Italy is famous for its warm and welcoming culture, where enjoyment and relaxation are highly valued. Whether you’re visiting this beautiful country or interacting with Italian speakers, it’s always a good idea to learn some essential phrases to express your wishes for others to enjoy themselves. In this guide, you will find different ways to say “enjoy yourselves” in Italian, covering both formal and informal contexts. Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “Enjoy Yourselves”
When addressing people in formal situations, such as business settings or when talking to someone older or in a higher position, it’s important to use the appropriate level of politeness. Here are a few phrases you can use:
“Divertitevi!” (dee-ver-TEE-vey) – This is the general formal way to say “enjoy yourselves” in Italian. It can be used in various contexts and is suitable for both formal and informal situations. It literally translates to “have fun!”
Example:
If you’re attending a business dinner or formal event, you can say:
“Divertitevi stasera!” (dee-ver-TEE-vey STAH-seh-rah) – Enjoy yourselves tonight!”
While “Divertitevi” is a commonly used phrase, it’s important to note that Italians often use shorter and more colloquial expressions in everyday conversations.
Informal Ways to Say “Enjoy Yourselves”
When talking to friends, family, or people of your age in a casual context, you can make your wishes more personal and relaxed. Here are a few informal ways to express the same sentiment:
“Divertiti!” (dee-ver-TEE-tee) – This is the singular informal version of “divertitevi.” It is used when addressing one person directly.
Example:
If you’re inviting a close friend to a party, you can say:
“Divertiti alla festa!” (dee-ver-TEE-tee AHL-lah FES-tah) – Enjoy yourself at the party!”
Now, if you’re addressing a group of friends, you can use the following plural informal expressions:
“Divertitevi!” (dee-ver-TEE-vey) – This is the plural informal version of “divertiti.” It is used when addressing a group of people directly.
Example:
When going out with friends, you can say:
“Divertitevi stasera ragazzi!” (dee-ver-TEE-vey STAH-seh-rah ra-GAZ-zee) – Enjoy yourselves tonight, guys!”
Using these informal phrases will help you connect with Italians on a more personal level.
Regional Variations
Italian is known for its regional variations and dialects. Although “divertiti” and “divertitevi” are understood throughout Italy, some regions have their own unique ways of saying “enjoy yourselves.” Here are a few examples:
- Southern Italy (Naples and Sicily): The locals often use the phrase “Goditela!” (go-dee-TEH-lah), which translates to “enjoy it!” or “enjoy yourself!”
- Tuscany: In this region, the expression “Fatevi una bella risata!” (FA-tey-vee OO-nah BEL-lah ree-SAH-tah) is commonly used. It means “have a great laugh!”
- Northern Italy (Milan and Lombardy): You may hear the phrase “Divertitasu!” (dee-ver-tee-TA-soo), which is a local variation of “divertitevi.”
While learning regional variations can be fun, using the standard Italian phrases will ensure you are understood throughout the country.
Additional Tips and Etiquette
Here are some additional tips and etiquette to keep in mind when using these phrases in Italian:
- Gestures: Italians often accompany their words with gestures. When saying “divertiti” or “divertitevi,” you can emphasize your well-wishes by giving a thumbs up, or making a circular gesture with your hand.
- Smile: Italians appreciate a warm and genuine smile when expressing your wishes. It conveys your sincerity and friendliness.
- Eye Contact: Maintain eye contact while saying these phrases to show that you genuinely mean it.
In Conclusion
Mastering how to say “enjoy yourselves” in Italian allows you to connect with locals, express good wishes, and fully immerse yourself in the Italian culture. By learning both formal and informal ways to express this sentiment, you can adapt your language to different contexts and ensure a warm and welcoming interaction with the native speakers you encounter. Remember to embrace the Italian spirit of enjoyment and relaxation!
