It’s always a good idea to learn at least a few phrases of the local language when you’re visiting a foreign country. Making an effort to speak someone’s language (even if it’s just a few words) usually goes a long way. It’s also a good idea for safety reasons if you find yourself in need of a doctor. Sometimes guidebooks can over do it with the list of words and phrases you “need” to know, so below I’ve included a summary of the phrases and words I was most likely to use when traveling through Italy and not knowing much of the language. I’d recommend trying to memorize some of the words, but creating a cheat sheet for yourself is also useful to glance at before you order dinner or to keep on hand in case of an emergency.

ITALIAN GREETINGS

1. Ciao – Hello and Goodbye
2. Buongiorno – Good morning
3. Buona sera – Good evening
4. Buona notte – Good night
5. Arrivederci: A formal way to say goodbye

ITALIAN COURTESY

1. Grazie – Thank you
2. Per favore – Please
3. Sì – Yes
4. No – No
5. Mi scusi – Excuse me
6. Prego – You’re welcome
7. Parla inglese? – Do you speak English?
8. Mi dispiace – I’m sorry

TRANSPORTATION

1. Metropolitana: Subway
2. Treno: Train
3. Macchina:  Car
4. Autobus:  Bus
5. Aeroporto: Airport
6. Taxi: Taxi
7. Buon viaggio: Have a nice trip

GETTING AROUND

1. Ristorante – Restaurant
2. Albergo – Hotel
3. Banca – Bank
4. Bancomatif – ATM
5. Dov’è il bagno? – Where is the bathroom?
6. Quanto costa? – How much does it cost?
7. Posso collegarmi con internet? – Can I get on the internet
8. Dov’è la stazione (or street name or tourist site)? – Where is the station?

PRACTICAL KNOWLEDGE

Numbers: Uno (1), due (2), tre (3), quattro (4), cinque (5), sei (6), sette (7), otto (8), nove (9), dieci (10)

Days of the week: lunedì (Monday), martedì (Tuesday), mercoledì (Wednesday), giovedì (Thursday), venerdì (Friday), sabato (Saturday), domenica (Sunday)

ORDERING FOOD AND DRINKS

1. Buon appetito! – Enjoy your meal
2. Un cappucccino, per favore – Cappuccino, please
3. Un gelato  per favore – Gelato, please
4. Ci porta il conto? – Check, please
5. Piatto del giorno – Daily special
6. Cosa mi consiglia – What do you recommend for me

EMERGENCY

1. Aiuto! – Help!
2. Chiamate la polizia! – Call the police!
3. Chiamate un’ambulanza! – Call an ambulance!
4. Ho bisogno di un medico – I need a doctor
5. Dov’è l’ospedale? – Where is the hospital?

What other phrases would you like to know?

Happy Travels!

xo, Jenny