See you in September!)
They’re part of the Italian travel vocabulary and speak volumes about priorities: rest, food, and sun.
Learn Italian Expressions the Fun Way
Learning Italian expressions like these helps you connect with locals and enjoy the little things. Language is more than grammar—it’s culture, habits, and laughter.
Try noting idioms in movies, signs, or conversations. Use them when you travel, and you’ll notice how quickly you’re welcomed into Italian life.
Ready for Your Summer in Italy?
If you’re dreaming of sipping a spritz in the sun while chatting in Italian, now’s the perfect time to learn.
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Pack your curiosity—and a few phrases—and enjoy your summer in Italy like never before. Buone vacanze!
