Which one should you use?
goditi l'Italia is used for a single person with whom you have an informal relationship, such as a friend or family member. If you are addressing more than one person, you should use the plural imperative form godetevi l'Italia instead of the singular goditi l'Italia.
When do people say it?
A common alternative if the person is currently in the process of traveling to the country is buon viaggio in Italia (have a good trip to Italy). Other ways to express similar wishes include Spero che tu possa goderti l'Italia (I hope you can enjoy Italy), Ti auguro che tu possa gustare appieno l'Italia (I wish you can fully savor Italy) and Desidero che tu abbia un'esperienza indimenticabile in Italia (I hope you have an unforgettable experience in Italy).
Did you know?
- The verb in goditi l'Italia is godere, which can also mean 'to enjoy' in a sexual context. While perfectly normal in this phrase, using it in certain other contexts might carry a double entendre.
- Beyond travel, godere is the standard term in Italian law to describe 'enjoying' or possessing a legal right or benefit.
- Using the verb gustare instead of godere shifts the meaning from general enjoyment to 'savoring' the country as if it were a fine meal.
Examples in context
- Vai a Roma, goditi l'Italia!Go to Rome, enjoy Italy!
- Sei in vacanza, quindi goditi l'Italia.You are on vacation, so enjoy Italy.
Example conversation
Sofia is saying goodbye to Matteo before his trip.
- SofiaBuon viaggio, Matteo!Have a good trip, Matteo!
- MatteoGrazie mille, Sofia.Thanks a lot, Sofia.
- SofiaGoditi l'Italia!Enjoy Italy!
- MatteoLo farò, a presto!I will, see you soon!
