Useful Italian Phrases

Learn just a handful of Italian words and phrases… and you can transform your trip to Italy! That’s because, while English is common in Italy’s larger cities and tourist destinations (including hotspots like Florence, Rome, Venice, and the Amalfi coast), it’s not as widely spoken in Italy’s smaller towns and countryside.

So to experience off-the-beaten-path Italy, a little Italian goes a long way! (And don’t worry about practicing on locals; Italians tend to be friendly and patient with foreigners).

Have no idea where to start? Here’s help, including some of the most useful Italian words and phrases you’ll love having on hand!

Common Italian greetings

On a piazza like this one, expect to hear lots of Italian greetings!

Buongiorno: Good morning. Usually said until 4pm.

Buona sera: Good evening. Usually said after 4pm.

Buona notte: Good night. Only used to say goodbye, it is usually said before parting ways after 10pm, or before going to sleep.

Ciao: Hello or goodbye. A very informal greeting.

Salve: A way to say hello, used especially in Rome (it’s Latin!) and, in formality, in between “ciao” and “buongiorno.”

Arrivederci: A formal way to say goodbye. Literally means “until we see each other again.”

Other common Italian phrases

Per favore: Please

Grazie: Thank you. You may also hear “grazie mille” (literally “a thousand thanks”) to mean many thanks.

Prego: You’re welcome

Mi chiamo…: My name is… You may also say “Sono….”

Non parlo italiano: I don’t speak Italian

Parla inglese?: Do you speak English? This is the formal version, but you can also ask parli inglese? if you’d like to be informal.

Sì: Yes. Other popular affirmations: va bene (fine), okay.

No: No

Dove: Where. You may ask “Dov’è (street or landmark)…?” for directions.

Chi: Who

Quando: When

Cosa: What

Perché: Why

Helpful words for getting around Italy

Metropolitana: Subway

Treno: Train

Macchina: Car. Also known as auto

Autobus: Bus. A coach bus is sometimes referred to as pullman

Aeroporto: Airport

Taxi: Taxi

Ristorante: Restaurant

Albergo: Hotel

Banca: Bank. Be sure to ask for a bancomat if you’re looking for an ATM

Aiuto!: Help!

Dov’è il bagno?: Where is the bathroom?

Quanto costa?: How much does it cost?

Che ore sono?: What time is it?

Destra (right), sinistra (left), dritto (straight)

Vicino (close), lontano (far)

Other popular Italian phrases

Allora: Perhaps one of the most popular Italian words, allora is a great way to transition between sentences. It can also be used to start a sentence or question like “so…”, “well…” or “therefore…” and as a reference to a time in the past.

Dai: This exclamation is short, but packs a lot of meaning. Can be used for exclamations like “come on!” or disbelief, like “really?!”.

Bello: Literally means “beautiful”, but can also be used to say something is nice, like a dress for example. Bello (for males) and bella (for females) is commonly used as a salutation between friends and acquaintances.

Buon appetito: Enjoy your meal. Almost always said when a meal is served.

Buon viaggio: Have a nice trip

Which Italian words and phrases have you picked up along your travels in Italy? Let us know in the comments!