In Italy, Travel Your Way with Italian Hand Gestures

You don't need to speak a word of Italian to explore Italy. All you need is a genuine smile, a gregarious personality, and Italian hand signals. Before you know it, you'll be able to explore Il Bel Paese.

If you study Italian online, you'll be better off enjoying Italian culture and communicating with Italians. Nonetheless, you can apply this brief guide to Italian hand gestures to supplement your Italian.

Un momento!

This means, "one moment, please" in English. Just make a number one with your index finger, pointing heavenwards. You can also apply this to mean "may I speak, please?", though learning Italian will come needed then.

Ho fame

This is a call for your hosts to feed you, meaning "I'm hungry." You have to hit your stomach with the side of your flat hand, which ought to send a clear message. Still you will need some Italian food words to understand Italian food; or else, you'll find yourself gagging on pasta and pizza. Besides, when you study Italian, you'll know the difference between polipo and pollo. Who knows what allergies these dishes might give you?

Ehi tu, vieni qui

This translates to "come here." It's the same come hither signal used in America. You must apply this with care because this could seem sexually inviting or obnoxious. Learning to say "prego, potete aiutarli" to get someone to come over is still the safer option.

Silenzio

This uses the universal gesture of pressing your index finger to your lips for "silence." If you want to explain why you want silence, though, you'll have to study Italian.

Idea!

"I have an idea!" is the correct translation for this. Emphasize that you have an idea by putting on a happy face with your hand on your head. If you did not bother to learn to speak Italian, it will require effort and time to get this idea across.

Perfetto

This looks like the American symbol for "okay" - the thumb and index fingers making a circle. This is used to compliment someone - very handy if you can't speak Italian.

Scusi, devo andare al bagno

Wear a pained expression while holding up your index and middle fingers if you want to go to the bathroom. If you require frequent bathroom breaks, this is important.

Indeed, Italian hand gestures are true poetry. To read Italian street signs and communicate with the locals, though, learning Italian is still handy. You can opt to have the best of both worlds.

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