Italian Phrases To Know Before You Go

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

Ciao – Hello and Goodbye
Buongiorno – Good morning
Buona sera – Good evening
Buona notte – Good night
Arrivederci: A formal way to say goodbye

ITALIAN COURTESY

Grazie – Thank you
Per favore – Please
Sì – Yes
No – No
Mi scusi – Excuse me
Prego – You’re welcome
Parla inglese? – Do you speak English?
Mi dispiace – I’m sorry

TRANSPORTATION

Metropolitana: Subway
Treno: Train
Macchina: Car
Autobus: Bus
Aeroporto: Airport
Taxi: Taxi
Buon viaggio: Have a nice trip

GETTING AROUND

Ristorante – Restaurant
Albergo – Hotel
Banca – Bank
Bancomatif – ATM
Dov’è il bagno? – Where is the bathroom?
Quanto costa? – How much does it cost?
Posso collegarmi con internet? – Can I get on the internet
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)