KinquireStart free

dolce far niente

Say it: DOL-chay far nee-EN-tay /ˌdɒltʃeɪ fɑː niˈɛnteɪ/ · noun phrase

What “dolce far niente” means

The pleasure of relaxing and doing nothing.

More precisely: The pleasure of doing nothing; pleasant idleness.

Example: “Our holiday plan is simple: sun, pasta and dolce far niente.”

When to use it

Use it for contented idleness, especially on holiday or a lazy afternoon. It sounds romantic, playful and slightly literary.

Similar words

idleness, relaxation, leisure

Where it comes from

Italian, 'sweet doing nothing'.

Quick check

You spend an afternoon in a hammock, watching clouds with no plans or tasks, and feel completely happy. That's…

dolce far niente or procrastination?

Show the answer

dolce far niente

Learn 5 new words a day in Kinquire. Each with a picture, how to say it, an example and a quick check, then spaced review so you actually keep them. Free to start.

Learn “dolce far niente”

More borrowed words