Freelance Travel Writer, Bibianna, has put together some of the best and most useful Italian phrases to use when on holiday there.
Yes, in most parts of the world English speakers will get away with communicating just in their own language. In Italy, the number of people who speak English is growing and probably after no more than a few attempts you will find someone who will understand you. However, it’s always useful to know even just a few basic words in the local language. Especially if you will be going to a smaller town or village, it will give you more chances to interact with locals.
Clearly, this will not mean that you will be able to sustain a whole conversation in Italian, but that is not the point. It’s all about making the effort. People will appreciate that you are trying to say a few words in Italian, even if you are making mistakes!
Give it a go and remember: if there is good will on both sides, no language barrier will stop you from understanding each other!
| Italian | English | Pronunciation |
| Ciao (informal) | Hello | Chow |
| Buongiorno | Good morning | Buh-on-jee-orno |
| Buonasera | Good evening | Buh-onah-say-rah |
| Buonanotte | Good night | Buh-onah-not- tay |
| Salve (formal) | Hello | Sal-veh |
| Arrivederci | Goodbye | Arri-vay-der-chee |
| Sì | Yes | See |
| No | No | Noh |
| Grazie | Thank you | Grat-s-yeh |
| Prego | You are welcome | Pray-go |
| Per favore | Please | Per fa-vo-ray |
| Come sta?/Come stai? (formal/informal) | How are you? | Ko-may stah/sta-ee |
| Mi chiamo.. | My name is.. | Mee ky-a-mo… |
| Come si chiama/Come ti chiami
(formal/informal) |
What’s your name? | Komay see kee-ahma/Komay tee kee-ahmee? |
| Mi scusi | Excuse me/I’m sorry | Mee skoo-zee |
| Non capisco | I don’t understand | Non ka-peesko |
| Può ripetere? | Can you repeat? | Pu-oh ree-peh-teh-ray |
| Quanto costa? | How much is this? | Kwanto kosta? |
| Dov’è.. | Where is.. | Do-vay.. |
| Stazione | Station | Stats-yonay |
| Ospedale | Hospital | Os-pe-dalay |
| Farmacia | Pharmacy | Pharma-chee-yah |
| Ristorante | Restaurant | Reesto-rantay |
| Menù | Menu | May-noo |
| Vino bianco | White wine | Veeno byanko |
| Vino rosso | Red wine | Veeno rosso |
| Birra | Beer | Beer-rah |
| Colazione | Breakfast | Kolats-yonay |
| Pranzo | Lunch | Prantso |
| Cena | Dinner | Chey-na |
| Acqua | Water | Akwa |