Discover Venetian: The Language of Venice

Often considered just a regional dialect, Venetian is actually much more than a variation of Italian. It is a distinct language with a rich history, unique linguistic features, and a vital role in the culture and identity of the Venetian people. In this article, we’ll explore its most important characteristics.

A Global Language

Venetian—known as Vèneto in its native form—developed in the Veneto region. It is spoken not only in and around the city of Venice but also in nearby provinces such as Trento, in the city of Trieste, and within Venetian communities across Istria and Dalmatia. Furthermore, the language has spread internationally: descendants of Venetian emigrants in South America—especially in southern Brazil and Argentina—still speak it today. Interestingly, many are more fluent in Venetian than in standard Italian.

A Brief History of Venetian

Venetian dates back to the Middle Ages and became the official language of the Venetian Republic, also known as the Serenissima. Thanks to Venice’s strategic location as a commercial and cultural hub, the language flourished during the Republic’s long reign from 697 AD to 1797 AD. It served as a lingua franca throughout the Mediterranean, widely used in trade, diplomacy, and literature. As a result, Venetian influenced many neighboring languages and played a key role in intercultural exchange.

Regional Varieties

While Italian became standardized as the national language in the 19th century, Venetian remained fragmented, showing significant variation from region to region—even from village to village. For example, the Venetian spoken in the province of Belluno differs noticeably from the variety spoken around Venice.

Venetian vs. Italian: How Are They Different?

Venetian and Italian are both Romance languages, but they differ in pronunciation, vocabulary, and grammar. Venetian often drops final vowels, uses different verb conjugations, and preserves some older Latin forms that standard Italian has lost. These distinctions make Venetian a true language in its own right—not just a dialect.

Some Important Venetian Words

Here’s a short list of common Venetian words and expressions you might hear—or even use:

Ció

An informal greeting or interjection, similar to hey or yo. Although many Italians see it as a hallmark of Venetian speech, it’s actually not widely used in the Venetian Lagoon.

Schei

A slang term for money. It comes from the German word Scheingeld (meaning banknote) and corresponds to the Italian soldi.

Mona

A vulgar word meaning fool or idiot. Use with caution—it's often considered offensive!

Gòto

A small glass of wine—an essential word in any Venetian gathering!

Venetian in Modern Times

Today, although standard Italian is dominant in Venice and surrounding areas, Venetian is still spoken—especially in rural communities and among older generations. However, younger Venetians are less likely to speak it fluently, as Italian is the primary language used in schools and media.

So, the next time you visit Venice, take a moment to appreciate not only its iconic canals and historic architecture, but also the language that has been the heartbeat of this remarkable city for centuries.