Good luck! (lit. Into the wolf's mouth!)
'Bocca al lupo' — BOC-ca al LU-po. Stress on 'BOC' and 'LU'. Both syllables are clear and equally weighted.
Use before exams, performances, interviews, presentations, or any challenging activity. The standard Italian good luck wish — never substitute with 'buona fortuna' (considered bad luck by many Italians).
'In bocca al lupo' (into the wolf's mouth) derives from hunting tradition — the lucky hunter who entered the wolf's den came out with the prize. It's the opposite of the English 'break a leg' — you're wishing someone the courage to face danger. The traditional response is 'crepi!' (may it die = may the wolf die).
Crepi!
May it die! (the wolf) — the correct response to 'in bocca al lupo'
Never say 'grazie' in response — always 'crepi!'. 'Crepi il lupo!' is the full form.
Tienimi aggiornato/a!
Keep me updated!
Often said after 'in bocca al lupo' — signals you care about the outcome
Ce la farai!
You'll manage it! / You can do it!
'Farcela' (to manage) — encouragement alongside the luck wish
The 'esame di laurea' (degree thesis examination) is one of Italy's most important rites of passage. The graduate's family and friends typically wait outside the university, and after success, the 'laureato/a' wears a crown of laurels ('laurea' = laurel). The celebration can last the whole evening.