What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the adjective buona (good) and the noun fortuna (luck/fortune).
Which one should you use?
While buona fortuna is a literal way to wish luck, the phrase in bocca al lupo (literally "into the mouth of the wolf") is a very common idiomatic way to say "good luck", especially before an exam or a performance.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In the Neapolitan dialect, the phrase is expressed as 'N bocca 'o lupo! The response to this Neapolitan version is 'A crep!
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective buona must be in the feminine singular form to agree with the feminine singular noun fortuna.
What mistakes should you avoid?
When someone says the idiomatic in bocca al lupo to you, the standard response is crepi (short for crepi il lupo) rather than grazie.
When do people say it?
To offer extra encouragement informally, you can say Incrocio le dita! (I'm crossing my fingers!) or Farai un figurone! (You'll do great! or You'll make an excellent impression).
Did you know?
- The phrase in bocca al lupo likely stems from an ancient hunters' tradition. Instead of wishing for success, they wished for the most dangerous thing to happen to trick fate into doing the opposite.
- While buona fortuna is a literal translation, using it in a theatrical context is often considered a jinx. Actors prefer in bocca al lupo because wishing for 'good luck' directly is thought to invite bad luck.
- The common response crepi comes from the verb crepare, which means 'to pop' or 'to die'. It is a much more violent word than the standard 'to die' (morire), emphasizing the desire for the wolf to perish.
Examples in context
- Buona fortuna a te.Good luck to you.This sentence shows how to direct the wish to a specific person using buona fortuna.Tatoeba #5766129 by Guybrush88, translation #5758238 by CM
- Addio e buona fortuna.Goodbye and good luck.This sentence demonstrates how to use buona fortuna in a farewell.Tatoeba #1272293 by Guybrush88, translation #434818 by lukaszpp
- Ti auguro buona fortuna.I wish you good luck.This sentence is useful for expressing the wish of buona fortuna directly to someone.Tatoeba #2795863 by Guybrush88, translation #54468 by CK
- In bocca al lupo per il tuo esame domani! Speriamo bene!Good luck for your exam tomorrow! Let's hope for the best!
- 45 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Matteo is about to take an important exam.
- MartinaSei pronto per l'esame, Matteo?Are you ready for the exam, Matteo?
- MatteoSì, ma sono molto nervoso.Yes, but I am very nervous.
- MartinaAndrà tutto bene. Buona fortuna!Everything will be fine. Good luck!
- MatteoGrazie mille, Martina.Thanks a lot, Martina.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry buona fortuna, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
