{"id":323497,"date":"2026-06-27T17:02:28","date_gmt":"2026-06-27T15:02:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/italien.news\/?p=323497"},"modified":"2026-06-27T18:17:48","modified_gmt":"2026-06-27T16:17:48","slug":"italian-gestures","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/italien.news\/en\/typisch-italienisch\/gesten\/italienische-gesten\/","title":{"rendered":"Italian Gestures: An Explanation of the Most Important Hand Signals"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_89 ez-toc-wrap-center counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-white ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title ez-toc-toggle\" style=\"cursor:pointer\">Table of contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseprofile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 eztoc-toggle-hide-by-default' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/italien.news\/en\/typisch-italienisch\/gesten\/italienische-gesten\/#Warum_Italiener_mit_den_Handen_sprechen\" >Why Italians Use Their Hands When They Talk<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/italien.news\/en\/typisch-italienisch\/gesten\/italienische-gesten\/#Die_wichtigsten_italienischen_Gesten\" >The Most Important Italian Gestures<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/italien.news\/en\/typisch-italienisch\/gesten\/italienische-gesten\/#%E2%80%9EChe_vuoi%E2%80%9C_%E2%80%93_die_beruhmteste_Geste\" >\u201eChe vuoi?\u201c\u2014the most famous gesture<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/italien.news\/en\/typisch-italienisch\/gesten\/italienische-gesten\/#Gesten_rund_ums_Essen_und_Trinken\" >Gestures Related to Eating and Drinking<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/italien.news\/en\/typisch-italienisch\/gesten\/italienische-gesten\/#Vorsicht_diese_Gesten_sind_beleidigend\" >Warning: These gestures are offensive<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/italien.news\/en\/typisch-italienisch\/gesten\/italienische-gesten\/#Kurz_gemerkt\" >In a Nutshell<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<div class=\"wpb-content-wrapper\" id=\"wpb-content-root\"><div class=\"row vc_row wpb_row vc_row-fluid\"><div class=\"jeg-vc-wrapper\"><div class=\"wpb_column jeg_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-12\"><div class=\"jeg_wrapper wpb_wrapper\"><div class=\"vc_empty_space\"   style=\"height: 32px\"><span class=\"vc_empty_space_inner\"><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"row vc_row wpb_row vc_row-fluid\"><div class=\"jeg-vc-wrapper\"><div class=\"wpb_column jeg_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-12\"><div class=\"jeg_wrapper wpb_wrapper\">\n\t<div class=\"wpb_text_column wpb_content_element\" >\n\t\t<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n\t\t\t<p>\nItalians communicate with their whole bodies\u2014a conversation without any hand gestures feels almost incomplete. Some gestures are so precise that they can replace entire sentences. Here, you\u2019ll learn about the most important Italian hand gestures, what they mean\u2014and which ones you\u2019re better off avoiding.<\/p>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"row vc_row wpb_row vc_row-fluid\"><div class=\"jeg-vc-wrapper\"><div class=\"wpb_column jeg_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-12\"><div class=\"jeg_wrapper wpb_wrapper\">\n\t<div class=\"wpb_text_column wpb_content_element\" >\n\t\t<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n\t\t\t<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Warum_Italiener_mit_den_Handen_sprechen\"><\/span>Why Italians Use Their Hands When They Talk<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>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 <strong>250 Different Italian Gestures<\/strong> cataloged. Don't worry\u2014the most important ones are enough to get you started.<\/p>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"row vc_row wpb_row vc_row-fluid\"><div class=\"jeg-vc-wrapper\"><div class=\"wpb_column jeg_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-12\"><div class=\"jeg_wrapper wpb_wrapper\">\n\t<div class=\"wpb_text_column wpb_content_element\" >\n\t\t<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n\t\t\t<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Die_wichtigsten_italienischen_Gesten\"><\/span>The Most Important Italian Gestures<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>You come across these hand signals all the time in everyday life:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>\u201eChe vuoi?\u201c<\/strong> \u2013 all fingertips brought together (the <em>mano a borsa<\/em>), waving his hand up and down: \u201eWhat do you want? \/ What\u2019s this all about?\u201c<\/li>\n<li><strong>Mani giunte<\/strong> \u2013 palms pressed together, shaken slightly: \u201eCome on! \/ What's the big deal?\u201c<\/li>\n<li><strong>Finger to the cheek<\/strong> (<em>same on the cheek<\/em>) \u2013 Index finger pressed against the cheek: \u201eMmh, yummy!\u201c<\/li>\n<li><strong>Hand as a Knife<\/strong> (<em>cutting blade<\/em>) \u2013 flat hand held vertically: emphasizes \u201ebasta\u201c \/ \u201ethat\u2019s it, period.\u201c.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Under the eye<\/strong> (<em>same under the eye<\/em>) \u2013 The index finger pulls down the lower eyelid: \u201eWatch out! \/ Be on your guard.\u201c<\/li>\n<li><strong>Money<\/strong> \u2013 Thumb rubs against fingertips: \u201eThat costs \/ money.\u201c.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"row vc_row wpb_row vc_row-fluid\"><div class=\"jeg-vc-wrapper\"><div class=\"wpb_column jeg_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-12\"><div class=\"jeg_wrapper wpb_wrapper\">\n\t<div class=\"wpb_text_column wpb_content_element\" >\n\t\t<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n\t\t\t<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"%E2%80%9EChe_vuoi%E2%80%9C_%E2%80%93_die_beruhmteste_Geste\"><\/span>\u201eChe vuoi?\u201c\u2014the most famous gesture<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Bring all the fingertips of one hand together (the <em>mano a borsa<\/em>, \u201epouch hand\u201c) and move your hand up and down: This basically means \u201eWhat do you want? \/ What\u2019s that all about?\u201c Depending on the tone of voice, it can convey a question, confusion, or mild indignation\u2014and it almost always works without a single word.<\/p>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"row vc_row wpb_row vc_row-fluid\"><div class=\"jeg-vc-wrapper\"><div class=\"wpb_column jeg_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-12\"><div class=\"jeg_wrapper wpb_wrapper\"><div  class=\"jeg_postblock_3 jeg_postblock jeg_module_hook jeg_pagination_disable jeg_col_3o3 jnews_module__0_6af1cf5327b22  jeg_pb_boxed    with-format-icon\" data-unique=\"jnews_module__0_6af1cf5327b22\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"jeg_posts jeg_block_container\">\n                \n                <div class=\"jeg_posts jeg_load_more_flag\">\n                <article class=\"jeg_post jeg_pl_md_2 format-standard\">\n                <div class=\"jeg_thumb\">\n                    \n                    <a href=\"https:\/\/italien.news\/en\/typisch-italienisch\/knigge\/dresscode-italien\/\" aria-label=\"Read article: Dresscode in Italien: Kirche, Restaurant &#038; bella figura\"><div class=\"thumbnail-container animate-lazy  size-715\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"350\" height=\"250\" src=\"https:\/\/italien.news\/wp-content\/themes\/jnews\/assets\/img\/jeg-empty.png\" class=\"attachment-jnews-350x250 size-jnews-350x250 lazyload wp-post-image\" alt=\"Couple at the Trevi Fountain, Rome \u00a9 shutterstock.com\" sizes=\"(max-width: 350px) 100vw, 350px\" data-src=\"https:\/\/italien.news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/EhepaarFontanadiTrevi-350x250.webp\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/italien.news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/EhepaarFontanadiTrevi-350x250.webp 350w, https:\/\/italien.news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/EhepaarFontanadiTrevi-120x86.webp 120w, https:\/\/italien.news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/EhepaarFontanadiTrevi-750x536.webp 750w\" data-sizes=\"auto\" data-expand=\"700\" \/><\/div><\/a>\n                <\/div>\n                <div class=\"jeg_postblock_content\">\n                    <h3 class=\"jeg_post_title\">\n                        <a href=\"https:\/\/italien.news\/en\/typisch-italienisch\/knigge\/dresscode-italien\/\">Dress Code in Italy: Church, Restaurants, and \"Bella Figura\"<\/a>\n                    <\/h3>\n                    <div class=\"jeg_post_meta\"><div class=\"jeg_meta_date\"><a href=\"https:\/\/italien.news\/en\/typisch-italienisch\/knigge\/dresscode-italien\/\"><div class=\"jeg-fa-4 jeg-icon-svg jeg-svg-clock-o\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 1536 1792\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><g transform=\"translate(0 1536) scale(1 -1)\"><path fill=\"currentColor\" d=\"M896 992v-448q0 -14 -9 -23t-23 -9h-320q-14 0 -23 9t-9 23v64q0 14 9 23t23 9h224v352q0 14 9 23t23 9h64q14 0 23 -9t9 -23zM1312 640q0 148 -73 273t-198 198t-273 73t-273 -73t-198 -198t-73 -273t73 -273t198 -198t273 -73t273 73t198 198t73 273zM1536 640 q0 -209 -103 -385.5t-279.5 -279.5t-385.5 -103t-385.5 103t-279.5 279.5t-103 385.5t103 385.5t279.5 279.5t385.5 103t385.5 -103t279.5 -279.5t103 -385.5z\"\/><\/g><\/svg><\/div> June 27, 2026<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n                    <div class=\"jeg_post_excerpt\">\n                        <p>What should you wear in Italy? In churches, shoulders and knees must be covered. Otherwise, neat, modest clothing is the norm\u2014part of making a good impression. Here\u2019s an overview of the dress code.<\/p>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/article>\n            <\/div>\n                <div class='module-overlay'>\n\t\t\t\t    <div class='preloader_type preloader_dot'>\n\t\t\t\t        <div class=\"module-preloader jeg_preloader dot\">\n\t\t\t\t            <span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t        <\/div>\n\t\t\t\t        <div class=\"module-preloader jeg_preloader circle\">\n\t\t\t\t            <div class=\"jnews_preloader_circle_outer\">\n\t\t\t\t                <div class=\"jnews_preloader_circle_inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t            <\/div>\n\t\t\t\t        <\/div>\n\t\t\t\t        <div class=\"module-preloader jeg_preloader square\">\n\t\t\t\t            <div class=\"jeg_square\">\n\t\t\t\t                <div class=\"jeg_square_inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t            <\/div>\n\t\t\t\t        <\/div>\n\t\t\t\t    <\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n            <\/div>\n            <div 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class=\"row vc_row wpb_row vc_row-fluid\"><div class=\"jeg-vc-wrapper\"><div class=\"wpb_column jeg_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-12\"><div class=\"jeg_wrapper wpb_wrapper\">\n\t<div class=\"wpb_text_column wpb_content_element\" >\n\t\t<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n\t\t\t<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Gesten_rund_ums_Essen_und_Trinken\"><\/span>Gestures Related to Eating and Drinking<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>\u201eYum!\u201c<\/strong> \u2013 The finger that digs into the cheek praises every dish.<\/li>\n<li><strong>The bill, please<\/strong> \u2013 \u201eWrite\u201c in the air with your hand: This is how you ask for the <em>conto<\/em>.<\/li>\n<li><strong>\u201eSo-so\u201c<\/strong> \u2013 tilt your flat hand back and forth: \u201eso-so \/ mediocre.\u201c.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"row vc_row wpb_row vc_row-fluid\"><div class=\"jeg-vc-wrapper\"><div class=\"wpb_column jeg_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-12\"><div class=\"jeg_wrapper wpb_wrapper\">\n\t<div class=\"wpb_text_column wpb_content_element\" >\n\t\t<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n\t\t\t<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Vorsicht_diese_Gesten_sind_beleidigend\"><\/span>Warning: These gestures are offensive<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>There are just a few characters you should be aware of so you can avoid them:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Le corna<\/strong> (Index and little fingers spread apart) <strong>directed at a person<\/strong>: implies \u201ecornuto\u201c (cuckold)\u2014a real insult. When directed downward, however, the same gesture is a harmless protection against the evil eye (<em>malocchio<\/em>).<\/li>\n<li><strong>The Middle Finger Gesture<\/strong> \u2013 one fist raised, the other hand slapping the crook of the elbow: crude, similar to giving someone the middle finger.<\/li>\n<li><strong>The Middle Finger<\/strong> \u2013 The middle finger is considered vulgar in Italy, too.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"row vc_row wpb_row vc_row-fluid\"><div class=\"jeg-vc-wrapper\"><div class=\"wpb_column jeg_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-12\"><div class=\"jeg_wrapper wpb_wrapper\">\n\t<div class=\"wpb_text_column wpb_content_element\" >\n\t\t<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n\t\t\t<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Kurz_gemerkt\"><\/span>In a Nutshell<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>In Italy, your hands do the talking\u2014give it a try <em>What do you want?<\/em>-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 <a href=\"https:\/\/italien.news\/en\/typically-italian\/etiquette\/greetings-from-italy\/\">Welcome to Italy<\/a> and to the <a href=\"https:\/\/italien.news\/en\/typically-italian\/italian-everyday-culture\/\">Italian everyday culture<\/a>, the <a href=\"https:\/\/italien.news\/en\/typically-italian\/coffee-bar-2\/cappuccino-rules-in-italy\/\">Coffee Rules<\/a> and the <a href=\"https:\/\/italien.news\/en\/typically-italian\/food-culture\/pasta-etiquette\/\">Pasta Indulgences<\/a> \u2013 plus an introduction to <a href=\"https:\/\/italien.news\/en\/live-2\/everyday-life\/\">Finding Your Place in Everyday Life<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"row vc_row wpb_row vc_row-fluid\"><div class=\"jeg-vc-wrapper\"><div class=\"wpb_column jeg_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-12\"><div class=\"jeg_wrapper wpb_wrapper\"><div class=\"vc_empty_space\"   style=\"height: 32px\"><span class=\"vc_empty_space_inner\"><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"row vc_row wpb_row vc_row-fluid\"><div class=\"jeg-vc-wrapper\"><div class=\"wpb_column jeg_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-12\"><div class=\"jeg_wrapper wpb_wrapper\"><div  class=\"jeg_block_heading jeg_block_heading_6 jeg_alignleft jnews_module__1_6af1cf532cf52\">\n                <h3 class=\"jeg_block_title\"><span>FAQ \u2013 Frequently Asked Questions About Italian Gestures<\/span><\/h3>\n                \n            <\/div><div  class='jnews-faq-wrapper jnews_module__2_6af1cf532d214 style-4'>\n\t\t\t\t    \n        <div class=\"list-wrapper expand\">\n            <a class=\"list-toogle\" href=\"#\" aria-label=\"Toggle FAQ: Warum sprechen Italiener so viel mit den H\u00e4nden?\">\n                <h5 class=\"question\">Why do Italians use their hands so much when they talk?<\/h5>\n                <svg class=\"faq-icon\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"14\" height=\"8\" viewbox=\"0 0 14 8\" fill=\"none\">\n                    <path d=\"M13.6152 0.369517C13.3685 0.132903 13.0341 0 12.6855 0C12.3368 0 12.0024 0.132903 11.7557 0.369517L6.98417 4.95184L2.21262 0.369517C1.96321 0.146331 1.63333 0.024827 1.29248 0.0306025C0.951625 0.0363779 0.626413 0.168982 0.385357 0.400478C0.1443 0.631975 0.00621891 0.94429 0.00020504 1.27162C-0.00580883 1.59896 0.120714 1.91576 0.353117 2.15528L6.05442 7.63048C6.30111 7.8671 6.63551 8 6.98417 8C7.33283 8 7.66723 7.8671 7.91392 7.63048L13.6152 2.15528C13.8616 1.91837 14 1.59723 14 1.2624C14 0.927566 13.8616 0.606426 13.6152 0.369517Z\" fill=\"black\" \/>\n                <\/svg>\n            <\/a>\n            <div class=\"card-expand\">\n                <p>Gestures are a culturally rooted parallel language: they reinforce what is said and express emotions. Researchers have identified about 250 different Italian gestures.<\/p>\n\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"list-wrapper\">\n            <a class=\"list-toogle\" href=\"#\" aria-label=\"Toggle FAQ: Was bedeutet die \u201eche vuoi?\u201c-Geste mit den zusammengef\u00fchrten Fingern?\">\n                <h5 class=\"question\">What does the \u201eche vuoi?\u201c gesture\u2014with the fingers pressed together\u2014mean?<\/h5>\n                <svg class=\"faq-icon\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"14\" height=\"8\" viewbox=\"0 0 14 8\" fill=\"none\">\n                    <path d=\"M13.6152 0.369517C13.3685 0.132903 13.0341 0 12.6855 0C12.3368 0 12.0024 0.132903 11.7557 0.369517L6.98417 4.95184L2.21262 0.369517C1.96321 0.146331 1.63333 0.024827 1.29248 0.0306025C0.951625 0.0363779 0.626413 0.168982 0.385357 0.400478C0.1443 0.631975 0.00621891 0.94429 0.00020504 1.27162C-0.00580883 1.59896 0.120714 1.91576 0.353117 2.15528L6.05442 7.63048C6.30111 7.8671 6.63551 8 6.98417 8C7.33283 8 7.66723 7.8671 7.91392 7.63048L13.6152 2.15528C13.8616 1.91837 14 1.59723 14 1.2624C14 0.927566 13.8616 0.606426 13.6152 0.369517Z\" fill=\"black\" \/>\n                <\/svg>\n            <\/a>\n            <div class=\"card-expand\" style=\"display: none;\">\n                <p>Something like \u201eWhat do you want? \/ What\u2019s that supposed to mean?\u201c\u2014an expression of inquiry, confusion, or mild indignation.<\/p>\n\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"list-wrapper\">\n            <a class=\"list-toogle\" href=\"#\" aria-label=\"Toggle FAQ: Sind italienische Gesten beleidigend?\">\n                <h5 class=\"question\">Are Italian gestures offensive?<\/h5>\n                <svg class=\"faq-icon\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"14\" height=\"8\" viewbox=\"0 0 14 8\" fill=\"none\">\n                    <path d=\"M13.6152 0.369517C13.3685 0.132903 13.0341 0 12.6855 0C12.3368 0 12.0024 0.132903 11.7557 0.369517L6.98417 4.95184L2.21262 0.369517C1.96321 0.146331 1.63333 0.024827 1.29248 0.0306025C0.951625 0.0363779 0.626413 0.168982 0.385357 0.400478C0.1443 0.631975 0.00621891 0.94429 0.00020504 1.27162C-0.00580883 1.59896 0.120714 1.91576 0.353117 2.15528L6.05442 7.63048C6.30111 7.8671 6.63551 8 6.98417 8C7.33283 8 7.66723 7.8671 7.91392 7.63048L13.6152 2.15528C13.8616 1.91837 14 1.59723 14 1.2624C14 0.927566 13.8616 0.606426 13.6152 0.369517Z\" fill=\"black\" \/>\n                <\/svg>\n            <\/a>\n            <div class=\"card-expand\" style=\"display: none;\">\n                <p>Most don't. Some do\u2014such as the corna directed at a person or the gesto dell\u2019ombrello.<\/p>\n\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"list-wrapper\">\n            <a class=\"list-toogle\" href=\"#\" aria-label=\"Toggle FAQ: Was bedeutet der Finger, der in die Wange dreht?\">\n                <h5 class=\"question\">What does it mean when you press your finger against your cheek?<\/h5>\n                <svg class=\"faq-icon\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"14\" height=\"8\" viewbox=\"0 0 14 8\" fill=\"none\">\n                    <path d=\"M13.6152 0.369517C13.3685 0.132903 13.0341 0 12.6855 0C12.3368 0 12.0024 0.132903 11.7557 0.369517L6.98417 4.95184L2.21262 0.369517C1.96321 0.146331 1.63333 0.024827 1.29248 0.0306025C0.951625 0.0363779 0.626413 0.168982 0.385357 0.400478C0.1443 0.631975 0.00621891 0.94429 0.00020504 1.27162C-0.00580883 1.59896 0.120714 1.91576 0.353117 2.15528L6.05442 7.63048C6.30111 7.8671 6.63551 8 6.98417 8C7.33283 8 7.66723 7.8671 7.91392 7.63048L13.6152 2.15528C13.8616 1.91837 14 1.59723 14 1.2624C14 0.927566 13.8616 0.606426 13.6152 0.369517Z\" fill=\"black\" \/>\n                <\/svg>\n            <\/a>\n            <div class=\"card-expand\" style=\"display: none;\">\n                <p>\u201eYum!\u201c\u2014a compliment for good food.<\/p>\n\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"list-wrapper\">\n            <a class=\"list-toogle\" href=\"#\" aria-label=\"Toggle FAQ: Was bedeuten die corna (Zeige- und kleiner Finger)?\">\n                <h5 class=\"question\">What do the corna (index and little fingers) mean?<\/h5>\n                <svg class=\"faq-icon\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"14\" height=\"8\" viewbox=\"0 0 14 8\" fill=\"none\">\n                    <path d=\"M13.6152 0.369517C13.3685 0.132903 13.0341 0 12.6855 0C12.3368 0 12.0024 0.132903 11.7557 0.369517L6.98417 4.95184L2.21262 0.369517C1.96321 0.146331 1.63333 0.024827 1.29248 0.0306025C0.951625 0.0363779 0.626413 0.168982 0.385357 0.400478C0.1443 0.631975 0.00621891 0.94429 0.00020504 1.27162C-0.00580883 1.59896 0.120714 1.91576 0.353117 2.15528L6.05442 7.63048C6.30111 7.8671 6.63551 8 6.98417 8C7.33283 8 7.66723 7.8671 7.91392 7.63048L13.6152 2.15528C13.8616 1.91837 14 1.59723 14 1.2624C14 0.927566 13.8616 0.606426 13.6152 0.369517Z\" fill=\"black\" \/>\n                <\/svg>\n            <\/a>\n            <div class=\"card-expand\" style=\"display: none;\">\n                <p>When pointed downward or to the side, it wards off the evil eye; when pointed at a person, it is an insult.<\/p>\n\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"list-wrapper\">\n            <a class=\"list-toogle\" href=\"#\" aria-label=\"Toggle FAQ: Wie zeigt man, dass etwas Geld kostet?\">\n                <h5 class=\"question\">How do you show that something costs money?<\/h5>\n                <svg class=\"faq-icon\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"14\" height=\"8\" viewbox=\"0 0 14 8\" fill=\"none\">\n                    <path d=\"M13.6152 0.369517C13.3685 0.132903 13.0341 0 12.6855 0C12.3368 0 12.0024 0.132903 11.7557 0.369517L6.98417 4.95184L2.21262 0.369517C1.96321 0.146331 1.63333 0.024827 1.29248 0.0306025C0.951625 0.0363779 0.626413 0.168982 0.385357 0.400478C0.1443 0.631975 0.00621891 0.94429 0.00020504 1.27162C-0.00580883 1.59896 0.120714 1.91576 0.353117 2.15528L6.05442 7.63048C6.30111 7.8671 6.63551 8 6.98417 8C7.33283 8 7.66723 7.8671 7.91392 7.63048L13.6152 2.15528C13.8616 1.91837 14 1.59723 14 1.2624C14 0.927566 13.8616 0.606426 13.6152 0.369517Z\" fill=\"black\" \/>\n                <\/svg>\n            <\/a>\n            <div class=\"card-expand\" style=\"display: none;\">\n                <p>Rub your thumb over your fingertips.<\/p>\n\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"list-wrapper\">\n            <a class=\"list-toogle\" href=\"#\" aria-label=\"Toggle FAQ: Wie bittet man im Restaurant um die Rechnung?\">\n                <h5 class=\"question\">How do you ask for the check at a restaurant?<\/h5>\n                <svg class=\"faq-icon\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"14\" height=\"8\" viewbox=\"0 0 14 8\" fill=\"none\">\n                    <path d=\"M13.6152 0.369517C13.3685 0.132903 13.0341 0 12.6855 0C12.3368 0 12.0024 0.132903 11.7557 0.369517L6.98417 4.95184L2.21262 0.369517C1.96321 0.146331 1.63333 0.024827 1.29248 0.0306025C0.951625 0.0363779 0.626413 0.168982 0.385357 0.400478C0.1443 0.631975 0.00621891 0.94429 0.00020504 1.27162C-0.00580883 1.59896 0.120714 1.91576 0.353117 2.15528L6.05442 7.63048C6.30111 7.8671 6.63551 8 6.98417 8C7.33283 8 7.66723 7.8671 7.91392 7.63048L13.6152 2.15528C13.8616 1.91837 14 1.59723 14 1.2624C14 0.927566 13.8616 0.606426 13.6152 0.369517Z\" fill=\"black\" \/>\n                <\/svg>\n            <\/a>\n            <div class=\"card-expand\" style=\"display: none;\">\n                <p>\u201eWrite\u201c in the air with your hand\u2014the waiters will understand right away.<\/p>\n\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"list-wrapper\">\n            <a class=\"list-toogle\" href=\"#\" aria-label=\"Toggle FAQ: Versteht man mich in Italien auch ohne Gesten?\">\n                <h5 class=\"question\">Will people in Italy understand me even without gestures?<\/h5>\n                <svg class=\"faq-icon\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"14\" height=\"8\" viewbox=\"0 0 14 8\" fill=\"none\">\n                    <path d=\"M13.6152 0.369517C13.3685 0.132903 13.0341 0 12.6855 0C12.3368 0 12.0024 0.132903 11.7557 0.369517L6.98417 4.95184L2.21262 0.369517C1.96321 0.146331 1.63333 0.024827 1.29248 0.0306025C0.951625 0.0363779 0.626413 0.168982 0.385357 0.400478C0.1443 0.631975 0.00621891 0.94429 0.00020504 1.27162C-0.00580883 1.59896 0.120714 1.91576 0.353117 2.15528L6.05442 7.63048C6.30111 7.8671 6.63551 8 6.98417 8C7.33283 8 7.66723 7.8671 7.91392 7.63048L13.6152 2.15528C13.8616 1.91837 14 1.59723 14 1.2624C14 0.927566 13.8616 0.606426 13.6152 0.369517Z\" fill=\"black\" \/>\n                <\/svg>\n            <\/a>\n            <div class=\"card-expand\" style=\"display: none;\">\n                <p>Yes. But gestures make communication easier and come across as friendly.<\/p>\n\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n\t\t    <\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"row vc_row wpb_row vc_row-fluid\"><div class=\"jeg-vc-wrapper\"><div class=\"wpb_column jeg_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-12\"><div class=\"jeg_wrapper wpb_wrapper\"><div class=\"vc_empty_space\"   style=\"height: 32px\"><span class=\"vc_empty_space_inner\"><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"row vc_row wpb_row vc_row-fluid\"><div class=\"jeg-vc-wrapper\"><div class=\"wpb_column jeg_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-12\"><div class=\"jeg_wrapper wpb_wrapper\">\n\t<div class=\"wpb_text_column wpb_content_element\" >\n\t\t<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n\t\t\t<div style=\"border: 1px solid #f1f1f1; padding: 15px;\">\n<h4>Sources<\/h4>\n<ol style=\"font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.5;\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.treccani.it\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Treccani \u2013 Encyclopedia: Italian Gestures<\/a> (accessed in June 2026)<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.focus.it\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Focus.it \u2013 Why Italians Gesture<\/a> (accessed in June 2026)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Understanding Italian Gestures: What the most important hand gestures mean\u2014from \u201eche vuoi?\u201c to \u201ccorna\u201d\u2014and which gestures are considered offensive in Italy.<\/p>","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":323535,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"inwp_podcast_mp3":"","inwp_podcast_apple":"","inwp_podcast_spotify":"","inwp_podcast_youtube":"","inw_restaurant_url":"","inw_restaurant_lat":"","inw_restaurant_lng":"","in_event_type":"","in_event_featured":"","in_event_teaser":"","in_event_name":"","in_event_address":"","in_event_status":"","in_event_turnus":"","inw_hotel_email":"","inw_hotel_type":"","inw_hotel_name":"","inw_hotel_street":"","inw_hotel_zip":"","inw_hotel_city":"","inw_hotel_region":"","inw_hotel_country":"","inw_hotel_phone":"","inw_hotel_url":"","inw_hotel_lat":"","inw_hotel_lng":"","inw_hotel_pricerange":"","inw_hotel_stars":"","inw_hotel_amenities":"","in_event_start":"","in_event_end":"","in_event_time":"","in_event_time_end":"","in_event_location":"","in_event_city":"","in_event_region":"","in_event_price":"","in_event_organizer":"","in_event_url":"","in_event_sort":"","in_event_sort_end":"","jnews-multi-image_gallery":[],"jnews_single_post":{"subtitle":"Was die typischen Handzeichen wirklich bedeuten \u2013 von \u201eche vuoi?\u201c bis zu den corna \u2013 und welche Gesten du in Italien besser 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