Naples is a city steeped in history and culture, a guardian of a vibrant language expressed through sayings and proverbs passed down through generations.
These fragments of wisdom, imbued with everyday life in narrow streets and colorful alleys, represent a unique cultural heritage. In this journey through Neapolitan sayings and proverbs, we delve into a world of linguistic expressions that tell stories of love, popular wisdom, resilience, and a deep connection with life.
The Neapolitan language, derived from Latin, has evolved over centuries, blending with cultural and historical influences. Neapolitan sayings and proverbs serve as a linguistic mirror of this evolution, capturing the richness and complexity of daily communication. Each expression is a small window opening onto the history, mindset, and emotions of the Neapolitan people.

A meglio parola è chella ca nun se dice - Translated as "the best word is the one not spoken," this famous proverb encourages prudence and moderation in speech, especially directed at the younger generation, urging them to use silence as a shield against hasty words that could cause future problems.

Dicette o pappice vicino a’ noce, ramm’ o tiemp’ ca te sportose - "Said the worm to the nut: give me time, and I'll perforate you." It expresses the strength of perseverance and determination with the metaphor of a worm patiently perforating the nut's shell. The saying emphasizes that with effort and willpower, even seemingly insurmountable challenges can be overcome, requiring the right amount of time.

Chi chiagne fotte a chi ride - "Who cries fools the one who laughs." This proverb, easily understood, warns to beware of those who constantly complain, successfully obtaining help through victimization. Those who face difficulties with a smile are often underestimated, despite their inner strength.

Lietto astritto, cuccate ammiezo - "If the bed is narrow, lie down in the middle." With the suggestion to adapt to constraints, this saying encourages enjoying the little things even when resources are limited. It promotes finding happiness in simple circumstances.

E mmalatìe veneno a cavallo e se ne vanno ‘a ppere - "Illnesses come on horseback and go away on foot." It emphasizes the unpredictable nature of illnesses, which can strike quickly and unexpectedly. Healing, on the other hand, takes time and patience, highlighting the complexity of the recovery process.

Ogni scarrafone è bello ‘a mamma soja - "Every cockroach is beautiful to its mother." A tribute to music and popular culture, this saying, made famous by Pino Daniele, states that for every mother, her child is always the most beautiful. It's a declaration of unconditional love and a testament to the deep connection between mother and child.

A conferenza è padrona d’a mala crianza - "Confidence is the mistress of bad manners." It emphasizes the importance of respect and moderation in interpersonal relationships. The saying warns that too much confidence can easily lead to rudeness, calling for prudence in interactions.

E solde fann venì a’ vista ‘e cecate - "Money makes the blind see." With a touch of sarcasm, this proverb suggests that money can make the blind "see," highlighting people's propensity to do unthinkable things for gain.

Attacca ‘o ciuccio addo dic’ o padrone - "Attach the donkey where the owner says." A piece of social adaptation advice, this proverb suggests avoiding contradicting those in a higher position. It recommends following directives without excessive resistance to avoid problems and unwanted responsibilities.

O’ sparagno nun è maje guadagno - "Saving is never gaining." This saying urges to avoid choices solely based on price, as behind an apparent bargain may hide poor quality. It encourages carefully evaluating the intrinsic value of what one obtains.

L’amico è comme’ ‘o ‘mbrello: quanno chiove nun o truove maje - "A friend is like an umbrella: you never find it when it rains." For Neapolitans, a friend is like an umbrella; translated: necessary but never there when needed!

Chi pecora se fa, ‘o lupo s’ ‘o magna - "Who becomes a sheep is eaten by the wolf." Easily interpreted, those who adopt a submissive and timid attitude are overpowered by unscrupulous people.

Quann' ‘o mare è calmo, ogni strunz è marenaro - "When the sea is calm, every fool is a sailor." The meaning of this proverb is very explicit: when things are easy, everyone seems skilled, but real abilities are seen in difficult moments.

Mazze e panelle fanno ‘e figlie belle - "The stick and the bread make daughters beautiful." Children should be raised with love but also with the right severity.

Vide Napole, e po muore. - "See Naples, and then die." This saying is often interpreted as a way of expressing the extraordinary beauty and uniqueness of Naples, stating that seeing this city is such an incredible experience that nothing can surpass it, not even death. In a literal sense, it might suggest that once you have witnessed the beauty, history, and culture of Naples, you have experienced something so extraordinary that there is nothing more meaningful to live for. However, it is essential to emphasize that the proverb is often used in a poetic and romantic sense rather than as a literal perspective on life and death.

In any case, "See Naples, and then die" has become a fascinating way to express admiration for the city of Naples and its emotional and cultural impact on visitors.