Signification
Things can change unexpectedly.
Contexte culturel
The phrase is heavily associated with the 'Mai dire...' series of TV programs by Gialappa's Band, which satirized everything from sports to reality TV. Using this phrase is a way to avoid 'jinxing' oneself. It's a linguistic talisman against the 'malocchio'. The translation of the James Bond film 'Never Say Never Again' as 'Mai dire mai' made the phrase a household name in the 80s. In Italian football culture, this phrase is used to maintain hope for 'la rimonta' (the comeback) until the very last second.
Use it as a standalone
You don't need a full sentence. If someone says 'I'll never do that,' just say 'Mai dire mai!' with a smile.
Don't conjugate
Keep the verb as 'dire'. Saying 'Io non dico mai mai' is grammatically correct but loses the proverbial punch.
Signification
Things can change unexpectedly.
Use it as a standalone
You don't need a full sentence. If someone says 'I'll never do that,' just say 'Mai dire mai!' with a smile.
Don't conjugate
Keep the verb as 'dire'. Saying 'Io non dico mai mai' is grammatically correct but loses the proverbial punch.
The 'Bond' Connection
Mentioning the James Bond movie 'Mai dire mai' is a great conversation starter with Italians of a certain age.
Teste-toi
Choose the correct phrase to complete the sentence: 'Non pensavo di tornare in Italia, ma...'
Non pensavo di tornare in Italia, ma...
'Mai dire mai' is the fixed proverb meaning 'never say never'.
Complete the dialogue with the most appropriate response.
A: 'Pensi che vinceremo la partita?' B: 'Siamo in svantaggio, ma...'
In a sports context, 'mai dire mai' is the perfect way to express hope despite being behind.
Match the situation to the phrase.
You swore you would never use a dating app, but now you are considering it.
This phrase is used when you change your mind about something you were certain about.
Fill in the missing words.
Nella vita, ___ dire ___.
The full common version of the proverb is 'Nella vita, mai dire mai'.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesNon pensavo di tornare in Italia, ma...
'Mai dire mai' is the fixed proverb meaning 'never say never'.
A: 'Pensi che vinceremo la partita?' B: 'Siamo in svantaggio, ma...'
In a sports context, 'mai dire mai' is the perfect way to express hope despite being behind.
You swore you would never use a dating app, but now you are considering it.
This phrase is used when you change your mind about something you were certain about.
Nella vita, ___ dire ___.
The full common version of the proverb is 'Nella vita, mai dire mai'.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsIt is neutral. You can use it with friends or in a business meeting to discuss future possibilities.
Not as a proverb. 'Non dire mai' sounds like you are telling someone specifically to never say a certain word.
'Mai dire mai' is usually a reaction to someone saying 'never'. 'Non si sa mai' is used when you are being cautious.
Yes, it is a standard Italian proverb used from North to South.
No, it's usually positive or neutral, suggesting that things can improve or change.
No, it is strictly for future possibilities or changing one's mind about a current stance.
It's for emphasis. It literally means 'Never say never'.
Not really, but 'non si sa mai' is very common in casual speech.
Yes, it's common in journalism, social media, and informal emails.
It is a proverb, so it is a bit of a cliché, but it's so common that it doesn't sound 'bad' or 'old'.
Expressions liées
non si sa mai
similaryou never know
chi vivrà vedrà
similartime will tell
non dire gatto se non ce l'hai nel sacco
similardon't count your chickens...
mai e poi mai
contrastnever ever
