Italians are warm and charming people. The manner in which theirideas are expressed in words
indicates their feelings and character. The expressions of the voice, or a look or intonation,
manifest personal reactions towards persons and situations. The Italian language, so rich and
so colorful, compliments, enhances, and embellishes each word and expression with its harmonious
sounds. Nonetheless, it is important to be familiar with people and surroundings when interacting
either to compliment, to criticize, or to gossip. Regions, cities, and villages may have different
historical, social, and economic backgrounds. People may be sensitive to unsolicited remarks or
compliments coming from strangers or mere acquaintances. Generally speaking, it is always nice to
be diplomatic and Italians are diplomats.

Compliments

Admiration

Che bella ragazza!

Che carina!

Che simpatica!

Che elegante!

Grazie, Lei e molto gentile!

Molto divertente (after something funny is said)

Praise

Complimenti!

Ma che bravo!

Ma quanto e gentile!

E un fenomeno!

Grazie del complimento.

Regard

Scusi!

Mi dispiace. mee dee-spee-AH-cheh (I'm sorry.)

Grazie molto.

Non c'e di che. (Don't mention it.)

Nice things to say while flirting

Sei molto carino/carina:you're really nice;

Sei simpatico/simpatica:you're nice;

Mi piace come sei:I like the way you are;

Sei adorabile!:You're a lovely guy/boy!

True Villa, when we appreciate a person we like to make that clear to he/she, also with body gestures.

Complimenti Villa, apprezzo molto il tuo thread.
That is called irony, something we Italians do less often than appreciation.

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Italians are EXTREMELY diplomatic. There's a big uncoverable distance between Italians and Americans: Americans are straight, "tough" if needed. They rarely let something untold or unexpressed. Italians are not "straight", always "soft" also when that's not needed. They never express entirely what's on their mind.
I think that the best show is made by cinema-people after a cinema premiere:

"Interessante..." (Interesting...) That means: "Next time you invite me to see such a f...ng ballshit, I'll kick you in the ass".
"Molto interessante..." (Very Interesting...) That means: "It's a f....ng senseless movie, but better see it that staying at home with my wife"
"Gli attori hanno lavorato bene" (Actors made a good job) That means: "Everything's bad... except the naked actress/ actor in some parts of the movie"
"Complimenti !" (Compliments !) That means: "Well, another f....ng movie we all could do without"
"Molto bello !" (Very beautiful !) That means: "How did you succeed in making such a good movie ? I'd really like to know who you slept with...."
"E' un capolavoro" (It's a masterpiece). That means: "Excellent movie. I hope a earthquake will bury you all"
"Molto raffinato" (Very sophisticated). That means: "Nobody will see it..."
etc. etc.

Could'nt agree more with Max....

Although Villa has a point on Italians being diplomatic, they're also mostly on automatic and this kind of automatic *nice* behaviour is a coverup or avoidance as to what they're really feeling....because it does'nt take long and they're gossiping amongst each other, maybe this gossiping is a poor excuse to feel secure in the tribe?
If you been living amongst different cultures of the world, it can be easily seen how people hide behind their cultures and use it as an excuse to be fake.

While I agree with Villa, I have to say that max and Ade seem to be describing the British (of which I am one). All the Italians I know are frank in expressing their opinions and feelings without being overly rude. I like that about them because you know where you stand.

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