How to Say Good Luck in Italian
Learn how to say good luck in Italian. 'In bocca al lupo' is the idiom locals use, and the reply is 'Crepi.' Pronunciation, meaning, and when to use each.
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Quick answer
To say good luck in Italian, Italians say 'In bocca al lupo' (een BOK-ka al LOO-po), literally 'into the wolf's mouth.' The expected reply is 'Crepi!' or 'Crepi il lupo!' (May it die). The direct translation 'Buona fortuna' exists but sounds formal and is often avoided as bad luck, much like 'break a leg' in English.
In bocca al lupo
/een BOK-ka al LOO-po/ — Italian
How to Say Good Luck in Italian
If you only learn the textbook translation of “good luck,” you will sound oddly formal to Italians — and you might even unsettle the superstitious. The phrase Italians actually use is a colorful idiom that works just like the English theater saying “break a leg.”
The Idiom: In bocca al lupo
In bocca al lupo — pronounced een BOK-ka al LOO-po — literally means “into the wolf’s mouth.” Rather than wishing fortune directly, Italian (like many languages) wishes luck through a deliberately ominous image, so as not to jinx the outcome.
There are several origin theories. The most common ties it to hunters facing the danger of the wolf, while a gentler reading connects it to the protective mother wolf who carries her cubs safely in her mouth. Either way, the meaning in use is simply: good luck, you’ll get through it.
The All-Important Reply
What makes this phrase special is that it comes with a required response:
| You say | They reply |
|---|---|
| In bocca al lupo! | Crepi! or Crepi il lupo! |
| (Into the wolf’s mouth) | (May it / the wolf die!) |
Do not answer “Grazie” (thank you) — in the tradition, thanking breaks the good-luck charm. A small but growing group of animal-loving Italians instead reply “Viva il lupo!” (Long live the wolf), but “Crepi” is by far the standard.
Pronunciation Guide
| Word | Pronunciation | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| In | een | short, clipped |
| bocca | BOK-ka | doubled hard “c,” held briefly |
| al | al | like English “al” |
| lupo | LOO-po | stress on LOO |
| Crepi | KREH-pee | the reply, stress on KREH |
Buona fortuna and Other Options
The literal phrase does exist, but it is used sparingly:
| Italian | Meaning | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| In bocca al lupo | Good luck (idiom) | Default, all situations |
| Buona fortuna | Good luck (literal) | Formal, written, or neutral |
| Tanti auguri | Best wishes / congratulations | Birthdays, milestones |
| Forza! | You can do it! / Come on! | Cheering someone on |
| In culo alla balena | Good luck (vulgar idiom) | Casual, among close friends |
“Buona fortuna” is understood everywhere, but many Italians feel it sounds either formal or faintly unlucky — much as an English actor would never want to be told “good luck” before going on stage. When in doubt, In bocca al lupo is always safe and warm.
Putting It in Context
- In bocca al lupo per l’esame! — Good luck on the exam!
- In bocca al lupo per il colloquio! — Good luck with the interview!
- Grande partita oggi, in bocca al lupo! — Big game today, good luck!
Remember: when an Italian wishes you “In bocca al lupo,” the friendly, slightly cheeky answer is always “Crepi!” Say it with a smile and you will sound like a local.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does In bocca al lupo literally mean?
'In bocca al lupo' literally means 'into the wolf's mouth.' It is the Italian equivalent of 'break a leg' — a way of wishing good luck through an unlucky-sounding image. The reply is 'Crepi!' (May it die) or 'Crepi il lupo!' (May the wolf die), accepting the wish.
How do you respond to In bocca al lupo?
The traditional reply is 'Crepi!' or fully 'Crepi il lupo!' meaning 'May the wolf die!' You should not reply 'Grazie' (thank you), because in the superstition that breaks the charm. Some modern Italians prefer the kinder reply 'Viva il lupo!' (Long live the wolf), but 'Crepi' remains standard.
Can you just say Buona fortuna for good luck in Italian?
'Buona fortuna' is the literal translation of 'good luck,' and it is understood, but Italians use it less than English speakers use 'good luck.' It can sound formal or even be seen as inviting bad luck, similar to wishing 'good luck' before a stage performance. 'In bocca al lupo' is the natural everyday choice.
How do you pronounce In bocca al lupo?
It is een BOK-ka al LOO-po. 'In' is a short 'een,' 'bocca' is BOK-ka with a doubled hard 'c,' 'al' is just 'al,' and 'lupo' is LOO-po. Stress falls on BOK and LOO. Roll the single 'r' sounds lightly.
Are there other ways to wish good luck in Italian?
Yes. 'In culo alla balena' (in the whale's belly, reply 'Speriamo che non caghi') is a vulgar but common alternative among friends. 'Tanti auguri' means best wishes, 'Forza!' means 'come on / you can do it,' and for exams Italians also say 'In bocca al lupo per l'esame.'