What Are Italian Hand Gestures for Food? 6 Hand Gestures You Must Know!

The Italian penchant for speaking through gestures is a cultural hallmark recognized across the globe, an art form that elevates communication to a visual symphony of expressions. So integral are these hand movements to the Italian way of life that they have inspired their own set of emojis, encapsulating the essence of Italian expressiveness for the digital age. From emphatic conversations to the nuanced ballet performed at the dining table, Italian gestures are a language unto themselves, conveying emotions, intentions, and opinions without uttering a single word. This silent vocabulary extends far beyond the borders of Italy, enabling Italians to make themselves understood in any corner of the world, regardless of linguistic barriers. Before embarking on a journey to Italy, acquainting yourself with some of these iconic gestures can not only enhance your experience but also allow you to partake in one of Italy's most beloved traditions. Let's delve into the world of Italian gestures while eating, and perhaps, learn to ‘speak' Italian without saying a word.

Italian Gestures While Eating You Must Know

1. "Buono" – Good

This is an Italian gesture used by both adults and children. Children, especially, are taught to utilize this gesture – also dubbed as the ‘yummy‘ gesture – to indicate that the meal they're having is delicious. All you need to do to replicate is, is bring your index finger to your cheek, poke it, and rotate it in both directions.

2. "Buonissimo" – Very Good

This gesture is the direct evolution of the previous one, and it is used when the food you're tasting is so delicious it gets you rolling your eyes in the back of your head. Used mostly by adults, all you need to do to replicate it is draw circles with your hands in the air.

3. "Squisito" – Exquisite

This gesture has taken an international route, thanks to the world of social medias and memes – where it's dubbed as ‘Chef's kiss‘ with its own emoji and all. Expressing absolute adoration for the dish you're eating, all you have to do to replicate it is put your fingers all together, bring them to your mouth and then kiss it. The gesture translates as ‘excellent'.

4. "Sono pieno" – I'm Full

Utilized by both adults and children, this gesture is to be used when your stomach is so full you can't eat anything anymore, as much as you might want to. To replicate it, simply touch your belly with your hand and massage it in slow circles, indicating a belly full of good food.

5. "Il conto" – The Check

In Italy, unlike other places, you usually have to ask for the check to be delivered to you, once you're finished eating; the waiter doesn't automatically bring the check in advance, when bringing also your food, like it usually happens in American restaurants. You can verbally ask "Il conto, per favore", or you can use your hands: raise your hand to catch the waiter's attention, and once you have it, pretend you're writing something in the air. They'll know what's up.

6. "Let's Have Spaghetti"

Have you even truly been to Italy, if you haven't had a plate of spaghetti while there? Eating spaghetti in Italy is clearly a must when you're visiting. In case you want to suggest your group, your friends or your loved ones that you're in the mood for a plate of spaghetti, here's a simple gesture to do so: with your index finger and middle finger, imitate a fork picking up spaghetti, rotating the fingers like you're rolling spaghetti onto them. A really direct gesture, it indicates you're fancying some spaghetti.