From Inferno to Italian: Why March 25th Is Dantedì
March 25 is Italy’s National Day dedicated to Dante Alighieri, known as Dantedì. According to scholars, this is the date in the year 1300 when Dante began his journey in the Divine Comedy, famously getting lost “in a dark forest” (selva oscura). It’s also the perfect day to learn Italian with Dante and explore the origin of many timeless expressions.
Established in 2020 by Italy’s Minister of Culture, Dantedì honors the Supreme Poet and his impact on Italian language and literature. It’s the perfect occasion to reflect on the legacy of Dante and his influence on modern Italian. Not only in poetry and philosophy but also in everyday expressions
Did you know many popular Italian phrases were actually coined by Dante?
Let’s explore a few expressions from the Divine Comedy that Italians still use today – often without realizing their origin!
Learn Italian with Dante: Timeless Expressions from the Divine Comedy
Study Italian with Dante: “Stai fresco! Stiamo freschi!”
This phrase is often used ironically to say “Well, we’re doomed!” or “This will end badly!” It originates from Dante’s description of the ninth circle of Hell: the frozen lake of Cocytus (Cocito), where traitors were condemned to eternal cold.
Today, “stiamo freschi” is used more playfully, but in Dante’s time, it was literally about freezing in Hell!
Improve your Italian with Dante: “Il bel Paese”
A poetic nickname for Italy, meaning “the beautiful country”. Dante used it in the Divine Comedy to refer to Italy as “il bel paese là dove ’l sì suona” – “the beautiful country where the word ‘yes’ is spoken”.
Even today, Italians (and many foreigners) refer to Italy as il Bel Paese, celebrating its language, landscapes, cuisine, and culture.
Learn Italian with Dante: “Galeotto fu…”
One of the most iconic expressions in Italian literature: “Galeotto fu il libro” (The book was the go-between). It appears in Canto V of the Inferno, during Francesca’s tragic love story with Paolo.
The two lovers kiss for the first time while reading about Lancelot and Guinevere. The book plays the role of Galeotto, a character who encourages love in medieval romance. This expression is still used to indicate something that triggers or facilitates a forbidden or romantic relationship.
Experience your Italian with Dante: “Senza infamia e senza lode”
Literally “Without blame and without praise”, this phrase is used today to describe something average or unremarkable: not bad, but not great either.
But for Dante, in Canto III of the Inferno, it was a serious judgment. He used it to describe the ignavi – those who lived their lives without taking a stand, without passion, without choosing good or evil. They were despised and excluded even from Hell’s main circles.
Italian expressions by Dante: “Non mi tange”
This elegant expression means “It doesn’t concern me” or “It doesn’t affect me at all.” Dante uses it in Canto II of the Inferno, where Beatrice tells Virgil: “Your misery does not touch me” – because she is protected by divine grace.
Today, non mi tange is used to express emotional detachment or indifference.
Study Italian Through Culture
At Il Centro, we believe that the best way to learn Italian with Dante is through full immersion in the culture, literature, and traditions that shaped the language. That’s why our courses often include video, audio, and authentic texts – from Dante to contemporary media.
Whether you want to take group or individual lessons, intensive or extensive courses, online or in-person in Milan, we offer a wide range of programs for all levels.
👉 Learn Italian with Dante: explore our Italian courses in Italy
Photo credits: Giovanni Garattoni