Navigating through the complex world of dating is hard enough, let alone trying to do it in a foreign country. Below, Italian teacher Nadia B. shares some useful Italian phrases and tips for dating…
You’ve tried Italian cuisine, explored every inch of the Vatican, and survived your first Italian conversation. Is dating an Italian next on your bucket list?
Perhaps you’re planning on studying abroad in Italy, or you’re simply mesmerized by the sophisticated allure of Italians. Whatever the case, dating in Italy is quite different from your local dating scene back home.
Below are some useful Italian phrases and tips for dating so you can navigate the Italian dating world con gusto. But first, let’s go over some Italian dating tips:
Helpful Tips for Dating Italians
While they’re aren’t any hard and fast rules to dating Italians–as every individual is different–there are some things to keep in mind as you play the field. Below are some helpful tips for both men and women:
- Italians are a very fashionable bunch. If you want to attract a date, be sure to dress appropriately at all times. Torn, revealing, or heavily worn clothing are a big no-no.
- Ladies, don’t be too showy. Italian men are drawn to women who are elegant, funny, and intelligent. Bottom line, be your charming self!
- Italians are often outgoing and expressive. Don’t be alarmed if your date gets enthusiastic, as he or she is just expressing his or her emotions.
- Family is very important to Italians. Be respectful of that and show an interest in getting to know and learning about your significant other’s family members.
Useful Italian Phrases for Dating
What’s the key to a successful relationship? Communication. To make sure that you can successfully communicate with your date, brush up on your Italian language with these useful Italian phrases:
Below are some useful Italian phrases for sparking up a conversation with someone who peaks your interest:
- Posso offrirti qualcosa? (Can I buy you a drink?)
- Come stai? (How are you?)
- Posso unirmi a te? (Can I join you?)
If you like the person you meet, you might continue to see each other. Here are some words associated with dating:
- farsi delle storie (to see each other)
- uscire (to go out on a date, but it can also be used in a more general context of leaving the house to go out somewhere)
- accompagnarsi (to go with, accompany)
Italians enjoy doing various activities with the person they’re dating. For example, you might find yourself doing any one of the activities below:
- fare una passeggiata (taking a walk)
- andare al cinema (going to the movies)
- cucinare insieme (cooking together)
Once you start seeing someone, you might want to clarify your relationship. The following words will help you to explain the status of your relationship:
- il mio ragazzo/la mia ragazza (my boyfriend/my girlfriend)
- il mio fidanzato/la mia fidanzata (my fiancé/my fiancée)
- il mio amante/la mia amante (my lover [male/female])
- innamorarsi (to fall in love [with each other])
- divertirsi (to have fun)
- relazione, rapporto (relationship)
As you fall more in love with the person you’re dating, you may want to use more affectionate names for them. There are many possibilities when it comes to affectionate terms for your partner, but here is a sampling of some of the most typical:
- amore (love)
- tesoro (honey or literally meaning ‘treasure’)
- cucciolo (my pet or literally meaning ‘puppy’)
Learn more romantic Italian phrases here!
The better you are at speaking Italian and understanding the customs of Italy, the easier you’ll find it to date in Italy. Dating an Italian can be a fascinating, fun, and unique experience. Who knows, you may just find eternal love (amore eterno)!f
Post Author: Nadia B.Nadia B. teaches Italian in New York, NY. She graduated summa cum laude from New York University, with a double degree in Italian Language and Literature and Classical Music Performance. Learn more about Nadia here!
Brooke Neuman