The dream of moving to Italy is often filled with visions of sun-drenched piazzas, historic cobblestone streets, and the aroma of fresh espresso. But the true magic of la dolce vita is unlocked when you can connect with the people who call the country home.
While becoming fluent in Italian is a long-term journey, you don’t need to master the entire language to start building those connections. Learning a handful of essential phrases can transform your daily life, turning simple transactions into warm interactions and easing the stress of navigating a new environment.
At Remitly, we believe that language is a bridge to belonging. This guide includes over 20 essential Italian phrases, complete with pronunciation and cultural context, to help you feel more comfortable and confident from your very first day.
Why a little Italiano goes a long, long way
Making an effort to speak the local language, no matter how basic your skills are, has a profound impact on your experience as an immigrant or expat.
It’s a sign of respect
Attempting to speak a few Italian phrases, even just a simple “Buongiorno,” shows respect for the local culture. It communicates that you see yourself as more than just a tourist and that you are making an effort to integrate. This small gesture is almost always met with warmth and appreciation.
It turns transactions into interactions
Ordering a coffee in English is a transaction. Ordering it with a smile and a “Buongiorno, un caffè per favore” is an interaction. It opens the door for a returned smile, a friendly word, and a small moment of human connection that can make a huge difference in your day.
It boosts your confidence
Navigating a new country can be intimidating. Each time you successfully use a new phrase, whether it’s asking for directions or buying a train ticket, you build a small victory for yourself. This gradually builds your confidence and reduces the anxiety of daily life.
Essential Italian phrases for daily life
Here is your starter pack of useful phrases in Italian. We’ve included a simple pronunciation guide and some cultural context to help you use them like a local.
The absolute basics: greetings and courtesies
These are the phrases you will use most often—simple words that can help you connect with the people you encounter in everyday life.
- Buongiorno
- Pronunciation: bwon-JOR-no
- Translation: Good morning / good day
- Context: This is the standard polite greeting to use from the morning until early afternoon. Use it when entering any shop, café, or office.
- Buonasera
- Pronunciation: bwo-nah-SEH-rah
- Translation: Good evening
- Context: Use this from late afternoon onwards. It’s the evening equivalent of buongiorno.
- Ciao
- Pronunciation: CHOW
- Translation: Hello / goodbye
- Context: Ciao is famously informal. It’s best used with friends, family, and young people. Avoid using it when first meeting someone older or in a formal setting like a bank.
- Salve
- Pronunciation: SAL-veh
- Translation: Hello
- Context: Salve is a polite but friendly greeting that works in almost any situation, whether formal or informal. When you’re not sure whether to use buongiorno or ciao, salve is the perfect choice.
- Grazie / grazie mille
- Pronunciation: GRAHT-see-eh / GRAHT-see-eh MEE-leh
- Translation: Thank you / thanks a million
- Context: Use it often! A simple grazie is always appreciated. Grazie mille is for when you want to show extra gratitude.
- Prego
- Pronunciation: PREH-go
- Translation: You’re welcome
- Context: You will hear prego constantly. It means “you’re welcome,” but it’s also used to mean “after you,” “please come in,” or even “how can I help you?” if you’ve just entered a shop. It’s an incredibly versatile and polite word.
- Per favore
- Pronunciation: pehr fah-VOH-reh
- Translation: Please
- Context: Attach this to any request to be polite, such as “Un caffè, per favore.”
- Mi scusi / Scusa
- Pronunciation: mee SKOO-zee / SKOO-zah
- Translation: Excuse me
- Context: Use mi scusi (formal) to get someone’s attention, like a waiter or a shop assistant. Use scusa (informal) if you bump into someone on the street.
Navigating your new home and asking for help
These Italian phrases are essential for finding your way around town and handling everyday tasks.
- Dov’è…?
- Pronunciation: doh-VEH
- Translation: Where is…?
- Context: This is your go-to for directions. Simply add what you’re looking for: “Dov’è il bagno?” (Where is the bathroom?), “Dov’è la stazione?” (Where is the station?), “Dov’è il supermercato?” (Where is the supermarket?).
- Quanto costa?
- Pronunciation: KWAN-toh KOS-tah
- Translation: How much does it cost?
- Context: This is essential for shopping at markets or in shops where prices aren’t clearly marked. You can simply point at an item and ask.
- Può aiutarmi, per favore?
- Pronunciation: pwoh ah-yoo-TAR-mee, pehr fah-VOH-reh
- Translation: Can you help me, please?
- Context: This is the polite, formal Italian phrase to ask for assistance.
- Non parlo italiano molto bene.
- Pronunciation: non PAR-lo ee-tah-lee-AH-no MOL-to BEH-neh
- Translation: I don’t speak Italian very well.
- Context: Saying this upfront is a great way to manage expectations. It shows you’re trying, and most Italians will appreciate it, often slowing down their speech for you.
- Non ho capito.
- Pronunciation: non oh kah-PEE-toh
- Translation: I don’t understand.
- Context: Don’t just nod and smile if you’re confused! A simple and polite “Mi scusi, non ho capito” is the best way to ask someone to repeat themselves, perhaps more slowly.
At the café and restaurant: ordering with confidence
Food is central to Italian life. These phrases will help you enjoy it to the fullest.
- Vorrei…
- Pronunciation: vor-RAY
- Translation: I would like…
- Context: This is the most polite and common way to order anything: you can say “Vorrei un caffè” or “Vorrei un tavolo per due.” (I would like a table for two).
- Il menù, per favore.
- Pronunciation: eel meh-NOO, pehr fah-VOH-reh
- Translation: The menu, please.
- Context: Asking to see the menu in a restaurant is straightforward with this easy phrase.
- Sono vegetariano/a.
- Pronunciation: SO-no veh-jeh-tah-ree-AH-no / nah
- Translation: I am a vegetarian.
- Context: Use the “-o” ending if you are male, “-a” if you are female. You can also ask, “Avete opzioni vegetariane?” (Do you have vegetarian options?).
- Il conto, per favore.
- Pronunciation: eel KON-to, pehr fah-VOH-reh
- Translation: The check, please.
- Context: In Italy, a waiter will almost never bring you the check until you ask for it. Lingering after a meal is encouraged, so you need to signal that you are ready to leave.
- Posso pagare con la carta?
- Pronunciation: POS-so pah-GAH-reh kon la KAR-tah
- Translation: Can I pay with a card?
- Context: While card payments are common, many smaller shops, cafes, or market stalls in Italy are still cash-only. It’s always polite to ask before you order.
Getting around: transportation
Navigating Italy’s famous train and bus systems will be much easier with these phrases.
- Un biglietto per…, per favore.
- Pronunciation: oon beel-YET-to pehr…, pehr fah-VOH-reh
- Translation: A ticket to…, please.
- Context: Use this at any train or bus station ticket window. “Un biglietto per Roma, per favore.“
- A che ora parte il prossimo treno per…?
- Pronunciation: ah keh O-rah PAR-teh eel PROS-see-mo TREH-no pehr
- Translation: What time does the next train to… leave?
- Context: Use this phrase to make sure you arrive on time.
- Questo è il binario giusto per…?
- Pronunciation: KWES-to eh eel bee-NAH-ree-o JOOS-to pehr
- Translation: Is this the right platform for…?
- Context: Train stations can be confusing. This is a great way to double-check you’re waiting in the right place.
Tips for practicing and memorizing these phrases
Knowing the phrases is one thing; feeling confident enough to use them is another. Here’s how to practice.
Embrace learning by doing
The only way to get comfortable is to actually speak. Don’t wait until you’ve got everything perfect—start today. Use buongiorno and grazie with every shopkeeper. Order your next coffee in Italian. This real-world practice is the most effective way to make the phrases stick.
Use technology to your advantage
Language apps like Duolingo, Babbel, and Memrise are great for practicing vocabulary and pronunciation on the go. You can also search YouTube for free videos that teach Italian for beginners. Find a channel you like and listen to the sounds of the language.
Don’t be afraid to make mistakes
You will make mistakes. You will mispronounce words. It’s a normal part of learning. Italians are generally very forgiving and appreciative of foreigners who make an effort to speak their language. They will almost always help you out, not laugh at you.
Your Italian adventure awaits
Learning a new language is a journey, and it takes time. By mastering these essential Italian phrases, you are giving yourself the key to a richer, more connected, and more enjoyable life in Italy. Each phrase you use is a small step toward bridging the cultural gap and building a true sense of belonging. So, be brave, be curious, and start speaking. In bocca al lupo! (Good luck!)
FAQs
Do I need to be fluent in Italian to live in Italy?
No, fluency isn’t necessary to get by, especially in major cities and tourist areas where English is more common. However, knowing some basic Italian phrases will greatly improve your quality of life, open doors to more authentic experiences, and help you handle essential daily interactions with ease.
What’s the difference between ciao and salve?
Ciao is strictly informal and should be used with people you know, children, or other young people. Salve is a wonderfully useful word that is a bit more formal than ciao but less stuffy than buongiorno. It’s the perfect, safe greeting to use when you’re unsure of the social context.
Are English speakers commonly found in Italy?
In major tourist hubs like Rome, Florence, and Venice, you will find many people who speak English. However, as soon as you step off the beaten path into smaller towns or local neighborhoods, you will find that English is much less common. This is where your basic Italian phrases become essential.
How can I learn the correct pronunciation?
Listen! Use online tools like Google Translate or Forvo.com, which have audio features that allow you to hear words spoken by native speakers. Mimic what you hear, paying attention to the musicality of the language and the way vowels are pronounced.