Italian is one of my favourite languages. It just sounds so beautiful, lyrical, and expressive. It’s also incredibly fun to speak, even if you only know a few words of Italian.
Whether you’re ordering a coffee and a gelato or asking for directions, learning some simple Italian phrases can add a rich layer to your experience as you navigate its gorgeous cities and picturesque landscapes.
If Italy is synonymous with art, history, and gastronomy, Italian is the key to truly experiencing la dolce vita (the sweet life).
Basic Words in Italian
Embark on your Italian language journey with these basic words. They’re the perfect starting point for engaging in everyday conversations and will break the ice in various social scenarios.
- Ciao – Hi / Bye
- Arrivederci – Goodbye (more formal)
- Grazie – Thank you
- Prego – You’re welcome
- Per favore – Please
- Sì – Yes
- No – No
- Buongiorno – Good morning
- Buonasera – Good evening
- Buon pomeriggio – Good afternoon
- Cibo – Food
- Acqua – Water
- Bagno – Bathroom
Common Italian Phrases
This handy list of commonly used phrases will add richness to your Italian adventure.
Whether you’re navigating through the streets of Naples, enjoying the Mediterranean beaches, or exploring the art scene, they’re ideal for immersing yourself in Italian life.
- Come stai? – How are you?
- Sto bene, grazie – I’m good, thanks
- Piacere di conoscerti – Nice to meet you
- Mi chiamo… – My name is…
- Mi dispiace – I’m sorry
- Scusa – Excuse me
- Puoi aiutarmi? – Can you help me?
- Che bello! – How beautiful!
- Ci vediamo – See you
- A dopo – See you later
- Buona fortuna! – Good luck!
Basic Italian Phrases for Travellers
The following traveller-focused phrases will enhance any journey through Italy, from the rolling hills of Tuscany to the historic streets of Rome.
You don’t need to be fluent to converse in Italian. Knowing these phrases will make the locals smile and allow you to delve deeper into the Italian culture and lifestyle.
- Ho una prenotazione – I have a reservation
- Dov’è il bagno, per favore? – Where are the bathrooms, please?
- _Come arrivo a __? – How do I get to ___?
- Quanto costa questo? – How much is this?
- Parli inglese? – Do you speak English?
- Dov’è l’hotel più vicino? – Where is the nearest hotel?
- Mi sono perso. Puoi aiutarmi? – I’m lost. Can you help me?
- Questa zona è sicura? – Is this area safe?
- Questa zona è sicura di notte? – Is this area safe at night?
- Grazie per la tua ospitalità – Thank you for your hospitality
Useful Italian Phrases for Information
When you need to know more, these Italian phrases are invaluable. Simple and effective, they make asking questions and understanding responses a breeze.
Mastering these phrases will help you find useful information and pave the way for a richer, more immersive travelling experience.
- Ho una domanda – I have a question
- Come si chiama questo in italiano? – What is this called in Italian?
- Puoi parlare più lentamente, per favore? – Can you speak slower, please?
- Non parlo bene l’italiano – I do not speak Italian very well
- Non capisco – I do not understand
- Puoi ripetere, per favore? – Can you repeat that please?
- Ho bisogno di informazioni – I need information
- Dove si trova l’ufficio informazioni? – Where is the information office?
- Cosa significa questo? – What does this mean?
- Che ore sono? – What time is it?
- Qual è il tuo indirizzo email? – What’s your email address?
- Come si dice ____ in italiano? – How do you say ____ in Italian?
- Cos’è questo/quello? – What is this/that?
- Posso usare il tuo telefono? – Can I use your phone?
Useful Phrases for Directions in Italian
Explore Italy’s charming cities and countryside with these directional phrases. Whether you’re looking for historical ruins, Renaissance art, coastal vistas, or simply the nearest bathroom, they’ll help you find your way.
- Dove si trova…? – Where is the…?
- Come arrivo a…? – How do I get to…?
- Puoi mostrarmi sulla mappa? – Can you show me on the map?
- Vai dritto – Go straight ahead
- Gira a destra/sinistra – Turn right/left
- È vicino/lontano – It’s near/far
- È dietro l’angolo – It’s around the corner
- Questo è l’angolo – This is the corner
- In quale direzione è…? – Which way is it to…?
- Posso andarci a piedi o ho bisogno di un taxi? – Can I walk there or do I need a taxi?
- Davanti a – In front of
- Dietro a – Behind
- Accanto a – Next to
- Tra – Between
- Su – Up
- Giù – Down
Basic Italian Phrases for Transportation
Navigating Italy’s extensive transport network is a breeze as long as you have a few key transport phrases under your belt.
From trains to taxis, they’ll help make your journey smoother and more enjoyable.
- Dove posso prendere un taxi? – Where can I get a taxi?
- Quanto costa andare a…? – How much does it cost to go to…?
- Voglio andare a… – I want to go to…
- Dove è la fermata dell’autobus? – Where is the bus stop?
- Dove si trova la stazione degli autobus? – Where is the bus station?
- A che ora parte il prossimo treno? – What time does the next train leave?
- Quanto tempo ci vuole per arrivare a…? – How long does it take to get to…?
- Come arrivo all’aeroporto? – How do I get to the airport?
- Questo autobus va a…? – Does this bus go to…?
- Ho bisogno di un biglietto di andata e ritorno – I need a round trip ticket
- Dove posso comprare i biglietti? – Where do I buy tickets?
Basic Italian Phrases About Accommodation
Settle into your Italian stay with ease. These phrases will help you communicate your accommodation needs, ensuring a comfortable and memorable experience.
- Avete camere disponibili? – Do you have any rooms available?
- Quanto costa per notte? – How much does it cost per night?
- La colazione è inclusa nel prezzo? – Is breakfast included in the price?
- Ho bisogno di una camera doppia – I need a double room
- C’è una camera con due letti? – Is there a room with two beds?
- C’è il Wi-Fi gratuito? – Is there free Wi-Fi?
- C’è l’aria condizionata? – Is there air conditioning?
- Dove si trova l’ascensore? – Where is the elevator?
- Dove si trova la palestra? – Where is the gym?
- Vorrei prenotare una camera – I would like to book a room
- C’è il servizio in camera? – Is there room service?
- La camera è sporca – The room is dirty
- Mi sento al sicuro in questo hotel – I feel safe in this hotel
- Avete un adattatore per la presa? – Do you have a plug adaptor?
- Voglio una camera con una bella vista – I want a room with a nice view
- C’è una cassaforte in camera? – Is there a safe in the room?
- Potete svegliarmi alle (sette) di mattina? – Can you wake me up at (seven) a.m.?
- Ho bisogno di una culla per il bambino – I need a crib for the baby
- A che ora è il check-out? – What’s the check-out time?
Helpful Italian Phrases for Shopping
Shopping in Italy can be both exhilarating and overwhelming.
The beautiful craftsmanship of Italian products, paired with the lively and energetic atmosphere, transforms a simple shopping trip into an unforgettable cultural experience.
These shopping phrases should help you find what you need, whether in bustling markets or elegant boutiques.
- Sto cercando… – I am looking for…
- Quanto costa? – How much does it cost?
- C’è uno sconto? – Is there any discount?
- Quanto è lo sconto? – How much is the discount?
- È troppo costoso – That’s too expensive
- Puoi abbassare il prezzo? – Can you lower the price?
- Posso pagare con carta di credito? – Can I pay with a credit card?
- Solo contanti – Cash only
- Avete questo in una taglia più grande? – Do you have this in a larger size?
- Avete questo in un altro colore? – Do you have this in another colour?
- Voglio restituire questo – I want to return this
- Dove sono i camerini? – Where are the fitting rooms?
- Scusi, dov’è il supermercato? – Excuse me, where’s the supermarket?
- Dov’è il negozio di abbigliamento? – Where’s the clothing store?
- Ho bisogno di una borsa – I need a bag
- Dove posso trovare prodotti locali? – Where can I find local products?
Helpful Phrases for Dining Out in Italy
Imagine tucking into a plate of pasta in a quaint trattoria in Sienna, or feasting on pizza in a busy piazza in Rome. The following dining phrases are your key to enjoying Italy’s culinary wonders.
They’ll help you make a reservation, navigate menus, order dishes, ask for suggestions, handle dietary restrictions, and savour the rich flavours of Italian cuisine.
- Posso avere un tavolo per due? – Can I get a table for two?
- Può mostrarmi il menu, per favore? – Can you please show me the menu?
- Qual è il piatto del giorno? – What is the dish of the day?
- Vorrei… – I would like…
- Può suggerirmi qualcosa? – Could you suggest something for me?
- Cosa mi consiglia di mangiare? – What do you recommend to eat?
- Sono allergico/a a… – I’m allergic to…
- Questo piatto contiene…? – Does this dish contain…?
- Avete opzioni vegetariane/vegane? – Do you have vegetarian/vegan options?
- Non mangio carne/pesce/latticini – I don’t eat meat/fish/dairy
- È adatto per vegetariani? – Is this suitable for vegetarians?
- Cos’è questo? – What is this?
- Mi piace – I like it
- Posso avere il conto, per favore? – Can I have the bill, please?
- Era delizioso! Grazie – It was delicious! Thank you
Italian Question Words
Question words are a vital part of any language, allowing you to ask questions, obtain information, and gain a deeper understanding.
- Che cosa? – What?
- Dove? – Where?
- Quando? – When?
- Chi? – Who?
- Perché? – Why?
- Come? – How?
- Quale? – Which?
- Quanto? – How much?
- Quanti? – How many?
- Di chi? – Whose?
- È…? – Is it…?
- Posso…? – Can I…
- Farà…? – Will…
- Che cos’è questo? – What is this?
- Chi è quello/a? – Who is that?
- Come sta? – How is it?
- Perché è così? – Why is it?
- Perché questo? – Why this?
- Che c’è in…? – What is in …?
- Dov’è…? – Where is …?
- C’è un/una…? – Is there a …?
- Da quanto tempo? – For how long?
Numbers in Italian
Understanding the Italian numbering system is useful in a wide range of scenarios, especially when it comes to transactions, discussing times, and navigating transportation.
Below is a list of simple numbers along with some larger ones:
- Zero – 0
- Uno – 1
- Due – 2
- Tre – 3
- Quattro – 4
- Cinque – 5
- Sei – 6
- Sette – 7
- Otto – 8
- Nove – 9
- Dieci – 10
- Undici – 11
- Dodici – 12
- Tredici – 13
- Quattordici – 14
- Quindici – 15
- Sedici – 16
- Diciassette – 17
- Diciotto – 18
- Diciannove – 19
- Venti – 20
- Trenta – 30
- Quaranta – 40
- Cinquanta – 50
- Sessanta – 60
- Settanta – 70
- Ottanta – 80
- Novanta – 90
- Cento – 100
- Mille – 1,000
- Diecimila – 10,000
- Centomila – 100,000
- Un milione – 1,000,000
To create numbers in between these, combine the tens and units. For example:
- “Twenty-one” is Ventuno (20 + 1)
- “Thirty-two” is Trentadue (30 + 2)
For numbers in the hundreds, thousands, and beyond, you combine the larger number with the smaller. For instance:
- “One hundred and twenty-three” is Centoventitré (100 + 20 + 3)
- “Two thousand and nineteen” is Duemiladiciannove (2,000 + 19)
See Also
Check out some of my other posts on learning languages for travel:
- Basic French Phrases For Travel
- Basic Spanish Phrases For Travel
- Basic Portuguese Phrases For Travel
- Basic Romanian Phrases For Travel
Final Thoughts
Learning a few Italian words and phrases is a great way to get even more out of your trip to Italy. Whether you’re a first-time traveller or a frequent visitor, I hope this post comes in handy.
Don’t be afraid to try out these words and phrases wherever you go. There’s no better way to get immersed in the culture than by speaking its language. And, who knows – maybe you’ll even meet some new friends along the way!
Finally, if you want to take your Italian learning to the next level, check out thinkinitalian.com.
