15 Essential Ways To Say 'Good Luck' In Italian (And The Surprising Reply You MUST Know)

Learning how to wish someone "good luck" in Italian is a crucial step in mastering the language, but simply translating the phrase directly is often considered awkward or even insufficient by native speakers. As of December 11, 2025, the most authentic and widely used expression is a colorful idiom involving a wolf, and knowing the correct, traditional response is essential to avoid a major cultural misstep. This guide delves deep into the linguistic and cultural entities surrounding fortune, success, and superstition in Italy, providing you with the authentic phrases and gestures used by Italians every day.

The concept of luck (*fortuna*) is deeply woven into the fabric of Italian culture, leading to a rich tapestry of phrases for different contexts, from wishing a friend well on an exam to congratulating a colleague on a promotion. Forget the textbook translation; to sound truly fluent, you must understand the nuances of when to use the formal, the informal, the idiomatic, and even the slightly vulgar expressions that convey a sincere hope for success (*successo*) and well-being (*benessere*).

The Essential Italian Idioms for Good Luck and Success

While *Buona fortuna* is the literal translation, it is rarely the first choice for a native Italian speaker, especially in casual settings. The true heart of wishing good luck lies in a series of vivid, often animal-related, idioms.

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In Bocca Al Lupo: The Essential, Must-Know Phrase

The most common and universally accepted way to wish someone good luck in Italian is the phrase *In bocca al lupo*.

• Phrase: *In bocca al lupo*
• Literal Translation: "Into the mouth of the wolf"
• Context: Used for almost any situation, from a job interview to a performance or an exam (*esame*). It is the Italian equivalent of "break a leg."
• The Cultural Meaning: This phrase is believed to originate from ancient times, possibly a hunter's wish for a successful hunt, or a reference to a mother wolf carrying her cubs to safety in her mouth. Regardless of its origin, it is a wish for safety and protection, not danger.

The Crucial Reply: *Crepi!*

If an Italian says *In bocca al lupo* to you, you must know the correct response. Never reply with *Grazie* (Thank you), as this is seen as accepting the bad luck or the wolf's potential danger.

• The Traditional Reply: *Crepi!*
• Literal Translation: "May it die!" (referring to the wolf, *il lupo*)
• Alternative Reply: *Crepi il lupo!* (May the wolf die!)
• Context: This reply wards off any potential bad luck associated with the phrase, completing the exchange in the traditional, superstitious Italian way.

The Vulgar (But Sometimes Used) Alternative

In extremely informal settings, particularly among close friends or young people, you might hear a phrase that is far more colorful and quite vulgar. Use this with extreme caution and only if you are certain of the context and your relationship with the person.

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• Phrase: *In culo alla balena!*
• Literal Translation: "In the whale's butt!"
• Context: A highly informal, often joking, and very crude way to wish someone good luck. It is a variant of the wolf idiom, implying a wish for the person to be in the most inaccessible, yet safe, place.
• The Reply: *Speriamo che non caghi!* (Let's hope it doesn't poop!) or simply *Speriamo bene* (Let's hope for the best).

15 Ways to Wish Someone Well and Good Luck in Italian

Expanding your vocabulary beyond the wolf idiom will give you the topical authority to navigate any social situation in Italy. Here is a comprehensive list of phrases for various contexts, from formal to casual, and for different types of success.

1. Buona fortuna! (Good luck!): The direct translation. Use this in more formal settings or with people you don't know well, though it's less common among natives.
2. Auguri! (Best wishes!): A versatile, neutral phrase used for birthdays, holidays, and general well-wishes. It’s perfect when you want to wish someone well without specifically mentioning luck.
3. Ti auguro il meglio. (I wish you the very best.): A sincere and warm way to express best wishes (*migliori auguri*).
4. Ti auguro il successo. (I wish you success.): Great for professional or academic situations.
5. Speriamo bene! (Let's hope for the best!): Used when the outcome is uncertain, expressing a collective hope.
6. Incrociamo le dita. (Let's cross our fingers.): A common gesture and phrase used when hoping for a positive result.
7. Che tu sia fortunato. (May you be lucky.): A more direct, personal wish for fortune.
8. Ad maiora. (To greater things.): A Latin phrase used to wish someone continued success, often after a recent achievement or milestone.
9. Buona fortuna con l'esame. (Good luck with the exam.): A specific, contextual phrase.
10. Che Dio ti assista. (May God assist you.): A more religious or traditional way of wishing for divine help or luck.
11. Tieniti forte. (Hold on tight/brace yourself.): Used before a difficult or challenging event, meaning "get ready."
12. Fatti valere! (Prove your worth!): A motivational wish for someone about to perform or compete.
13. Vai e spacca! (Go and smash it!): Very informal and encouraging, meaning "Go and do great!"
14. Che vada tutto bene. (May everything go well.): A simple, gentle wish for a smooth outcome.
15. Essere in gamba. (To be in leg): An expression describing someone who is competent, clever, or capable, often used as an encouraging compliment before a task.

Italian Superstitions and Lucky Charms (*Portafortuna*)

To truly understand how Italians think about luck, you must explore the cultural superstitions that guide their daily lives. These beliefs are the foundation for many of the phrases and gestures used to ward off bad luck (*sfortuna*) and attract good fortune (*buona sorte*).

The Corno Portafortuna (The Lucky Horn)

The most iconic Italian lucky charm, especially in Southern Italy, is the *corno portafortuna*, also called the *cornetto*.

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• Appearance: A small, twisted, red horn-shaped amulet, traditionally made of coral or gold.
• Purpose: It is primarily used to ward off the *malocchio* (the Evil Eye) and bring fertility and good luck.
• Rule of Use: For the *cornetto* to be effective, it must be a gift; you cannot buy one for yourself.

Gestures and Objects to Attract or Avoid Luck

Italians have specific actions and objects that either invite good fortune or repel misfortune. Knowing these is key to cultural fluency.

• *Tocca Ferro* (Touch Iron): Unlike the English "touch wood," Italians touch iron to ward off bad luck. This belief stems from the idea that iron horseshoes could detect and repel evil spirits.
• The Lucky Number 13: While 13 is unlucky in many Western cultures, in Italy, it is traditionally considered a lucky number, often associated with fertility and the Great Goddess.
• The Unlucky Number 17: The number 17 (XVII in Roman numerals) is considered highly unlucky. When rearranged, the letters form the Latin word *VIXI*, which translates to "I have lived," implying that one's life is over.
• Spilled Salt: If you spill salt (*sale*), it is believed to bring bad luck. To counteract this, you must immediately throw a pinch of it over your left shoulder to hit the devil or misfortune that is lurking there.
• Black Cats: Similar to other cultures, if a black cat (*gatto nero*) crosses your path, especially at night, it is considered a sign of impending misfortune.

By using phrases like *In bocca al lupo* and understanding the cultural context of *tocca ferro* and the *cornetto*, you move beyond a simple translation of "good luck in Italian" and embrace the rich, superstitious, and vivid way Italians communicate their best wishes.