Italian Gestures: An Explanation of the Most Important Hand Signals

Italians communicate with their whole bodies—a conversation without any hand gestures feels almost incomplete. Some gestures are so precise that they can replace entire sentences. Here, you’ll learn about the most important Italian hand gestures, what they mean—and which ones you’re better off avoiding.

Why Italians Use Their Hands When They Talk

In Italy, gestures are a kind of parallel language: they reinforce what is said, express emotions, and cut through even a loud, lively conversation. Researchers have found that around 250 Different Italian Gestures cataloged. Don't worry—the most important ones are enough to get you started.

The Most Important Italian Gestures

You come across these hand signals all the time in everyday life:

• „Che vuoi?“ – all fingertips brought together (the mano a borsa), waving his hand up and down: „What do you want? / What’s this all about?“
• Mani giunte – palms pressed together, shaken slightly: „Come on! / What's the big deal?“
• Finger to the cheek (same on the cheek) – Index finger pressed against the cheek: „Mmh, yummy!“
• Hand as a Knife (cutting blade) – flat hand held vertically: emphasizes „basta“ / „that’s it, period.“.
• Under the eye (same under the eye) – The index finger pulls down the lower eyelid: „Watch out! / Be on your guard.“
• Money – Thumb rubs against fingertips: „That costs / money.“.

„Che vuoi?“—the most famous gesture

Bring all the fingertips of one hand together (the mano a borsa, „pouch hand“) and move your hand up and down: This basically means „What do you want? / What’s that all about?“ Depending on the tone of voice, it can convey a question, confusion, or mild indignation—and it almost always works without a single word.

Gestures Related to Eating and Drinking

• „Yum!“ – The finger that digs into the cheek praises every dish.
• The bill, please – „Write“ in the air with your hand: This is how you ask for the conto.
• „So-so“ – tilt your flat hand back and forth: „so-so / mediocre.“.

Warning: These gestures are offensive

There are just a few characters you should be aware of so you can avoid them:

• Le corna (Index and little fingers spread apart) directed at a person: implies „cornuto“ (cuckold)—a real insult. When directed downward, however, the same gesture is a harmless protection against the evil eye (malocchio).
• The Middle Finger Gesture – one fist raised, the other hand slapping the crook of the elbow: crude, similar to giving someone the middle finger.
• The Middle Finger – The middle finger is considered vulgar in Italy, too.

In a Nutshell

In Italy, your hands do the talking—give it a try What do you want?-Make the gesture calmly, but avoid making the "corna" gesture toward people. Our guides on how to move confidently in other situations show you how to Welcome to Italy and to the Italian everyday culture, the Coffee Rules and the Pasta Indulgences – plus an introduction to Finding Your Place in Everyday Life.