How to Say 'Good Luck' in Italian: In Bocca al Lupo Explained
If an Italian wishes you luck before an exam and you say 'grazie', you have just done it wrong — at least in their eyes. The classic Italian way to wish good luck is 'in bocca al lupo' (literally: in the mouth of the wolf), and the correct reply is 'crepi!' (may it die!). It sounds violent, but it is one of the warmest things an Italian can say to you.
The origin of 'in bocca al lupo' is debated — some link it to hunters, others to the theatre world. What is certain is that it is deeply embedded in Italian culture. You hear it before exams, job interviews, performances, and difficult moments. Never say 'grazie' in response — it is considered bad luck. Say 'crepi!' or the more emphatic 'crepi il lupo!' to break the bad omen.
Answering 'in bocca al lupo' with 'grazie' is considered a cultural faux pas because it accepts the omen of the wolf literally — effectively thanking the wolf for eating you. The correct response 'crepi!' (from 'crepare', meaning to die or burst) kills the wolf metaphorically and breaks the bad luck. If you say 'grazie' to an Italian who just wished you this, they will probably correct you with a smile — and you will remember it forever.
In Bocca al Lupo — The Full Exchange
| What they say | What you reply | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| In bocca al lupo! | Crepi! | Classic, always correct |
| In bocca al lupo! | Crepi il lupo! | Slightly more emphatic |
| In bocca al lupo! | Grazie! | Avoid — considered bad luck |
| In bocca al lupo! | Viva il lupo! | Used by hunters, regional variant |
The hunting origin theory holds that hunters would wish each other 'in bocca al lupo' before a hunt — putting themselves metaphorically in the most dangerous position to invoke the opposite. This kind of reverse-luck thinking is common in Italian superstition. The theatrical origin theory is equally plausible: Italian theatre has a long tradition of backstage superstitions, and 'in bocca al lupo' was the theatre world's version of the English 'break a leg.' Both expressions share the same logic: wishing someone harm (going into the wolf's mouth, breaking a leg) to invoke the opposite outcome.
Beyond the wolf idiom, Italian has many other expressions to wish people well in different situations. Some are formal, some casual, and a few are specific to contexts like exams, performances, or the new year.
All the Ways to Wish Someone Well in Italian
In bocca al lupo per l'esame! — Good luck on the exam!
Buona fortuna con il colloquio! — Good luck with the interview!
Auguri per il tuo compleanno! — Best wishes on your birthday!
Tanti auguri di buon Natale! — Best wishes for a Merry Christmas!
Buona fortuna e coraggio, ce la farai! — Good luck and courage, you will make it!
Vai, ti tifo! — Go, I'm rooting for you!
Ce la puoi fare, ci credo in te! — You can do it, I believe in you!
Forza, non mollare! — Come on, don't give up!
Buon lavoro oggi! — Have a good day at work!
Stai studiando? Buono studio! — Are you studying? Good luck!
Incrociamo le dita — speriamo bene! — Let's cross our fingers — here's hoping!
Non so com'è andata, speriamo bene. — I don't know how it went, let's hope for the best.
Real Situations — What to Say
Domani ho l'esame di italiano. — In bocca al lupo! — Crepi!
I have my Italian exam tomorrow. — Good luck! — Thanks (may the wolf die)!
Ho un colloquio di lavoro lunedì. — Auguri, sono sicuro che andrà bene!
I have a job interview on Monday. — Best wishes, I am sure it will go well!
Stai partendo? Buon viaggio e buona fortuna!
Are you leaving? Have a good trip and good luck!
Italian superstitions around luck are rich and varied. Beyond 'in bocca al lupo', there are many other beliefs that shape how Italians talk about fate. The evil eye (il malocchio) is taken seriously in southern Italy — a compliment given too enthusiastically can bring bad luck, so Italians sometimes add 'tocca ferro' (touch iron, equivalent to 'knock on wood') after praise. The number 17 is considered unlucky (not 13 as in English), and Friday the 17th replaces Friday the 13th as the ominous date.
Superstition and Luck Vocabulary
Hai avuto molta fortuna! — You have had a lot of luck!
Mia nonna credeva nel malocchio. — My grandmother believed in the evil eye.
Tocca ferro! Non dire queste cose. — Touch iron! Don't say things like that.
Il cornetto rosso è un tipico portafortuna italiano. — The red horn is a typical Italian lucky charm.
Che sfiga! Ho perso le chiavi. — What bad luck! I lost my keys.
'Auguri' is the most versatile well-wishing word in Italian. It works for birthdays, holidays, weddings, new jobs, new homes, and almost any positive occasion. You can never go wrong with 'tanti auguri!' — but be aware that Italians also say it to acknowledge that something difficult is coming: 'Auguri!' said with a slightly resigned tone means 'Good luck — you're going to need it.'
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