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

  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

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

123123123123132366

Hey there!

I’m Jenny, the voice behind Traveling Chic. Thanks so much for stopping by! Traveling Chic began in 2007 as your passport to stylish travel around the world. A source for inspiration that covers everything from where to visit, what to pack, and how to travel in style!

paris

Don’t Miss a Thing!

Sign up below to receive our weekly wanderlust newsletter.

usa-1778524_1920

The Perfect Itinerary for New York City

×

Cart

paris

You’ve Got Mail!

Sign-up for Traveling Chic’s Weekend wanderlust newsletter.