Discover the Sicilian Language: The Beautiful Language of Sicily

Sicilian is more than just a dialect — it's a living language that carries the weight of Sicily’s rich, complex history. Spoken by millions both on the island and in Sicilian communities abroad, this language reflects the diverse cultures that have called Sicily home over centuries.

A Language Forged by History

Sicily’s central location in the Mediterranean made it a cultural crossroads, and the Sicilian language is the result of this constant blending. Over the centuries, the island was ruled by Greeks, Romans, Arabs, Normans, Spanish, and others — and each left their mark on the local tongue.

Arabic

From the 9th to 11th centuries, Arab rule introduced countless words, especially in agriculture, science, and everyday life. Arabic terms related to irrigation, crops, and mathematics entered the Sicilian language — such as zibbibbu (raisin) and gibbiuni (cistern).

Spanish and Catalan

During centuries of Spanish dominance, Sicilian absorbed many Iberian words and expressions. This influence can still be heard in vocabulary related to government, food, and social life.

Norman French, Greek, and Latin

These cultures added depth to the Sicilian lexicon. From Latin came formal and scholarly words, from Greek came many religious and philosophical terms, and the Normans brought administrative and military language.

A Mosaic of Varieties

Sicilian isn’t a single, uniform language. From Palermo to Catania, from Trapani to Messina, each region — and even town — has its own way of speaking. Some varieties are so distinct that speakers from opposite ends of the island might struggle to understand each other fully.
This diversity is part of what makes Sicilian so fascinating. It’s not one voice — it’s many.

Unique Linguistic Features

Sicilian has some striking phonetic and grammatical traits that set it apart from standard Italian and even other southern dialects. Here are a few:

gli becomes ghi

For example, famiglia becomes famighia. The smoother Sicilian pronunciation simplifies the Italian palatal gli sound to a harder ghi, which is easier to articulate.

ll becomes dd

Words like bella become bedda, and quello becomes chiddu. This change intensifies the sound and adds a distinctive Sicilian rhythm and expressiveness.

pi becomes chi

For instance, piacere might turn into chiaciri. This is a regional phonetic trait that gives Sicilian its own unique musicality.

Verb at the end

Sicilian often places verbs at the end of sentences, such as in poetic or older Italian. This syntax echoes Latin roots and gives the language a flowing, storytelling quality.

Everyday Sicilian: Expressions & Words

Want to sound like a local? Here are some authentic Sicilian expressions and words you might hear in daily life:

Pi favuri

A polite way to say please, used in everyday requests, similar to per favore in Italian.

Amunì!

An energetic call to action meaning Let’s go! often heard in markets or among friends.

Ammuni a cuiccare

A friendly, casual way to say Let’s go to sleep, especially common among families.

Picciriddu

A sweet term for a child, often used affectionately like little one.”

Compa

Short for compare, a word used for a close friend or someone like a godfather — a trusted companion.

Ciau

The Sicilian version of ciao, used informally to say hello or goodbye.

Comu stai?

How are you? – a friendly, familiar greeting.

Staju bonu, grazi

I’m good, thanks. A typical and polite reply to Comu stai?”

Nun lo sacciu

I don’t know. A simple and commonly used phrase when you’re unsure.

Picciotto / Carusu

Both terms refer to a young boy or guy; picciotto can also imply youthfulness with attitude or street smarts.

Veni cca

Come here. A direct phrase often used by parents or friends to get someone's attention.

Di unni si?

Where are you from? A common question to learn about someone’s background.

Sugnu di…

I’m from… A simple way to share your hometown or origin.

Assai

Means a lot or very much. Used to intensify statements — for example, Mi piaci assai! (I like it a lot!).

Minchia!

A powerful expression of surprise, anger, or astonishment. Be cautious — while common, it’s strong and can be vulgar depending on context.

Mia

Means mine, often used emphatically to assert ownership or connection in conversation.

Final Thoughts

Sicilian isn’t just a quirky dialect — it’s a language with its own rules, rich vocabulary, and deep cultural roots. Learning even a few words opens the door to a unique world of expression and heritage. Whether you're visiting Sicily or tracing family roots, understanding Sicilian is a beautiful way to connect with the island's soul.