When you think about Italians, what is the first thing that comes to mind? Most people tend to think of Italians as loud and expressive, but there is more to the story than meets the eye. Italians have more than one way to communicate with each other, they use hand gestures. This is more than a thumbs up or a thumbs down, Italians can have full conversations with one another just by using their hands. The convenience of gestures and the emphasis it creates allows Italians  to communicate in the most effective way possible. Whether you are planning a trip to Italy, or just want to learn more about Italian communication, here are 12 Italian hand gestures everyone should know.

#1 Italian hand gesture | Delicious! (Delizioso!) 

You may see Italians use this gesture at a restaurant after they have finished a delicious meal.

#2 Italian hand gestures | Perfect! (Perfetto!)

Italians often use this hand gesture when something goes according to plan.

#3 Italian hand gestures | Please, I beg you (Per favore, ti prego)

Italians typically use this Gesture when asking for a favor.

#4 Italian hand gestures | You talk too much (Parli troppo)

Italians use this gesture when they want someone, who is blabbering on, to stop talking.

#5 Italian hand gestures | Watch out (Attento)

You may see Italians using this hand gesture when trying to warn their friends of unforeseen danger.

#6 Italian hand gestures | I don’t care (Non mi interessa)

Italians use this hand gesture when they are not interested in something someone is telling them.

#7 Italian hand gestures | I am hungry (Ho fame)

This hand gesture is used when Italians want to tell their friends that it is time to get something to eat.

#8 Italian hand gestures | Enough! (Abbastanza!)

Italians use this hand gesture when they want someone to stop what they are doing/saying.

#9 Italian hand gestures | Crazy! (Pazzesco!)

You may see Italians use this hand gesture to inform their friends of someones crazy behavior.

#10 Italian hand gestures | What are you talking about? (Che dici?)

This common hand gesture is used by Italians to tell their friends that they are confused, It can also be used sarcastically when Italians are trying to mess around with their friends.

#11 Italian hand gestures | F*** you (Vaffanculo)

Also known as the Umbrella gesture, Italians use this hand gesture when something makes them angry. It is similar to the middle finger in the United States.

#12 Italian hand gesture | Damn you (Maledetto)

Italians use this gesture when scolding someone who has done something wrong.

(Written & Created by LivItaly Interns)