5 Venetian dialect phrases to try out
Last updated on December 16th, 2025.
The first Italian language post I wrote was 5 Sicilian words and phrases to use on the island.
The article proved so popular that I decided to write another. This time, I'm introducing some Venetian dialect phrases to try out when visiting the region.
To be clear, 'Venetian' refers to the language of Veneto, and isn't confined to Venice.
Knowing some vernacular can be useful when planning a trip to Italy.
Veneto — a brief background
The region of Veneto is located in the north-east of Italy. It's the 8th largest region in the country and fifth most populated in Italy. Its capital city is the well-known, and popular, tourist hotspot of Venice.
Veneto borders Friuli-Venezia Giulia to the east, Emilia-Romagna to the south, and Lombardy to the west.
To the north is the picturesque region of Trentino Alto-Adige/Sudtirol. It's home some of the most beautiful places in South Tyrol, which include the stunning Dolomites.
Within Veneto are several provinces, including Venice, Verona, Padua, Vicenza and Belluno.
The region’s important for wine growing, and produces some well-known names including Pinot Grigot, Soave, and my favorite, Prosecco.
If wine doesn’t float your boat, the region’s food, such as Grana Padano, is very, very good.
5 Venetian dialect phrases
While the majority of people in Veneto speak Italian, many also frequently use the Venetian language. From my experience, it’s typically the older generation that tend to speak Venetian than the younger crowd.
The language descends from Vulgar Latin, and dialects sit beneath the classification of a Western Romance language. Get your pen and paper ready as your brief lesson in Veneto is about to begin.
Bon/vabon
One of the most popular Venetian dialect phrases, and one you hear frequently is Bon/vabon. In short, it means ‘good/ok’, so you can imagine how often it's used.
In standard Italian, it's also the equivalent of ‘buono/va bene’, which means good/ok. You can also spot the similarity in spelling and pronunciation between the Veneto and the Italian versions.
Spriss
If you enjoy your aperitivo (aperitif), you definitely need to master this one.
Veneto's home of the famous spritz, and you may just need to ask for 1, or possibly more, ‘spriss’. The Venetian version consists of meeting friends in a bar after work, and before dinner, to take something to drink.
Do as the Venetians do
Big drinkers in nature, Venetians can also be big savers. Drinking on an empty stomach means getting drunker quickly, and saving money on more spritz in the process.
Map of Italy
Un'ombra de vin
Another Veneto phrase that also relates to alcohol.
Meaning ‘a glass of wine’, there are many stories as to the origins of the term ‘un’ombra de vin’. The most popular story links to the Venetian custom of drinking in the bell tower's shadow to escape the heat.
Legend says — Venetian dialect phrases
Another is about the custom of the taverns in St. Mark’s Square in Venice. Patrons would move their tables to follow the shadow of the bell towers.
The final one tells the story of wine-sellers moving their stalls to get shade from the bell tower's shadow. No matter the number of stories regarding its origin, it’s clear that Venetians take their wine very seriously.
In standard Italian, ‘un’ombra de vin’ is ‘un bicchiere di vino’.
Magnar ben
It’s very difficult to eat badly in Italy.
Italian cuisine is one of the best, and most famous in the world. However, for Venetians, eating (mangiare) and eating well (mangiare bene) are 2 very different things.
So important is this distinction, that finding a place where you can eat well is a hotbed of discussion. Don't be surprised to find many Venetians discussing it with a passion.
That said, when in Veneto, don't just ask for a place to eat, but one where you can eat well. Many will be delighted to answer, as well as offer all the essential details. On top of that, you’ll firmly be on your way to thinking like a true Venetian.
Lo speo
‘Lo speo’, or ‘lo spiedo’ in standard Italian, is a favorite, and ridiculously tasty, Venetian pastime. A ‘speo’ is essentially a spit roast, and whether the animal’s big or small, it’s going on the speo.
From fowl to pork to fish, this is one occasion where friends and family get together for a feasting banquet. Any aspiring speo chef in Veneto must first master the spit technique, and have a long and proven experience.
How did you find this post? Did you enjoying learning these Venetian dialect phrases? Let me know your thoughts below.
A big thank you to Fabio De Gobbi for his assistance on writing this post.
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something that I’ve recommended. Thank you for your support.
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Lisa,
I spent a school year in Padua, many years ago. We learned that 'ciao' came from the Venetian for the word 'schiavo", slave as in I am your slave.
I'm remembering that instead of 'ci veddiamo' they would say 'ci veddim'. Does that sound correct?
Thank you so much!
Hi Paula, thank you for sharing your experience with me! I would say that 'ci veddim' sounds correct. Like many Italian dialects, they are different but also share many similarities with standard Italian.
God you made me feel like going to Italy and change all my flight plans!!! Great post thanks a lot for sharing
You're welcome, thanks for your comment! x
I had no idea there was a local variant of Italian in the Veneto region. Spriss is my favorite of the words 🙂
It's not a bad choice either!
LOVE this post. Such an interesting concept, and really making me want to jump on a plane to Italy right now! It looks so beautiful there, and the food, wine... everything. It just looks amazing!!
Thank you!! It's a great region, and one that's become my second home 🙂
These words are really helpful! I love that they mostly focus on ordering food and drinks... the most important thing when on holiday! ?
Haha, yes totally!
Very handy blog post! I've bookmarked this and will come back to it for my next trip to Venice! Hopefully soon! Great pictures as well!
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it 😀
Great post Lisa and so useful! Love how so many are food and wine related. Right up my alley. Before going to a country we always try and learn a few key words and phrases. I think its polite to know some words and not to mention useful!
Thank you, I'm so happy you found it useful! Maybe you can try a few when you're in Veneto 🙂
Right I have bookmarked this and will definitely use this when we visit Venice! I am going to do a tour of Italy for the big 30 so this will be so helpful! Thank you!
Aww, enjoy yourself! Hope you get to try out a few of these!
I loved this! When I went to Venice I used a little Italian but would hear people speak with a bit different word. I didn’t know if I just heard wrong or were saying the wrong thing. Now I know it was the different dialect. Haha thank you so much! And the wine references are truly amazing because everyday you would definitely be drinking wine.
Thank you Karen! Language opens so many doors, and it's important to know, and fun too, some local phrases! Thanks for commenting x
I totally agree that it's important to learn some common phrases and expressions when visiting new countries. Great read. Wish I had read this before our trip to Venice last year.
Thanks for dropping by! Hope you get to try them the next time you're back.
It is always so helpful to know some important and frequently used words or phrases when you are visiting a foreign country. These 5 words could make life a lot easier when in the Veneto region. We wish we knew this when we were in Venice a couple of years ago. But then I think we will be equipped for our next trip with these words in our armoury.
I'm glad you found these phrases useful! I hope you get to try a few of these when you next visit 😀
I love learning the local words - so this post is perfect! I know I’ll be certain to eat well now!
That's great to read! Hope you magnar bene wherever you are 🙂
Learning a few basic phrases in the local dialect/language can do wonders. In fact, ever time we visit a place, we always make it a point to learn common greetings, yes/no, etc. in their language. This should be an SOP for every traveler.
Thank you! I totally agree and I hope you get to use some one day 😀
Haah not that I would know any italian but will use some
Venetian vernacular mixed with my english if I ever get to Veneto. Thanks for the prep
You're welcome!
So helpful. I like that they aren’t common phrases that you can find in any old guide book. I can actually use these to improve my experience. Thanks!!
I'm happy to read that! I hope it comes in handy.
This is so useful for the first time travelers. I had not even heard of Veneto. It is like anywhere else in the world. The older generation still holds on to the original language and culture. Hope new generation doesn’t lose the language over the years. I am a foodie so I found Magnar ben particularly interesting.
I'm happy to introduce you to this great language and culture! Hope you can magnar bene here one day soon!
I wish I had read this before my trip to Italy! I was lucky enough to have some Italians hosts that showed me around when I was in Verona, but then I ventured myself alone and some of these phrases would have been very helpful. I would have love to ask where to eat well and enjoy some lo speo =D
Aw, well I hope you can use it if you ever return 🙂 A speo is a great way to pass the time!
When I finally make it to Italy, I'm sure Magnar ben is one phrase I'm going to use the most 😀 How can one visit Italy and not relish the famous Italian cuisine. The renowned wine is something I want to try there, so I need to remember Un’ombra de vin as well. Hoping for a good memory and saving this post on Pinterest 🙂
Thank you! I hope you do make it here one day; it's a great country to visit.
Cool. Useful to know some local dialect , shows people you give a damn. Spriss confused me as it was a mixed fruit drink in Ethiopia!
I've never heard of that before, thanks for the info!
One must always know how to ask for a glass of wine. Un’ombra de vin. And it's even better when it's in the local language. Of course a couple of spriss are always nice as well. How I love Italy. Loved your photos 🙂
Thank you! And yes, a glass of wine is a must in Italy 🙂
My mom is going to Veneto in a few months and she is going to love this post, I will save it for her. I have tried a spriss at an Italian restaurant and it was Divine. Really nice pictures too.
That's great to read, I hope she enjoys her time here! Spriss is a daily occurrence here; but a good one!
That is good to know . Would be cool to use some of these while visiting ?. The photos are very nice too ....
First off, your photos and layout are STUNNING!! Second, I love this! Bon I could have figured out, but the other words were completely new to me! Now I feel the need to go travel and use these!
Aww thank you! I spend a lot of time in Veneto, so wanted to share this with my readers 🙂
I didn't know anything about the Veneto language so this is helpful! I do have a 'Toronto accent' and I still feel odd out by pronouncing words from other languages because I'm afraid they still won't understand me.... happened to me once in Dubai and was looked at like .....what? ??♀️
Haha, I'm sure you sound great speaking with your Toronto accent! You know what they say, practice makes perfect 😀
Whenever I plan to visit a very new and faraway place, I make it a habit to learn a few basic words in their language/ dialect. It is mostly as simple as hello or a few questions starting with what and where. Thank you for giving me the Venetian language phrases. I will bookmark this post of yours and will make sure to memorize them whenever I get to visit Italy/ Veneto. These phrases seem so lovely to pronounce.
That's great to read! Language opens so many barriers and just knowing a few can help so much.
I remember reading your post last year Lisa, about the 5 Sicilian words to know and I think its a pretty cool idea to know some popular terms used in a region when visiting - it always attracts an expression of pleasant surprise and a smile from the locals 😉 I know the one I'll be using the most of these, Un’ombra de vin ?
It's a great one to know Medha, and the locals will definitely know what you mean when you say it 😀
Thanks for sharing some fundamental Veneto vocabulary with us! It definitely helps to know a couple of words when visiting a country, because locals really appreciate travellers speaking a few words in their local tongue.
I couldn't agree more Nathan! It's a real treat to converse with the locals, and they also respect you a lot more too!
First time I have encountered a post like this! It's a fine way to learn the language, get a peek into the culture, and immerse into the local scene when I finally visit Venice! I would probably say bon/vabon a lot but it will probably be un'ombra de vin which I will hear from my husband a lot. Veneto is romantic!
It's a good thing your husband likes that phrase, they say it a lot here! And yes, there are many romantic places in the region 😀
This post is perfectly timed for me. We will be traveling to Venice in June and definitely want to "eat well"! Saving this for later!
That's great to read! Hope you enjoy yourself when you go 😀
I love learning local words and phrases! Not that I'm pretending to be a local, but it also helps understand a little more about the culture. Something like bon is a great "everything" type of word that would be totally useful to know. I don't drink, although I love the stories behind the phrases and words utilized around wine. You're right - it's embedded into the culture!
Absolutely! Unfortunately, you can't avoid the wine culture in Italy, it's everywhere 😀
True, but I could learn more about the making of the wine and the family histories with the wineries!
Awesome! I love ordering 'spriss' when in Italy. 🙂 🙂
I didn't know there was such a difference between regional dialects in Italy. It's nice to see that the language and culture are intertwined, and reflect each other. I often wish I had a glass of wine and a shady spot in which to enjoy it!
It's a lovely perk of being here! There are many dialects in Italy, as there are in other countries around the world 🙂
Un'ombra de vin! Haha I am imagining the men moving their wine and table after the shadow of the bell tower! Your little venetian wordbook is very funny to read and interesting! I am not sure I would dare to use them in public in Italy but before I do I will practice it at home with my italians friends!
That's a good place to start! If they're from Veneto, they should be familiar with it 😀
A very original and interesting post! Un'ombra de vin... I am Italian myself and I did not know this funny way to ask for a glass of wine. It is curious how people from abroad can enlight our own culture.
That's wonderful to read! It's always interesting speaking with other Italians who aren't aware of different dialects. But great to find out about others too!
Oh! I was not knowing that Italian and veneto words/phrases are somewhat different. Venice has some local language which sounds good or BON. Eating and Eating well differentiation looks small but it has larger meaning hidden in the phrase. Eating well (mangiare bene) is the concept of life and should not be ignored. I would also prefet to mangiare bene with my family, children and friendly instead of only Mangiare. Loved the local phrases.
Thank you! It's such a fun language, and nice way to speak like the locals too.
I would love to visit Venice, so these little phrases will come in handy plus the traditions they represent are good to know. Wine and food always looks like a dream in Italy, and all cities have so much to offer. Glad to read something more on Venice other than gondolas and tourist crowds.
You're welcome. Actually, Venice is only the capital of the region, Veneto. Many confuse the two, and there's plenty more to Veneto than Vence, trust me 😀
Boy, could I have used this when we visited Venice a few years ago. I had no idea what any of these words meant, and I would have loved to be able to throw them around like a local rather than a tourist!
Ha, so now you have a reason to return! They're fun words, and you'll hear it quite a lot.
Haha! So much of wine & spirit! Would love to visit there and just get drunk. But actually I'm reminded of Eat, Pray & Love. Italy is so much about food & drinks...
Yes, there are plenty of good food and drinks here!
nice! love the concept of this article. I should have done same for my native language. thanks for inspiration!
You're welcome, for the lesson and for the inspiration!
It's always nice to learn something new everyday and I'm not just saying because I learned a few new phrases but because I learned that it is important to specify where to "eat well" when asking for resto recommendations. I think that is a genius idea because who would want to just eat some place for the sake of filling a tummy? Food is best enjoyed.
I couldn't agree more! Travel is about learning new things in the process, but language helps to break down these barriers further 🙂
I wish that I had seen this post before visiting Venice. I would have loved to ask the locals where I could eat well. I've never come across different terminology for eating and eating well in any other language before. But it's not surprising that there is a difference in Italy, where food is so important.
You're spot on. I live between London and Veneto, and we never eat badly! Hope you get to try some out next time.
I wish I had seen this before visiting a few years ago. I liked reading about the difference between eating and eating well. That is a good distinction.
Absolutely! It's a lovely language and interesting when spoken too!
Such a useful post. I didn't realise that the main export was wine in Veneto. And I love prosecco and of course tiramisu! I think I would enjoy 'Lo speo' - a feasting banquet with friends and family sounds perfect!
Oh yes, it's a good pastime and a tasty way to spend time with your friends and family.
Love this post! It's all well and good to know the best places and experiences in a destination but being able to communicate effectively makes a whole world of difference! I especially love the distinction between eating and eating well. "Magnar ben" is definitely a phrase I'll be using a lot!
That's great to read! Most Italians like to eat well, but it's particularly telling that Venetians have their own term for it!
This is such a BON post ? Thanks to you, I have learnt something I would have never! Is there any reason why the vernacular is not being spoken by the younger generation?
Thank you! Honestly, I think it's because it's a bit old fashioned, nothing more 🙂
I also try my best to learn the common phrases and expressions when I visit a new country. It was cool to learn a little bit about some Veneto words. I hope I could put them to good use someday!
Me too! It's a fun dialect and nice to use a few words to use when visiting.
Such a cool concept to for a post 😀 - So useful learning some common words before heading to a new country or region where they have their own Dialect -Haha love how two of your words relate to Alcohol and also I did not know there was a distinction between eating and eating well ( I guess it doesn't surprise me it being a thing in Italy haha)
Yes, drinking is a big part of the culture in Veneto, and to be fair, eating well is a big thing all over Italy.