Planning a trip to Italy? Whether you’re heading to Rome, Florence, or the Amalfi Coast, knowing a few basic Italian phrases can make your experience more enjoyable and immersive. While many Italians in tourist areas speak English, making an effort to speak their language can open doors to more authentic interactions. Here are 20 essential Italian travel phrases for beginners that will help you navigate your trip with ease.
1. Ciao (Hello/Hi)
One of the most versatile Italian greetings, “Ciao” can be used to say both hello and goodbye.
2. Buongiorno (Good morning)
A polite way to greet someone during the morning hours, “Buongiorno” is perfect for starting your day in Italy.
3. Buonasera (Good evening)
Use “Buonasera” to greet someone in the evening or as a polite way to begin interactions after late afternoon.
4. Grazie (Thank you)
You’ll use “Grazie” often in Italy. Show your appreciation for excellent food, help, or directions with this simple word.
5. Prego (You’re welcome)
When someone thanks you, responding with “Prego” is the proper and polite way to say “You’re welcome.”
6. Per favore (Please)
Use “Per favore” to politely ask for something. It’s a must-know when ordering at restaurants or requesting assistance.
7. Mi scusi (Excuse me/Sorry)
“Mi scusi” is essential for getting someone’s attention or apologising for a mistake in a formal setting.
8. Parla inglese? (Do you speak English?)
When you’re unsure whether someone speaks English, this phrase will help you find out politely.
9. Non capisco (I don’t understand)
If you’re struggling to follow a conversation, use “Non capisco” to let the person know you don’t understand.
10. Dov’è il bagno? (Where is the bathroom?)
An important phrase for any traveller! “Dov’è il bagno?” will help you find the nearest bathroom.
11. Quanto costa? (How much does it cost?)
This is a handy phrase to use while shopping or ordering food. “Quanto costa?” helps you ask about the price.
12. Vorrei… (I would like…)
Use “Vorrei” when ordering food or making requests. For example, “Vorrei un caffè, per favore” (I would like a coffee, please).
13. Un tavolo per due, per favore (A table for two, please)
Perfect for reserving or requesting a table at a restaurant, this phrase will help you find a spot for your meal.
14. Il conto, per favore (The bill, please)
Ready to pay? “Il conto, per favore” will let your server know you’d like the bill.
15. Può aiutarmi? (Can you help me?)
If you need assistance, whether with directions or finding something, “Può aiutarmi?” will come in handy.
16. Dove si trova…? (Where is…?)
This is a key phrase for getting directions. For example, “Dove si trova la stazione?” means “Where is the station?”
17. Ho bisogno di… (I need…)
If you’re looking for something specific, start with “Ho bisogno di…” followed by the item or service you need, like “Ho bisogno di un taxi” (I need a taxi).
18. Qual è il suo nome? (What is your name?)
Perfect for making new friends in Italy, “Qual è il suo nome?” is a polite way to ask someone’s name.
19. Come sta? (How are you?)
A formal way to ask someone how they are, “Come sta?” is a great conversation starter.
20. Sono allergico/a a… (I am allergic to…)
This phrase is crucial if you have food allergies. For example, “Sono allergico alle noci” means “I am allergic to nuts.”
Why Learn These Phrases?
Learning these basic phrases before your trip will make navigating Italy much smoother. From ordering food in local restaurants to getting directions from friendly locals, a little Italian goes a long way in creating a more immersive and enjoyable travel experience. Even if you’re only using a few words, Italians appreciate the effort and will be more inclined to assist you.
1. Ciao (Hello/Hi)
Phonetics: Chow
2. Buongiorno (Good morning)
Phonetics: Bwohn-jor-noh
3. Buonasera (Good evening)
Phonetics: Bwoh-nah-seh-rah
4. Grazie (Thank you)
Phonetics: Grah-tsee-eh
5. Prego (You’re welcome)
Phonetics: Preh-goh
6. Per favore (Please)
Phonetics: Pehr fah-voh-reh
7. Mi scusi (Excuse me/Sorry)
Phonetics: Mee skoo-zee
8. Parla inglese? (Do you speak English?)
Phonetics: Pahr-lah een-glay-zeh?
9. Non capisco (I don’t understand)
Phonetics: Non kah-pee-skoh
10. Dov’è il bagno? (Where is the bathroom?)
Phonetics: Doh-veh eel bahn-yoh?
11. Quanto costa? (How much does it cost?)
Phonetics: Kwahn-toh koh-stah?
12. Vorrei… (I would like…)
Phonetics: Vor-ray…
13. Un tavolo per due, per favore (A table for two, please)
Phonetics: Oon tah-voh-loh pehr doo-eh, pehr fah-voh-reh
14. Il conto, per favore (The bill, please)
Phonetics: Eel kon-toh, pehr fah-voh-reh
15. Può aiutarmi? (Can you help me?)
Phonetics: Pwoh ah-yoo-tar-mee?
16. Dove si trova…? (Where is…?)
Phonetics: Doh-veh see troh-vah…?
17. Ho bisogno di… (I need…)
Phonetics: Oh bee-zon-yoh dee…
18. Qual è il suo nome? (What is your name?)
Phonetics: Kwahl eh eel soo-oh noh-meh?
19. Come sta? (How are you?)
Phonetics: Koh-meh stah?
20. Sono allergico/a a… (I am allergic to…)
Phonetics: Soh-noh ah-ler-jee-koh/ah ah…
But what if you want to go beyond the basics and truly enhance your trip? This is where taking online Italian language classes can make all the difference.
Ready to Learn More? Consider Online Italian Classes with Amedea at Learn Italian Manchester
If you want to feel confident speaking Italian during your travels, consider taking online Italian classes with Amedea at Learn Italian Manchester. Tailored specifically for beginners and travellers, Amedea’s courses are designed to give you the practical skills you’ll need for real-world conversations in Italy. Here’s why our course is perfect for travellers like you:
- Live Interaction: Benefit from live lessons where you can interact with an expert tutor and receive real-time feedback. This ensures you master pronunciation and understand the nuances of the Italian language.
- Flexibility: Our courses are conducted online, so you can learn from home or wherever you have an internet connection. This flexibility allows you to fit language learning into your busy schedule without the need to commute.
- Practical Skills: Focus on essential Italian phrases and conversation skills that are relevant for everyday situations while travelling. From ordering in restaurants to asking for directions, you’ll be fully prepared for your Italian adventure.
- Small Class Size: Enjoy personal attention and the opportunity to engage with other beginners in a relaxed and interactive environment. This small-group setting allows for more personalised learning.
- Recorded Sessions: Life can get busy, but don’t worry! If you miss a class, you can access recorded sessions to catch up at your convenience, ensuring you never fall behind.
By taking online lessons with Amedea at Learn Italian Manchester, you’ll be ready to make the most of your time in Italy. Speaking the language will not only help you get around, but it will also enrich your cultural experience, allowing you to connect with locals on a deeper level.
Start Your Italian Journey Today
Don’t wait until the last minute to learn Italian! Start preparing for your trip now by enrolling in one of Amedea’s beginner Italian courses online at Learn Italian Manchester. Whether you want to master basic phrases or dive deeper into conversational Italian, these classes will equip you with the skills and confidence you need.
Check out our latest courses and sign up for the Beginner Italian Course Online by visiting this link. Prepare for your next Italian adventure by learning from the best—get started today!