In every language, it’s common to encounter phrases with multiple translations—sometimes far more than one might expect! The phrase “Don’t give up” is a prime example, with at least ten different translations in everyday use in Italian. Let’s take a moment to explore all the most popular ones in this article!
1. Non ti arrendere!
Non ti arrendere is one of the first translations you’ll find for don’t give up in any dictionary. What’s particularly useful about this expression is its flexibility: you can place the object pronoun ti either before the verb (non ti arrendere) or attach it to the end of the verb (non arrenderti). Arrendersi is a reflexive verb that literally means to surrender, succumb or yield.
Non ti arrendere! Continua a lavorare sodo e raggiungerai i tuoi obiettivi.
Don’t give up! Keep working hard and you’ll achieve your goals.
2. Non mollare!
An equally popular expression is non mollare. The verb mollare literally means to drop, ditch, or let go, but in a figurative sense, it is closer to meanings like back down, give in, or cave in. You might also come across the related expression non mollare l’osso. Literally translating to don’t give up the bone, this imagery reflects how a dog stubbornly clings to a bone it has in its mouth – a true expression of perseverance!
Non mollare! Sei quasi arrivato al traguardo.
Don’t give up! You’re almost at the finish line.
3. Non gettare la spugna!
Just as we say don’t throw in the towel in English to encourage someone to not give up, Italians use the idiomatic expression non gettare la spugna. The only difference is that Italians use a sponge instead of a towel in their metaphor! You can find out more about this widely used idiom in our dedicated article.
Non gettare la spugna! Abbiamo ancora una possibilità di vincere.
Don’t throw in the towel! We still have a chance of winning.
4. Non fermarti!
Non fermarti isn’t the most literal translation for don’t give up, but it’s still an effective way to encourage someone to keep going. The verb fermarsi means to stop (oneself). Similar to arrenderti, you can place ti either before or attached to the end of the verb: non ti fermare or non fermarti.
Non fermarti, continua a lavorare sodo!
Don’t stop, keep working hard!
5. Non darti per vinto!
Darsi per vinto is an idiomatic expression that literally translates as to consider oneself defeated. By turning it into a command with the negative non at the front, you end up with another very common way of telling someone not to give up!
Non darti per vinto! Continua a lottare e vedrai che avrai successo.
Don’t give up! Keep fighting and you’ll succeed, you’ll see.
6. Vai avanti!
Instead of focusing on what NOT to do, you can offer a more positive and encouraging message with Vai avanti, which translates to Keep going! This phrase should help to inspire and motivate your friend or family member to continue moving forward!
Dai, vai avanti e non lasciarti scoraggiare dalle difficoltà.
Come on, keep going, and don’t let yourself be discouraged by difficulties.
7. Tieni duro!
Similar to vai avanti, the expression tieni duro focuses on positivity rather than on what not to do. Literally translating to keep tough or hold firm, it might sound a bit odd in English, but in Italian, it’s a common and encouraging way to tell someone to stay strong and hang in there.
Hai affrontato tante sfide finora, quindi tieni duro!
You’ve faced many challenges so far, so hang in there!
8. Non rinunciare!
The Italian verb rinunciare means to give up, quit, or turn down, making it a suitable alternative to arrendersi and mollare.
Non rinunciare ai tuoi sogni, anche se sembra difficile.
Don’t give up on your dreams, even if it seems difficult.
9. Continua così!
While continua così literally translates to continue like this, it’s best understood as keep going or keep up the great work.
Stai facendo un ottimo lavoro, continua così!
You’re doing a great job, keep going!
10. Forza e coraggio!
To wrap up this article, let’s conclude with an uplifting Italian expression you’ll often hear when you need encouragement. Forza e coraggio translates literally to strength and courage – the perfect combination fortitude and bravery in one positive phrase!
Forza e coraggio! Puoi farcela!
Strength and courage! You can do it!
Heather Broster is a graduate with honours in linguistics from the University of Western Ontario. She is an aspiring polyglot, proficient in English and Italian, as well as Japanese, Welsh, and French to varying degrees of fluency. Originally from Toronto, Heather has resided in various countries, notably Italy for a period of six years. Her primary focus lies in the fields of language acquisition, education, and bilingual instruction.
