lista dei desideri
feminine
The English phrase 'bucket list' is translated into Italian as lista dei desideri.
In Italian, a bucket list, a list of things to accomplish before one’s death, is referred to as a list of desires or a list of dreams.
Meaning: a list of things to accomplish before one’s death (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase lista dei desideri literally translates to 'list of desires'.
Which one should you use?
Elenco dei sogni da realizzare translates to 'list of dreams to accomplish', whereas Lista dei sogni means 'list of dreams'. For an informal approach, you can use the phrase Cose da fare prima di morire, which means 'things to do before dying'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The term lista dei desideri is a feminine noun phrase.
Did you know?
- In Italian, the term desiderio is derived from the Latin de-sidere, which literally means 'from the stars', reflecting the ancient belief that desires were influenced by the position of the stars.
- The word lista actually shares a common Germanic root with the English word 'list', meaning a strip or a border, which originally referred to the lists or barriers used in medieval jousting tournaments.
- Unlike the English 'bucket list', which is often viewed as a final act, the Italian lista dei desideri is frequently used more broadly to describe any wishlist for a wedding or a new house.
Examples in context
- Ho molti sogni da realizzare nella mia vita. La mia lista dei desideri comprende viaggiare in Giappone e imparare a suonare il pianoforte.I have many dreams to fulfill in my life. My bucket list includes traveling to Japan and learning to play the piano.
- Mi piace tenere un elenco dei sogni che vorrei realizzare. Quest'anno voglio imparare a surfare e visitare la Grande Barriera Corallina in Australia.I like keeping a list of dreams I want to fulfill. This year, I want to learn how to surf and visit the Great Barrier Reef in Australia.
- Ho una lunga lista dei desideri.I have a long bucket list.
- La mia lista dei desideri include il Giappone.My bucket list includes Japan.
- Dobbiamo spuntare questa voce dalla lista dei desideri.We must check this item off the bucket list.
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about travel plans at a cafe.
- LorenzoVoglio aggiungere la Norveia alla mia lista dei desideri.I want to add Norway to my bucket list.
- MartinaÈ un'idea bellissima, Lorenzo!That is a beautiful idea, Lorenzo!
- LorenzoE tu, Martina, hai una lista dei desideri?And you, Martina, do you have a bucket list?
- MartinaSì, ma è molto diversa dalla tua.Yes, but it is very different from yours.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “bucket list” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries lista, CC BY-SA 4.0.
