Traveling to Italy is exciting, and learning some Italian will make your experience even richer. You don’t have to be fluent to make a great impression—just a few basics will go a long way. Here’s a quick, basic, friendly guide to having conversations in Italy!
1. Start with the Basics
The essentials are easy, and you’ll use them everywhere. Here are the ones you’ll need most:
- Buongiorno (bwohn-JOR-noh) – Good morning
- Buonasera (bwoh-nah-SEH-rah) – Good evening
- Ciao (chow) – Hello/Goodbye (casual)
- Arrivederci (ah-ree-veh-DEHR-chee) – Goodbye (formal)
- Per favore (pehr fah-VOH-reh) – Please
- Grazie (GRAH-tsyeh) – Thank you
- Prego (PREH-goh) – You’re welcome / Go ahead / May I help you?
These little phrases open up conversations and show respect. Italians are generally warm and patient, and they’ll appreciate the effort!
2. Ordering Food and Drinks
You’ll use these phrases every day. Order with confidence!
- Vorrei… (voh-RAY) – I would like…
- Un caffè, per favore – A coffee, please (a classic Italian espresso)
- Un bicchiere di vino – A glass of wine
- Acqua naturale or Acqua frizzante – Still or sparkling water
- Il conto, per favore – The check, please
When ordering, remember that politeness counts! Using per favore and grazie goes a long way.
3. Common Expressions and Politeness
Learning these phrases adds an extra level of friendliness to your interactions:
- Mi scusi – Excuse me (formal, like when getting someone’s attention)
- Non parlo molto italiano – I don’t speak much Italian
- Parla inglese? (PAHR-lah een-GLEH-zeh) – Do you speak English?
- Tutto bene? (TOO-toh BEH-neh) – Is everything okay? / All good?
You’ll hear tutto bene a lot. It’s both a greeting and a casual check-in.
Speaking Italian, even just a little, is a great way to connect with locals and experience Italy more authentically. Italians appreciate the effort, even if you stumble a bit, so dive in and enjoy the conversations!
