Meaning
Experiencing an unexpected win.
Cultural Background
Italians often use 'scaramanzia' (superstition) when talking about luck. If you say you had a 'colpo di fortuna', you might see someone touch iron ('toccare ferro') to ensure the luck doesn't turn into bad luck. In Naples, luck is deeply tied to the 'Smorfia', a system used to turn dreams into lottery numbers. A 'colpo di fortuna' is often attributed to a dream or a sign from a 'defunto' (deceased relative). In a professional setting, attributing a success to a 'colpo di fortuna' is a sign of 'umiltà' (humility). It is often better to say you were lucky than to brag too much about your own skills. Younger Italians almost exclusively use the slang version 'che culo' among friends. Using 'colpo di fortuna' in a group of teenagers might sound a bit formal or 'old-fashioned'.
Use it for small things
Don't wait for a lottery win! Use it for small daily wins like finding a short queue at the supermarket.
The 'Culo' Factor
You will hear 'Che culo!' everywhere. It's the same as 'What a stroke of luck!', but only use it with very close friends.
Meaning
Experiencing an unexpected win.
Use it for small things
Don't wait for a lottery win! Use it for small daily wins like finding a short queue at the supermarket.
The 'Culo' Factor
You will hear 'Che culo!' everywhere. It's the same as 'What a stroke of luck!', but only use it with very close friends.
Past Tense is King
90% of the time, you'll use this in the past tense ('Ho avuto...') because luck is usually recognized after it happens.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing verb to complete the phrase.
Ieri io ________ avuto un grande colpo di fortuna.
The phrase uses the verb 'avere'. In the past tense (passato prossimo), it is 'ho avuto'.
Which sentence is the most natural way to react to winning the lottery?
Hai vinto alla lotteria! Cosa dici?
'Che colpo di fortuna!' is the standard exclamation for a lucky win.
Match the situation to the correct expression.
Situazione: Trovi 50 euro per strada.
Finding money is a classic example of a 'colpo di fortuna'. 'Colpo di sonno' means falling asleep suddenly, and 'colpo di fulmine' is love at first sight.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'Sei arrivato in tempo per l'ultimo autobus!' B: 'Sì, ________ un colpo di fortuna.'
The speaker is confirming they had a stroke of luck.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesIeri io ________ avuto un grande colpo di fortuna.
The phrase uses the verb 'avere'. In the past tense (passato prossimo), it is 'ho avuto'.
Hai vinto alla lotteria! Cosa dici?
'Che colpo di fortuna!' is the standard exclamation for a lucky win.
Situazione: Trovi 50 euro per strada.
Finding money is a classic example of a 'colpo di fortuna'. 'Colpo di sonno' means falling asleep suddenly, and 'colpo di fulmine' is love at first sight.
A: 'Sei arrivato in tempo per l'ultimo autobus!' B: 'Sì, ________ un colpo di fortuna.'
The speaker is confirming they had a stroke of luck.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, 'prendere' is used for 'prendere un colpo' (to get a shock/scare), but for luck, you must use 'avere'.
Yes, it shows humility if you use it to describe a successful outcome that wasn't entirely in your control.
The opposite is 'un colpo di sfortuna' or more commonly 'una disdetta' or 'una sfiga' (slang).
Because 'colpo' emphasizes the sudden, striking nature of the event. A 'moment' of luck sounds too long and gradual.
No, you can't say 'Lui è un colpo di fortuna'. You say 'Lui è una fortuna per me' (He is a blessing to me).
Yes, 'fortuna' is always feminine, but 'colpo' is masculine, so the phrase is 'UN colpo' (masculine article).
You can just say 'Sono stato fortunato'. 'Avere un colpo di fortuna' is more idiomatic and specific.
No, it is a very authentic Italian idiom. In fact, 'stroke of luck' is the translation of the Italian concept!
Yes, 'Ho avuto diversi colpi di fortuna' (I had several strokes of luck), but it's less common.
Yes, it is standard Italian used from Milan to Palermo.
Related Phrases
essere fortunato
similarto be a lucky person
colpo di fulmine
builds onlove at first sight
per puro caso
synonymby pure chance
andare a segno
similarto hit the mark
