Key Italian Phrases to Know Before Traveling
- Sierra Busch
- 6 days ago
- 6 min read
Did you know that a 30-second Italian exchange can often lead to insider recommendations, friendly conversations, and even spontaneous invitations?
After years of exploring Italy's cities and countryside, we've discovered that learning a handful of key Italian phrases before traveling is one of the most valuable preparations you can make—even more important than booking the perfect hotel or researching the best restaurants!
In this article:
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Basic Italian Words and Phrases
Italians deeply appreciate when visitors attempt to speak their language, which is why learning even a handful of basic Italian words and phrases can make a significant difference in your trip.
Let's start with the essential Italian phrases that you'll use multiple times each day:
Buongiorno (bwohn-JOHR-noh) - Good morning/day
Use this from morning until mid-afternoon when greeting people. Whether you're entering a shop, meeting your tour guide, or greeting the hotel receptionist, "buongiorno" is your go-to morning greeting.
Buonasera (bwoh-nah-SEH-rah) - Good evening
Switch to this greeting in the late afternoon and evening. When entering a restaurant for dinner or greeting someone after about 4 PM, "buonasera" is appropriate.
Buona notte (BWOH-nah NOH-teh) - Good night
This is specifically for saying goodnight when parting ways in the evening. Use it when leaving a restaurant late or saying goodnight to your hotel staff.
Grazie (GRAH-tsyeh) - Thank you
Perhaps the most important Italian phrase to know! Use it generously when someone helps you, serves you, or provides information.
Prego (PREH-goh) - You're welcome
A versatile word that also means "please" or "go ahead" in different contexts. You'll hear this from Italians when you thank them, or when they're inviting you to enter a door first.
Mi scusi (mee SKOO-zee) - Excuse me
Perfect for getting someone's attention or apologizing for a minor inconvenience. Use this when you need to ask a question to a stranger or if you accidentally bump into someone.
Arrivederci (ah-ree-veh-DEHR-chee) - Goodbye
A formal way to say goodbye that works in most situations. Use this when leaving shops, restaurants, or saying goodbye to people you've just met.
Key Italian Phrases: Greetings and Social Interactions
Beyond basic hellos and goodbyes, these key Italian phrases will help you navigate social situations and make a positive impression.
Mi chiamo... (mee KYAH-moh) - My name is...
Perfect for introducing yourself. For example, "Mi chiamo Marco" (My name is Marco).
Piacere di conoscerti (pya-CHEH-reh dee co-NO-sher-tee) - Nice to meet you
Use this after someone introduces themselves to you. This simple phrase shows your good manners.
Come stai? (KOH-meh stah-ee) - How are you?
A friendly way to ask someone how they're doing. You might hear this from shopkeepers or servers who recognize you as a returning customer.
Sto bene, grazie (stoh BEH-neh, GRAH-tsyeh) - I'm well, thank you
The standard response to "Come stai?" Even if you're having a terrible day, this is the polite, expected answer.
Così, così (koh-SEE, koh-SEE) - So-so/Just okay
An honest way to respond when someone asks how you're doing and the answer isn't particularly positive or negative. When someone asks "Come stai?" and you're feeling average or mediocre, "Così, così" is a perfectly acceptable response that Italians use frequently.
Che bello! (keh BEH-loh) - How beautiful!/How nice!
A versatile expression to show appreciation for beautiful sights, great news, or pleasant experiences. Use this when your waiter presents your meal or when you see a beautiful work of art.
Key Italian Phrases: Communication Challenges
These phrases will help you navigate language barriers and communication difficulties during your travels.
Parla inglese? (PAR-lah een-GLEH-zeh) - Do you speak English?
Always start by asking this question in Italian before switching to English. This shows respect for the local language and culture.
Non capisco (nohn kah-PEE-skoh) - I don't understand
A useful phrase when you're lost in translation. Instead of looking confused, this phrase clearly communicates that you need additional help.
Parla più lentamente, per favore (PAR-lee pyoo len-tah-MEN-teh, pehr fah-VOH-reh) - Please speak more slowly
When you want to try understanding but need the speaker to slow down. This is particularly useful when speaking with elderly Italians who might not know English.
Potrebbe ripetere, per favore? (po-TREB-beh ree-PEH-teh-reh, pehr fah-VOH-reh) - Could you repeat, please?When you didn't quite catch what someone said and would like them to say it again.
Key Italian Phrases: Dining Out
Knowing these phrases will enhance your dining experience and help you navigate restaurants with confidence.
Un tavolo per due, per favore (oon TAH-voh-loh pehr DOO-eh, pehr fah-VOH-reh) - A table for two, please
Essential for restaurant visits (adjust the number as needed). Use this when entering a restaurant without a reservation.
Il menu, per favore (eel meh-NOO, pehr fah-VOH-reh) - The menu, please
For requesting the menu when it's not automatically provided.
Posso avere...? (POH-soh ah-VEH-reh) - Can I have...?
Use this to order or request something. For example, "Posso avere un caffè?" (Can I have a coffee?)
Il conto, per favore (eel KOHN-toh, pehr fah-VOH-reh) - The bill, please
For when you're ready to pay at restaurants or cafés. Unlike in American restaurants, servers in Italy won't bring the check until you ask for it.
Sono allergico/a a... (SOH-noh ah-LEHR-jee-koh/kah ah) - I'm allergic to...
Important for those with food allergies (use allergico if you're male, allergica if female). For example, "Sono allergica ai frutti di mare" (I'm allergic to seafood).
Key Italian Phrases: Shopping and Getting Around
These phrases will help you navigate markets, stores, and public places during your trip.
Quanto costa? (KWAHN-toh KOH-stah) - How much does it cost?
Essential for shopping at markets or small stores without price tags. Use this when interested in purchasing something without a visible price.
È troppo caro (eh TROHP-poh KAH-roh) - It's too expensive
Useful during negotiation at markets, or simply to decline a purchase politely.
Dov'è il bagno? (doh-VEH eel BAHN-yoh) - Where is the bathroom?
Perhaps the most crucial phrase to memorize for obvious reasons! Use this in restaurants, museums, or any public place.
Dov'è la stazione? (doh-VEH lah sta-tsee-OH-neh) - Where is the train station?
Helpful when you need directions to the train station. Similarly, you can ask "Dov'è la fermata dell'autobus?" for the bus stop.
Come arrivo a...? (KOH-meh ahr-REE-voh ah) - How do I get to...?
Use this when asking for directions. For example, "Come arrivo al Colosseo?" (How do I get to the Colosseum?)
Key Italian Phrases: Emergencies
These phrases could be crucial in emergency situations:
Aiuto! (ah-YOO-toh) - Help!
Essential in emergency situations. This will immediately alert Italians that you need assistance.
C'è un'emergenza (cheh oo-neh-mer-JEN-tsah) - There's an emergency
Use this to communicate that the situation is serious and requires immediate attention.
Ho bisogno di un medico (oh bee-ZOH-nyoh dee oon MEH-dee-koh) - I need a doctor
Important if you or someone with you needs medical attention.
Ho perso il mio passaporto (oh PEHR-soh eel mee-oh pass-ah-POR-toh) - I've lost my passport
Unfortunately useful if you find yourself in this situation.
Beyond Basic Phrases
While these key Italian phrases will help you navigate your travels, learning some basic Italian grammar and vocabulary can enhance your experience even further.
Understanding how sentences are structured and building a modest vocabulary allows you to customize these phrases for different situations.
Are you interested in developing more conversational Italian skills? Our Roadmap to Conversational Italian provides a structured approach to learning practical Italian that goes beyond memorized phrases. This is perfect for travelers who want to engage more deeply with locals and immerse themselves in the culture.
Take These Italian Phrases To Go
Want to have all these (and a few more!) Italian phrases to know in a convenient format you can reference throughout your trip? Download our free Super Simple Italian Pocket Guide that you can keep on your phone or print out to carry with you!
Remember, learning even just these basic Italian words and phrases shows respect for the local culture and often leads to warmer receptions, better service, and more authentic experiences. Italians truly appreciate when visitors make an effort to speak their language, even if it's just a few key Italian phrases!
Buon viaggio! (Happy travels!)
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