With summer in full swing, the iconic refrain of Giuni Russo’s Un’estate al mare echoes once more as a hymn to lightness and freedom, capturing the yearning for escape that defines the season. Under bright skies and long, balmy days, Italians are eager to break from routine and embrace moments of leisure and connection. But what do they choose to make the most of summer 2025? A recent survey by Sanbittèr, conducted using the SWOA (Social Web Opinion Analysis) methodology on a sample of 1,200 Italians, has revealed the top ten activities for the season, all tied together by a phrase that has woven itself into the fabric of daily life: “ci sta”. More than a mere expression, “ci sta” has become a symbol of camaraderie, carefree spirit, and empathy—a relational code that resonates across generations and settings. The survey highlights that Italians find the perfect opportunity for a “ci sta” in simple, informal experiences. Topping the list is organising a night in with friends, deemed the ultimate moment by 67%, closely followed by an impromptu after-work aperitivo, embraced by 65%. A day trip out of town wins over 62% of respondents, while taking a day off work is a “ci sta” for 60%.
More leisurely pursuits, such as starting a new TV series (58%) or indulging in an afternoon of shopping (54%), also feature prominently. The coffee break with colleagues (56%) and a special evening with a partner (55%) hold their own, while a jog in the park (49%) and a visit to an exhibition (46%) round out the list, proving that even active or cultural pursuits have their place in the Italian summer. But when and how is “ci sta” used? The phrase is ubiquitous: 65% slip it into chats, 59% utter it in restaurants, and 52% employ it while planning an aperitivo. It thrives in casual settings, from gatherings with friends (68%) to chats with classmates (63%) or partners (60%). Yet, it fades in formal contexts, such as job interviews (66%) or meetings with new acquaintances (58%). For one in four Italians, “ci sta” is the new “okay”, but with an added spark: 56% associate it with camaraderie, 54% with a carefree attitude, and 60% with empathy. Born from familiarity and authenticity, it’s a phrase so natural that 61% of respondents can’t recall when they began using it. For 67%, it’s the go-to response to a fun invitation, for 61% it signals approval of an appealing idea, and for 57% it endorses a good suggestion. For 44%, it’s a mainstay of daily communication, a spontaneous expression that mirrors the modern conversational style.
As linguist Deborah Tannen notes in her book Talking Voices, language is not merely a tool for communication but a means to build relationships and reflect a community’s shared values. “Ci sta” embodies this role: it’s a “relational yes” that fits into a broader linguistic evolution, where speech grows ever more direct and informal, shaped by social media, TV series, and instant messaging. It’s a phrase that slips into the lexicon effortlessly, carrying a sense of shared joy and ease. From aperitivos to coffee breaks, from day trips to unwinding with a series, “ci sta” is the thread that weaves together the joyful moments of summer 2025, turning every small experience into a celebration of connection and well-being.
