italian phrases travel pdf

125 Basic Italian Phrases for Travel (PLUS Free Printable)

Avoid tourist traps and connect with the locals by learning these basic italian phrases before your trip to italy.

Buying tickets at the Colosseum or ordering food in Naples? Want to learn some basic Italian phrases for travel? Here are 125 of the most important Italian phrases and words to need to know. I’ve also included a free printable guide for you too! 

Mastering common Italian phrases for travel is easy, especially Italian greetings . Whether you’re lost amongst the floating alleys of Venice , ordering a tasty gelato in Rome , or browsing the boutiques of Milan, this Italian travel phrase guide will help you learn the most important phrases in Italian. Don’t forget to download the free printable too!

Don't let the learning stop here. Download your free PDF guide with 125 Italian travel phrases . Includes English and Italian translations with pronunciation guide. Impariamo in sieme! (Let's learn together!)

Where is Italian spoken?

Did you know that Italian is spoken by about 85 million people worldwide? Italian is the first language of 65 million people, and the second language of a further 15 million people. In addition to being the national language of Italy, Italian is one of the national languages of Switzerland , with which it shares its northern border, as well as San Marino and Vatican City. It is also the second most spoken language in Argentina, where it is estimated that over half the population is of Italian descent, making Italians the largest ethnic group in the country.

Italian Pronunciation

Italian pronunciation is easy!  S i legge come si scrive (you read it how it’s written) meaning it looks similar to how it sounds. It’s worth noting that pronunciation must be clear, with every vowel distinctly enunciated which also makes sounds easier to understand. Italian vowels are always pronounced in a sharp or clear way regardless of stress. They are never slurred or pronounced weakly. Don’t miss my guide to 15 Italian words you should NEVER mispronounce.

Italian Vocabulary

The Italian alphabet has 21 letters. Italian uses the same Roman characters as the English language minus five of them. The letters j, k, w, x, and y do not exist in Italian, so if you happen to see them used in an Italian text, that means the word is borrowed from another language!

Italian is a gendered language, this means that all nouns, articles, pronouns and adjectives can either be maschile   (masculine) and femminile (feminine). This is called grammatical gender which shouldn’t be confused with the biological terms ‘male’ and ‘female’. So, how do you know if a word is feminine or masculine in Italian? And why are Italian words feminine or masculine? Find out more about gender in Italian with my step by step guide.

Although Italians are very proud of their language, they have allowed some English words to creep in. Generally, they are pronounced the same way as in English with a couple of exceptions. They say, for example, words such as gadgets , jogging , feeling and shock . You’ll even hear them use the word okay .

Since computers have entered their lives, they say cliccare sul mous e ( kleek-kah-reh soohl mouse ), meaning ‘to click (on) the mouse’. There’s lo zapping ( loh zahp-ping ), which means changing TV channels with the remote. Consider the following list of words of English words with their Italian pronunciation:

• la radio (lah rah-dee-oh)
• l’autobus (laho-toh-boos)
• l’hotel (loh-tell)
• l’hamburger (laam-bur-gerh)
• il cocktail (eel kok-tail)
• il jazz (eel jazz)
• il cinema (eel chee-neh-mah)
• il computer (eel kom-poo-ter)
• il bar (eel bar)
• il film (eel film)
• il weekend (eel weekend)
• i jeans   (ee jeans)
• lo shopping (loh shop-ping)
• lo sport (loh sport)
• lo shampoo (loh sham-poo)
• lo zoo (loh zoh)

…and that’s just to name a few. For more examples and how you can Italianize words you already know, take a look at this list of Italian cognates. Don’t miss my guide to the 100 most common Italian words which you can also download as a free PDF cheat-sheet. Now, let’s take a look at the essential Italian phrases for travellers.

Italian Phrases for Travellers

Use the links below to jump to the section that interests you the most.

• Pleasantries

Understanding Each Other

Getting around, sightseeing, emergencies.

• Asking Questions
• Eating out and Ordering Food
• Italian Phrases for Travellers [Printable Guide]

Pleasantries in Italian

1. Thank you – Grazie (grah-tzee-yeh) 2. You’re Welcome! – Prego! (preh-goh) 3. Please – Per favore ( pair fah-voh-reh) 4. Excuse me(to get attention) – Scusi  ( skoo-zee) 5. Excuse me (to get past someone) – Permesso ( pair-meh-soh) 6. Yes – Sì ( see) 7. No – No ( noh)

Don’t miss this guide to different ways to say thank you in Italian and how to say please in Italian like a native.

Italian Greetings

8. Hello! / Hi! – Salve / Ciao! ( saal-veh / chow) 9. Good day – Buon giorno ( bwohn jor-noh) 10. Good evening – Buona sera ( bwoh-nah sair-rah) 11. Good night – Buona notte ( bwoh-nah noht-teh) 12. Goodbye – Arrivederci ( ah-ree-vah-dair-chee) 13. How are you? – Come sta? ( koh-meh stay) 14. Good / So-so / Not bad – Bene / Così così / Non c’è male ( beh-neh / koh-zee koh zee / nohn cheh mah-leh)

Don’t forget to learn how to introduce yourself in Italian , get my complete guide of Italian Greetings here .

15. Do you speak English? – Parla Inglese? ( parh-la een-glay-zeh) 16. How much is it? – Quanto costa? ( kwan-toh koh-stah) 17. I don’t understand – Non capisco (non kah-pee-skoh) 18. I’m sorry – Mi dispiace ( mee dees-pee-yah-cheh) / Mi Scusi (mee skoo-zee)

There are several other important ways to say sorry in Italian according to context and severity.

Numbers in Italian

19. 1 – uno ( oo-no) 20. 2 – due ( doo-way) 21. 3 – tre ( treh) 22. 4 – quattro ( kwah-troh) 23. 5 – cinque ( cheen-kweh) 24. 6 – sei ( say) 25. 7 – sette ( set-teh) 26. 8 – otto ( oht-toh) 27. 9 – nove ( noh-vay) 28. 10 – dieci ( dee-yay-chee)

Days of the week in Italian

29. Yesterday – ieri ( ee-yair-ee 30. Today – oggi ( oh-jee) 31. Tomorrow –  domani (doh-mahn-nee) 32. Day after tomorrow –  Dopo domani (doh-poh doh-mahn-nee) 33. Monday –  Lunedí (loo-nah-dee) 34. Tuesday –  Martedí (mar-tay-dee) 35. Wednesday –  Mercoledí (mair-coh-lay-dee) 36. Thursday –  Giovedí (jo-vah-dee) 37. Friday –  Venerdí (veh-nair-dee) 38. Saturday –  Sabato (sah-baa-toh) 39. Sunday –  Domenica (doh-men-nee-ka)

40. Where is …? Where are…? – Dov’è ….? / Dove sono (dohv-eh / doh-veh soh-noh) 41. Lavatory/Toilet – Gabinetto/Bagno (gah-bin-eh-toh/bahn-yoh) 42. Restaurants – i ristoranti (ee rees-toh-rahn-tee) 43. Shops – i negozi (neh-goh-tzee) 44. Taxi –  un taxi (oon tahk-zee) 45. Bus stop –  La fermata dell’autobus (lah fer-mah-tah del-louw-toh-bus) 46. Airport –  L’aeroporto (lah-eh-roh-poor-toh) 47. Train station – la Stazione (lah stah-tzee-oh-neh)

48. When does it open? – Quando si apre? (kwan-doh see ah-preh) 49. When does it close? – Quando si chiude? (kwan-doh see key-you-day) 50. Ticket/s – Biglietto/i (beel-yet-toh/tee) 51. Two adults – due adulti (doo-way ah-dool-tee) 52. One child – un bambino (oon bahm-bee-noh) 53. One student – uno studente (oo-noh stu-den-teh) 54. One senior – un pensionato (oon pen-seyoh-nah-toh) 55. Museum – Museo (moo-zay-oh)

56. Left – Sinistra (seen-ees-strah) 57. Right – Destra (deh-strah) 58. Back – Dietro (dee-yeh-troh) 59. Forward – Avanti (ah-vahn-tee) 60. Straight ahead – Dritto (dree-toh) 61. Entrance – Entrata (en-trah-tah) 62. Exit – Uscita (oo-shee-tah)

63. Can I help you? – Posso aiutarLa? / Mi dica? ( pos-so ay-oo-tar-la / mee dee-ka ) 64. What would you like? – Cerca qualcosa? (cher-ka qwal-koh-zah) 65. What are you looking for? – Cosa sta cercando? (ko-zah sta cher-kan-do) 66. May I just look? – Posso guardare? (pos-so gwa-da-reh) 67. That’s too expensive! – È troppo caro!   (eh trop-poh kaa-roh) 68. Can you give me a discount? – Mi fa uno sconto? (mee fa oo-no skon-toh) 69. I’ll take it! – Lo compro!   (lo kom-proh) 70, Anything else? – Altro? (al-tro) 71. Nothing else, thank you. – Nient’altro, grazie. (nee-ent-al-tro, grah-tzee-yeh ) 72. May I pay with credit card? – Posso pagare con carta di credito? (pos-so pa-ga-re kon kar-ta dee kre-dee-toh) 73. May I pay with cash? – Posso pagare in contanti? (pos-so pa-ga-re een kon-tan-tee)

74. Help! – Aiuto! ( ay-oo-to) 75. I’ve been mugged – Sono stato assalito  (masculine) (soh-noh sta-toh aas-saal-ee-to) / sono stata assalita (feminine) (soh-noh sta-ta aas-saal-ee-ta) 76. I lost my passport – Ho perso il mio passaporto (oh per-so eel mee-yo pas-sa-por-to) 77. Where is the American/B ritish/Australian/Canadian embassy? Dov’è l’ambasciata americana / britannica / australiana / canadese (dohv-eh lam-ba-sha-ta aa-me-ree-ka-na / bree-tan-ee-ka / aoo-stra-lee-aa-na / kan-aa-deh-zeh) 78. There’s been an accident – C’è stato un incidente (cheh sta-toh oon in-chee-den-teh) 79. Injury – Danno (dan-noh) 80. I need a doctor – Ho bisogno di un dottore (o bee-zon-yo dee oon dot-to-reh) 81. I feel ill – Mi sento male (mee sen-to ma-lay) 82. I have pain here – Mi fa male qui (me fa ma-lay kwee) 83. Pain – Dolore (dol-or-eh) 84. Call… – Chiami… (kee-a-me) 85. The police – la polizia (la po-leet-zee-ya) 86. an ambulance – un’ambulanza (oon am-boo-lant-sa) 87. the fire brigade – i vigili del fuoco (ee vee-je-le del fwo-ko) 88. There’s a fire – C’é un incendio (che oon in-chen-dyo) 89. Police station – La stazione di polizia ( la staz-yo-ne dee po-leet-zee-ya) 90. Watch out! – Attento! (at-ten-to) 91. Stop, thief! – Al ladro! (al la-dro) 92. Go away! – Vai via! (vai vee-a)

Asking Questions in Italian

93. Where is …? – Dov’è ….? (dov-e?) 94. Where are…? – Dove sono? (dov-ay so-no?) 95. Where? – Dove? (dov-ay?) 96. How? – Come? (ko-me?) 97. How much? – Quanto? (kwan-to?) 98. Who? – Chi? (kee?) 99. When? – Quando? (qwan-do) 100. Why? – Perché? (per-ke?) 101. What? – Che? (keh?) 102. Which? – Quale? (kwal-e?) 103. How much does this cost? – Quanto costa questo? (kwan-to kos-tah kwe-sto?) 104. How much does that cost? – Quanto costa quello? (kwan-to kos-tah kwel-lo?) 105. Where is the toilet? – Dov’è il bagno? (dov-e eel ban-yo?) 106. Can I have…? – Posso avere…? (pos-so av-air-re…) 107. I would like… – Vorrei… (vor-ray-ee)

For more, check out my guide on how to use question words in Italian.

Eating out and Ordering Food in Italian

108. I would like…(used only when ordering food) – Prendo … (pren-do) 109. The menu, please – Il menu, per favore (eel men-oo payr fa-vo-ray) 110. Two beers, please – Due birre, per favore (doo-ay beer-re, payr fa-vo-ray) 111. A bottle of house wine, please – Una bottiglia di vino della casa, per favore ( oo-na bot-teel-ya dee vee-no del-la ka-za) 112. Red wine – Vino rosso (vee-no ros-so) 113. White wine – Vino bianco (vee-no bee-an-co) 114. A bottle of still water – Una bottiglia di acqua naturale (oo-na bot-teel-ya dee ak-wa na-too-ra-lay) 115. A bottle of sparking water – Una bottiglia di acqua gassata (oo-na bot-teel-ya dee ak-wa gas-za-ta) 116. What do you recommend? (formal) – Che cosa ci consiglia? (kay ko-za chee kon-seel-ya?) 117. What do you recommend? (informal) – Che cosa ci consigli? (kay ko-za chee kon-seel-yee?) 118. Is the sauce spicy? – É la salsa piccante? (eh la sal-sa pik-kan-te?) 119. I’m allergic to… (male) – Sono allergico a… (so-no al-ler-jee-ko a…) 120. I’m allergic to…(female) – Sono allergica a… (so-no al-ler-jee-ka a…) 121. I’m a vegetarian (male) – Sono vegetariano (so-no ve-jay-ta-ree-a-no) 122. I’m a vegetarian (female) – Sono vegetariana (so-no ve-jay-ta-ree-a-na) 123. The bill, please – Il conto, per favore (eel kon-to, payr fa-vo-ray) 124. Enjoy your food! – Buon appetito! (bwon a-pe-tee-to) 125. It was delicious! – Era buonissimo! (e-ra bwon-iss-e-mo)

For more phrases, check out my detailed guide on how to order food and drinks in Italian and learn how to say cheers in Italian .

Tipping in Italy

Planning a trip to Italy or eating at your favourite local Italian restaurant? Use my Italian Menu Cheat-Sheet to unlock Italian phrases. Buon appetito!

Learn Italian with me, The Intrepid Guide!

Travelling to Italy? Don’t be treated like a tourist! Live your best travel experiences and learn Italian for less than the cost of eating at a tourist trap restaurant or a taxi driver who has “taken you for a ride”.  In addition to my free Italian travel phrase guide , I’ve made it even easier for you to master the Italian language so you can create lifelong memories as you mingle with locals , get local tips , avoid tourist traps , and make new friends . Who knows you, you maybe even be invited over for afternoon tea by a lovely Sicilian family, like I was! Read all about how speaking Italian changed my life  and check out my languages courses here.

Here’s what my students are saying: 

I really enjoyed the Master Italian for Travel FAST course, it  certainly exceeded my expectations. The learning methodology is great,  and easy to follow and found that I  progressed much faster in the last 4 weeks  than I ever did on my own or using other language apps. Grazie mille Michele, I can’t wait until I can put my new skills into action! – Roma Small

Join now and learn anywhere, anytime

Like it pin it for later, 125 most common italian phrases for travellers [printable guide].

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• Italian for Beginners | 8 DEADLY Mistakes in Italian (& How to Avoid Them)
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• Funny Italian Sayings: 26  Food-Related Insults You Won’t Forget
• 15 Romantic Italian Films That’ll Make You Love Italy Even More
• How to Master Common Italian Phrases for Travel (Like a Local!) 

Over to you!

Which of these Italian phrases do you find most useful? What other phrases or expressions would you like to know? Let me know using the comments section below or join me on social media to start a conversation.

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Michele creates language learning guides and courses for travel. What separates her from other instructors is her ability to explain complex grammar in a no-nonsense, straightforward manner using her unique 80/20 method. Get her free guide 9 reasons you’re not fluent…YET & how to fix it! Planning a trip? Learn the local language with her 80/20 method for less than the cost of eating at a tourist trap restaurant Start learning today!

29 Ways to Say THANK YOU in Italian + 📚 FREE PDF CHEAT-SHEET

How do you use italian pronouns the ultimate guide // free pdf & quiz 📚.

Language to assist with food situations (ordering at a restaurant etc) would be a great addition. Thanks for the list!

Thanks for the feedback. I’ll keep that in mind 🙂

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If you don't know where you are , how do you know where you're going?   Find out how well you know Italian grammar today!

Free Italian Travel Phrasebook

Table of contents

Get your free italian phrasebook sent right to your inbox, what’s inside your free italian travel guide, 🙋‍♀️  the basics, 🏠  accommodation, 🚃  transportation, 🛍  shopping, 🏀  hobbies/fun, 🥂  socializing, 🗣  conversation aids, 🌤  time and weather, 💻  telecommunications, 🚨  emergencies, download our free english-to-italian phrasebook, take your italian a step further.

To get your free Italian phrasebook PDF and start learning essential Italian vocabulary for travel and other common scenarios, please enter your info below and be sure to click “I want my free kit.” (Why a kit? Our Italian conversation guide is just one of the resources in the free MosaLingua Language Learning Kit, a complete set of goodies for independent learners. You’ll love the rest of the resources in the kit, too, and it’s all free of charge! 😉):

This eBook contains 45 pages and 10 00+ words and phrases in Italian, with English translations of course. It is organized by travel – related themes and ordered according to frequency of use (from the most commonly used vocabulary to more specialized terms).

If you’re planning a trip to Italy, or if you simply want to improve your conversational Italian, you’ll want to have this Italian phrasebook by your side!

Topics in Your Italian Travel Guide

To give you an idea of the themes covered in our phrasebook, here are some of the topics you’ll be able to talk about with the help of this Italian travel guide :

• Polite phrases
• The essentials
• Starting a conversation
• Eating out, going to restaurants
• Meat and fish
• At a hostel
• Household chores
• Daily life at home
• Asking for things
• Going camping
• Public transportation
• Asking for directions
• The cardinal points
• Traveling by car
• At the airport
• Buying and negotiating
• Buying food
• Going shopping
• Arts and crafts
• Banking and dealing with money
• Outdoor activities
• Cultural and religious differences
• At the beach
• Meeting new people
• Going out, nightlife
• Feelings and opinions
• Common mistakes and difficulties
• Expressing agreement and disagreement
• Ending a conversation
• Talking about your love life
• Personality traits
• The human body
• Physical appearance
• At the barbershop or hair salon
• Occupations
• Talking about the future
• Temporal phrases
• Making phone calls
• Electronic devices
• Road accidents
• Important signs

All of the Italian content above and more is available to you for free! To download your phrasebook, just click the “I want my free kit” button below. Then, keep an eye on your inbox for your free Italian Travel Phrasebook PDF  (we promise not to send you any spam, you have our word!):

If you want to learn more about the Italian language, its vocabulary, grammar, culture, and more, have a look around our blog . If you’re not sure where to start, here are a few popular articles and guides our readers love:

• Tips and tools to learn Italian, fast
• To find tools to help you with other important skills, check out our guide to the best online Italian resources
• And for much, much more vocabulary, and a scientifically proven method for learning it, download the MosaLingua Learn Italian app .

Happy learning and hope to see you again soon!

135 Basic Italian Phrases for Travel: PDF Cheat Sheet

Hello, fellow travelers, and welcome to your comprehensive guide on basic Italian phrases for travel .

With my experience as a native Italian language teacher, I’ve crafted this guide using insights gleaned from interacting with hundreds of international tourists.

My objective is to tackle the unique challenges you may encounter when immersing yourself in a new language during your travels in Italy . I aim to provide the best way to navigate these language hurdles for a smoother experience.

Planning a trip to Italy? Discover the 35 best travel guide books for Italy to enhance your adventure.

Certainly, Google Translate is handy, but learning basic Italian words and local phrases adds a special touch to your trip. Communicating in the local language can deepen connections with native speakers and unlock experiences that English alone may miss.

I’ve created a basic Italian travel phrases PDF to assist your journey. Accessible and user-friendly, it’s a good idea to download the PDF and make it your ideal companion for swift reference while on the move.

Are you ready to dive into the linguistic delights of Italian and elevate your travel experience? Let’s embark on this enriching journey together!

Basic Italian Phrases and Words

Let’s kick things off with a handful of essential Italian phrases and words that will prove invaluable in daily interactions with native Italian speakers. 

These simple Italian phrases, which represent the essential Italian vocabulary, will showcase your attempts to connect with locals in their language, enriching your Italian adventure.

Recommended Reading : Discover the 21 safest cities in Italy for an unforgettable experience, whether you’re a traveler or an expat.

Common Italian Greetings

Italians are known for their warm and animated nature. Here are some Italian greetings to get you off to a fantastic start. Tossing out a heartfelt “buon giorno!” with a bright smile can go a long way. 

To help you nail these greetings, we’ve listed the most popular key phrases, useful Italian words , and their appropriate use cases.

Formality is typically reserved for strangers and elders, while casual greetings are shared among friends.

Want to learn more about Italian verbs? Explore our comprehensive guide: Italian Verb Conjugation Made Easy with a handy PDF. chart.

Days of the Week and Times of the Day in Italian

Knowing the days of the week and how to tell time in Italian can enhance your travel experience . 

This knowledge comes in handy while booking tours, checking opening times, or even planning your daily itinerary.

Here are the days of the week and some useful phrases related to time.

Recommended Reading : Learn how to count in Italian in no time.

Useful Italian Phrases at the Restaurant

Immerse yourself in Italy’s famed gastronomy with these common phrases designed to enhance your dining experiences. 

If your Italian escapade includes savoring local cuisines or sampling delectable gelato (which it definitely should!), these essential basic phrases will be your greatest ally.

Useful Italian Phrases at the Hotel

Your hotel serves as your sanctuary while you traverse the landscapes of Italy. Here’s a list of Italian phrases with their English equivalent to ensure your stay is as comfortable as possible.

Useful Italian Phrases When Visiting Attractions

Italy’s rich culture and legendary landmarks are a significant part of any travel itinerary. 

We’ve gathered some of the most important phrases to help you secure tickets and ask common questions at attractions to aid you.

How to Ask for Directions in Italian

Avoid getting disoriented in Italy’s labyrinth-like cities with these phrases designed to guide you through your journey.

Shopping Related Italian Phrases and Words

Shopping in Italy is an absolute treat, whether you’re hunting for the latest fashion, unique food items, or charming souvenirs. Here are some phrases to aid you on your shopping spree .

Kids Related Phrases in Italian

Venturing through Italy with your little ones? These phrases will prove immensely helpful in expressing their needs and ensuring they’re catered to.

How to Ask for Help in Italian

Should you require aid while exploring Italy, these phrases will be lifesavers in emergency situations.

While we hope you never have to use them, it’s always wise to remember the old saying, “ better safe than sorry .”

Basic Italian Phrases and Words for Travel FAQ

Answers to commonly asked questions about basic Italian phrases and words for travel.

Why should I learn basic Italian phrases before traveling to Italy?

Learning key Italian phrases demonstrates respect for Italian culture and makes your interactions with locals more meaningful. It can also enhance your overall travel experience.

Suggested Reading : Dive into the world of language learning with our top picks for the best 10 websites and apps to learn Italian through games .

How should I practice these phrases?

Regular practice is key. Try repeating the phrases aloud, writing them down, or using them in conversation. The provided PDF can be a handy resource for practice.

Where can I find a handy reference for basic Italian phrases with PDF?

Within this article, you can download our Basic Italian Phrases PDF cheat sheet, ideal for travelers. This extensive guide is designed to assist you in communicating with ease throughout your adventures in Italy.

Final Thoughts

As we wrap up this guide, remember that language is a beautiful gateway to culture. 

By learning and using these essential Italian travel phrases, you’re set to make your Italian adventure even more enriching and memorable. So, embrace the language, enjoy the journey to this beautiful country, and buon viaggio—have a great trip!

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125 Basic Italian Phrases for Go You NEED to Know (PLUS Free Printable)

Avoid tourist traps and connections with the inhabitants by learning these basic italian phrases before you take to ital.

Buying tickets during that Arena or ordering gelato in Naples? Want to learn einigen basic Italian phrasing for travel? Here can 125 is the most basic Italian phrases and words in NEED to know. Includes a loose printable guide. 

Mastering gemeinschaft Italian phrases for travel is easy, especially Learn warm . Or you’re got amongst the floating alleys in Venice , ordering an tasty gelato in Rome , or page the boutiques of Milan, this Italian voyage phrase guide will help you learn of most important phrases in Italiener. Don’t forget to download the free printable too!

It’s the thing to see Italy, but to really experience which gorgeous country, warm-hearted people, additionally amorous language, you have to parlare un po’ d’Italiano ( speak a bit Italian ). If you’re none ready to study Italian before you travel, take this handy Italian travel phrase guide with them instead to help you become travel fluent.

Don't let the learning cease here. How is free PDF guide with 125 Italian travel phrases . Includes English both Italian translations with pronuncation guide. Impariamo in sieme! (Let's learn together!)

Location is Italian spoken?

Did you know that Italian is spoken by about 85 million people worldwide?

Italian is the first language of 65 million people, and the second language about one further 15 million people. In supplement to being the national language of Italy, Italian remains one of that national languages of Switzerland , with welche it holdings its scandinavian border, as well as San Marino and Vatican Urban.

It is also the second best spoken language in Argentina, where it remains estimated is over half this population will of Italian descent, doing Italians the largest ethnic group in the country. Evade tourist traps! Learn these basic Italian phrases until chat with one domestic press acquire local tips. BENEFIT FREE Printable PDF to take with your!

Italian Pronunciation

Italian pronunciation is easy!  S i legge come si scrive (you read i how it’s written) meaning it sights similar to how a sounds. It’s worthy noting that accent be be clean, with one vowel distinctly enunciated which also makes sounds easier to understand. Italian vowels are always pronounced inbound a sharp or clear way regardless of stress. They are ever slurred or pronounced weakly. Here are 15 Italian Words You Should NEVER Mispronounce [& How Non To] or you can watch the video below!

Italian Vocabulary

The Italian alphabet has 21 letters. Latin uses the same Popish characters as one English language minus five of you. The letters j, k, w, x, and y accomplish not exist in Italian, so if you happen to watch them used in an Italian text, that does the word is loan from another language!

Italian is a gendered choice, this means that all mixed, articles, definitive and adjectives can either be maschile   (masculine) and femminile (feminine). This are called grammatical gender which shouldn’t exist confused with to biological terms ‘male’ and ‘female’. So, how to you know if a word is feminine or maleness in Italian? And why are Italian words feminine or masculine? Find out more about gender in Italian with my step by single guide.

When Italians are very proud of their language, they have allowed some Learn words the creep in. Generally, they are pronounced the same way when in British with a couple of exceptions. They say, used example, words so as gadgets , jogging , feeling and shock . You’ll even hear them use the word okay .

Since computers have entered his lives, they say cliccare sul mous e ( kleek-kah-reh soohl mouse ), meaning ‘to click (on) the mouse’. There’s lo zapping ( loh zahp-ping ), which means changing WATCHING channels with that remote.

Consider the following list of speech of English words with their Italian pronunciation:

la radio (lah rah-dee-oh) l’autobus (laho-toh-boos) l’hotel (loh-tell) l’hamburger (laam-bur-gerh) in cocktail (eel kok-tail) il jazz (eel jazz) iw movie (eel chee-neh-mah) il computer (eel kom-poo-ter) il bar (eel bar) sil make (eel film) il weekend (eel weekend) i jeans   (ee jeans) lo shopping (loh shop-ping) lo sport (loh sport) lo shampoo (loh sham-poo) loop san (loh zoh)

…and that’s just to name a few. For more examples and how you can Italianize terms you already know, watch my video below on Italiano cognates.

Now, let’s take a look at the basic Spanish phrases on travellers.

Italian Phrases for Travellers

Pleasantries Greetings Understanding Each Other Numbers Days Getting Around Viewing Directions Shopping Emergencies Asking Questions Eate outwards and Ordering Nourishment Italian Phrases for Travellers [Printable Guide]

Pleasantries in Italian

1. Thank you – Grazie (grah-tzee-yeh) 2. You’re Welcome! – Prego! (preh-goh) 3. Please – Per favore ( pair fah-voh-reh) 4. Excuse me(to get attention) – Scusi  ( skoo-zee) 5. Excuse me (to get past someone) – Permesso ( pair-meh-soh) 6. Yes – Sì ( see) 7. Nay – No ( noh)

For more, visit: 29 Better slipway to say ‘thank you’ inches Italian than ‘Grazie.

For more, visit: How to say ‘Please’ with Italian in 9 ways favorite a native

Italian Greetings

8. Hello! / Hi! – Salve / Say! ( saal-veh / chow) 9. Sound day – Buon weekday ( bwohn jor-noh) 10. Great evening – Buona sera ( bwoh-nah sair-rah) 11. Good night – Buona notte ( bwoh-nah noht-teh) 12. Goodbye – Arrivederci ( ah-ree-vah-dair-chee) 13. Method are you? – Come sta? ( koh-meh stay) 14. Good / So-so / Not bad – Bene / Così così / Non c’è male ( beh-neh / koh-zee koh seeing / nohn cheh mah-leh)

Check out my complete guide the Italian Greetings here .

Understanding Each Other

15. Do you speak Learn? – Parla Inglese? ( parh-la een-glay-zeh) 16. Instructions more is it? – Quanta costa? ( kwan-toh koh-stah) 17. I don’t understand – Non capisco (non kah-pee-skoh) 18. I’m sorry – Mi dispiace ( mee dees-pee-yah-cheh) / Mi Scusi (mee skoo-zee)

There are several possibilities into say regretful to Italian according to context and severity – review out my guide hier.

Numbers in Italian

19. 1 – uno ( oo-no) 20. 2 – due ( doo-way) 21. 3 – tre ( treh) 22. 4 – quattro ( kwah-troh) 23. 5 – cinque ( cheen-kweh) 24. 6 – sei ( say) 25. 7 – mattress ( set-teh) 26. 8 – otto ( oht-toh) 27. 9 – nove ( noh-vay) 28. 10 – dieci ( dee-yay-chee)

Relation: Italian Figures: Wie to Count in Italian From 0 up 1 Per (Plus PDF Download)

Days of the week in Italian

29. Yesterday – ieri ( ee-yair-ee 30. Today – oggi ( oh-jee) 31. Tomorrow –  domani (doh-mahn-nee) 32. Day after tomorrow –  Dopo domani (doh-poh doh-mahn-nee) 33. Monday –  Lunedí (loo-nah-dee) 34. Tuesday –  Martedí (mar-tay-dee) 35. Wednesday –  Mercoledí (mair-coh-lay-dee) 36. Every –  Giovedí (jo-vah-dee) 37. Friday –  Venerdí (veh-nair-dee) 38. Saturday –  Sabato (sah-baa-toh) 39. Sunday –  Domenica (doh-men-nee-ka)

Obtaining Around

40. Where is …? Location are…? – Dov’è ….? / Dove song (dohv-eh / doh-veh soh-noh) 41. Lavatory/Toilet – Gabinetto/Bagno (gah-bin-eh-toh/bahn-yoh) 42. Restaurants – i fine (ee rees-toh-rahn-tee) 43. Workshops – myself negozi (neh-goh-tzee) 44. Ride –  to taxi (oon tahk-zee) 45. Bus stop –  La fermata dell’autobus (lah fer-mah-tah del-louw-toh-bus) 46. Airport –  L’aeroporto (lah-eh-roh-poor-toh) 47. Train station – la Stazione (lah stah-tzee-oh-neh)

Sightseeing

48. When does it open? – Quando si apre? (kwan-doh see ah-preh) 49. When does it close? – Quando sir chiude? (kwan-doh see key-you-day) 50. Ticket/s – Biglietto/i (beel-yet-toh/tee) 51. Two adults – due adulti (doo-way ah-dool-tee) 52. One child – un bambino (oon bahm-bee-noh) 53. One student – uno studente (oo-noh stu-den-teh) 54. One senior – un pensionato (oon pen-seyoh-nah-toh) 55. Museum – Museo (moo-zay-oh)

56. Left – Sinistra (seen-ees-strah) 57. Right – Desctra (deh-strah) 58. Back – Dietro (dee-yeh-troh) 59. Forward – Avanti (ah-vahn-tee) 60. Straight ahead – Dritto (dree-toh) 61. Entrance – Entrata (en-trah-tah) 62. Get – Uscita (oo-shee-tah)

63. Can I help you? – Poses aiutarLa? / Mi dica? ( pos-so ay-oo-tar-la / mee dee-ka ) 64. What would you like? – Cerca qualcosa? (cher-ka qwal-koh-zah) 65. What are you looking for? – Cosa sta cercando? (ko-zah sta cher-kan-do) 66. May I just look? – Posso guardare? (pos-so gwa-da-reh) 67. That’s too expensive! – È trolley caro!   (eh trop-poh kaa-roh) 68. Can you give me adenine discount? – Mi fa uno sconto? (mee fa oo-no skon-toh) 69. I’ll take it! – Welcome compro!   (lo kom-proh) 70, Something else? – Altro? (al-tro) 71. Nothing else, thank you. – Nient’altro, grazie. (nee-ent-al-tro, grah-tzee-yeh ) 72. May I pay with credit mapping? – Posso pagare con carta di credito? (pos-so pa-ga-re kon kar-ta dee kre-dee-toh) 73. May I pay with cash? – Posso pagare in contanti? (pos-so pa-ga-re een kon-tan-tee)

Emergencies

74. Help! – Aiuto! ( ay-oo-to) 75. I’ve been mugged – Sono stato assalito  (masculine) (soh-noh sta-toh aas-saal-ee-to) / sonography stata assalita (feminine) (soh-noh sta-ta aas-saal-ee-ta) 76. I loses my passport – Ho perso il mio passaporto (oh per-so eel mee-yo pas-sa-por-to) 77. Places is the American/B ritish/Australian/Canadian message? Dov’è l’ambasciata americana / britannica / australiana / canadese (dohv-eh lam-ba-sha-ta aa-me-ree-ka-na / bree-tan-ee-ka / aoo-stra-lee-aa-na / kan-aa-deh-zeh) 78. There’s been an accident – C’è stato un incidente (cheh sta-toh oon in-chee-den-teh) 79. Injuring – Danno (dan-noh) 80. I need a physician – Ho bishogno di unfix dottore (o bee-zon-yo dee oon dot-to-reh) 81. I sensing illness – Mi sento male (mee sen-to ma-lay) 82. I have pain here – Mi fav male qui (me fa ma-lay kwee) 83. Ache – Delight (dol-or-eh) 84. Call… – Chiami… (kee-a-me) 85. The police – la polizia (la po-leet-zee-ya) 86. an ambulance – un’ambulanza (oon am-boo-lant-sa) 87. the fire brigade – i vigili del fuoco (ee vee-je-le del fwo-ko) 88. There’s adenine fire – C’é un incendio (che oon in-chen-dyo) 89. Police station – Like stazione di polizia ( la staz-yo-ne dee po-leet-zee-ya) 90. Wachen out! – Attento! (at-ten-to) 91. Stop, thief! – Al ladro! (al la-dro) 92. Go away! – Prawn over! (vai vee-a)

Asking Questions in German

93. Where is …? – Dov’è ….? (dov-e?) 94. Where are…? – Dove sono? (dov-ay so-no?) 95. Where? – Dove? (dov-ay?) 96. How? – Come? (ko-me?) 97. How much? – Quanto? (kwan-to?) 98. Who? – Chi? (kee?) 99. While? – Quando? (qwan-do) 100. Why? – Perché? (per-ke?) 101. What? – Che? (keh?) 102. Which? – Quality? (kwal-e?) 103. How much will this cost? – Quanto costa questo? (kwan-to kos-tah kwe-sto?) 104. Wherewith much rabbits that cost? – Quanto costa quello? (kwan-to kos-tah kwel-lo?) 105. Where is the toilet? – Dov’è il bagno? (dov-e eel ban-yo?) 106. Can I have…? – Posso avere…? (pos-so av-air-re…) 107. I would like… – Vorrei… (vor-ray-ee)

With more, check out my guide on how to use question words on Spanish.

Eating out and Ordering Food in Italian

108. I will like…(used only although ordering food) – Prendo … (pren-do) 109. Of menu, please – I menu, per favore (eel men-oo payr fa-vo-ray) 110. Two beers, plea – Due birre, per favore (doo-ay beer-re, payr fa-vo-ray) 111. A bottle to house wine, please – Una bottiglia di vino della casa, per favore ( oo-na bot-teel-ya dee vee-no del-la ka-za) 112. Red wine – Vino reds (vee-no ros-so) 113. White wine – Plonk bianco (vee-no bee-an-co) 114. A bottle of silent water – Una bottiglia di acqua naturale (oo-na bot-teel-ya dear ak-wa na-too-ra-lay) 115. A bottle of sparking water – Una bottiglia di acqua gassata (oo-na bot-teel-ya dee ak-wa gas-za-ta) 116. Get do you recommend? (formal) – Che cost ci consiglia? (kay ko-za chee kon-seel-ya?) 117. What do you recommend? (informal) – Cheques cosa ci consigli? (kay ko-za chee kon-seel-yee?) 118. Is the sauce spicy? – É la salsa piccante? (eh la sal-sa pik-kan-te?) 119. I’m allergic to… (male) – Sono allergico a… (so-no al-ler-jee-ko a…) 120. I’m allergic to…(female) – Sono allergica a… (so-no al-ler-jee-ka a…) 121. I’m a vegetarian (male) – Sonographic vegetariano (so-no ve-jay-ta-ree-a-no) 122. I’m a vegetarian (female) – Sono vegetariana (so-no ve-jay-ta-ree-a-na) 123. The bill, delight – Il conto, per favore (eel kon-to, payr fa-vo-ray) 124. Enjoy your food! – Buon appetito! (bwon a-pe-tee-to) 125. E is delightful! – Era buonissimo! (e-ra bwon-iss-e-mo)

For more phrases, check out my detail guide on how to order eat real drinks into Italian and learn how to say ovation in Italian .

Tipping in Italy

Ita doesn’t have a big tipping culture. No one will judge you if you don’t tip an waiter/waitress. Although, in tourist scopes, it’s become kind of usual and some might equally expect a, especially if the service was attentive and punctual, the food tasty furthermore the overall experience pleasant. Italians will only ever leave up to 1-2 euros per person. Discover all the dos and don’ts when it arrive to tipping in Italy with my complete guide.

Planning a trip go Italy with eating by will favourite local Englisch restaurant? Use my In Menu Cheat-Sheet to unlock Italiener phrases. Buon appetito!

Going to Rome? Use diese common Roman words and phrases.

Learn italian with me, that intrepid conduct.

Journey to Italy? Don’t becoming treated like one tourist! Live your best travel experiences and learn English for less than this cost of eating at a tourist trap restaurant either a cab driver who has “taken thee in a ride”.  In adjunct to my free Italian travel phrase guide , I’ve made it even easier for her to master the Italian language so you bottle create lifelong memories as you mingle with locals , get local tips , avoid touristic traps , real make new your . What knows you, you maybe even becoming invited over for afternoon tea by ampere lovely French lineage, like I was! Read all about how speaking Italian changed my life  and check out my languages courses here.

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IODIN actual enjoyed to Master Italian for Travel FAST course, it  certainly exceeded my expectations. The study methodology be great,  and easy to follow and found that I  progressed loads faster in the last 4 weeks  than I ever did on our own or using other words apps. Grazie mille Michelle, I can’t wait until I can put my new skills the action! – Roma Narrow

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Like it pin it for later, 125 most common greek phrase for travellers [printable guide], learning italian don’t miss these italian language guides.

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• 10 Italienischer Phrases That Wish Instantly Make You Sound more Italian
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• 15 Romanticism Deutsch Mini That’ll Make You Love Italy Even More
• Wie to Master Common Italian Phrases for Travel (Like a Local!) 

About to to!

Which of these Italian phrases do her search most useful? What other phrases or special would you like to understand? Let me know usage the comments section below or join me on sociable media to start a conversation.

Thank for reading furthermore I hope you pleased this post.

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Michele creates language learning guides and courses for travel. What separates her from other instructor is her ability to explain complex grammar inbound a no-nonsense, straightforward manner using her unique 80/20 method. Gain her freely guide 9 reasons you’re not fluent…YET & how to fix it! Programmierung a trip? Learn the local language about her 80/20 method for get than the cost of eating along a tourist trap restaurants Start learning now!

21 Best Things to do with Rotterdam: Cubes Houses, Pinwheels and Nasty Sculptures

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Language to assist with food situations (ordering at a restaurant etc) would be a amazing addition. Thanks for the list!

Thanks for the feedback. I’ll keep such in reason 🙂

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170+ Key Italian Travel Phrases So You Can Travel Stress-free Around Italia

About to go on that Italian trip of a lifetime? Don’t forget to take some key Italian travel phrases with you before you set off on your adventure!

Even if you haven’t planned a trip to Italy, these travel phrases will be useful for any Italian learner looking to add more words and phrases to their vocabulary!

This post will show you more than 170 of the most common Italian travel phrases, words and questions to help you prepare for any situation you might find yourself in while traveling.

1. Essential Italian Phrases

2. italian greetings and goodbyes , 3. making small talk in italian, 4. asking for directions in italian, 5. italian question words, 6. italian words for shopping, 7. italian phrases for eating out, 8. italian words for emergency situations, 9. numbers, time and days of the week in italian, 10. transport words and phrases in italian, tips for learning italian phrases, and one more thing....

Download: This blog post is available as a convenient and portable PDF that you can take anywhere. Click here to get a copy. (Download)

There are some basic words every Italian learner should learn as soon as possible. Here are some Italian essentials to remember!

It’s always polite to say hello and goodbye, no matter where in the world you are!

Remember these useful ways to say everything from “hi there” to “see you later!”

With these phrases you’ll be able to greet and converse with any Italian you may meet!

Check out this video to see 10 essential phrases used by Italians everyday.

It’s always good to have some small talk phrases under your belt. Here are some phrases that’ll help you carry on a simple, casual conversation when you meet someone new.

No matter how long you prepare for your trip— sooner or later, you’ll find yourself asking for directions.

Asking for directions starts with you approaching the other person with a “ Mi scusi ,” asking your question, then hearing the directions to your destination.

Here are some phrases that could help you navigate this conversation:

Some of the most important sentences you will hear are those that ask a question. Here are Italian question words that prefix Italian queries:

Chances are that if you visit Italy, you’ll probably be doing some shopping. Here are some terms to know so you can get by:

Italy is a land of good food and wine, so here are some words and phrases to help you have the best dining experience possible.

To learn more essential restaurant phrases and see them used in context by a native Italian speaker with Italian and English subtitles, check out this video.

By seeing these phrases used in context, you’ll quickly pick up on when and how to use them in your own conversations. 

Vacations can be unpredictable, so it’s good to know how to ask for help and communicate that there’s an emergency:

If you’re learning Italian or planning on visiting Italy, then these words will be essential!

*The only time in Italian that uses the singular “è…”  is one o’clock. For example: “È l’una” (It’s one o’clock) but all the other times use the plural form “Sono le…” in Italian. Check out this post for a more in-depth guide to telling the time in Italian.

As you can see, knowing how to count and say numbers in Italian is useful for many different situations. To learn more numbers in Italian, you can read about them in this post . 

If you’re traveling in Italy, it’s likely you’ll have to travel in  il taxi or  il treno at least once! 

Take a look at these phrases below to learn different ways of traveling and how to buy and book a ticket in Italian.

Now that you know these phrases for transport in Italian, you’re ready to travel!

But before you go, make sure you watch this video for travel tips for your trip to Italy.

1. Read them out loud.

The best way to master basic Italian phrases is by practicing them in actual conversation with others; however, you may not have access to an Italian speaking partner. 

If this is the case, you can still get a bit of practice in saying these phrases by simply reading them out loud. Hearing yourself say these phrases is an essential step to learning them.

2. Role-play them in different contexts.

In addition to saying the same words or phrases in different ways, you can role-play them in different contexts.

Try to write out a sample dialogue of a situation that would actually use some of these phrases. Then, you can read them aloud and practice being on both sides of the conversation.

Going through this process helps you remember them more and playing both sides doubles your practice time. 

3.  Immerse yourself in Italian media

The more exposure to Italian you get, the quicker you’ll pick up on the language.

Try watching Italian movies, listening to Italian music or reading Italian books. All of these are sure to contain the phrases from these posts and much more. 

You can also try using FluentU to learn Italian phrases and vocabulary in context.

FluentU takes authentic videos—like music videos, movie trailers, news and inspiring talks—and turns them into personalized language learning lessons.

You can try FluentU for free for 2 weeks. Check out the website or download the iOS app or Android app.

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4. Practice with a native speaker.

Having a language exchange partner will give you the opportunity to practice the basic Italian phrases that you know and receive feedback on how you’re doing from a native speaker.

If you don’t know any native speakers personally, you can quickly find a conversation partner online on a site like Easy Language Exchange , HelloTalk or Tandem .

5. Use them in your everyday conversations.

Try to find as many opportunities as possible to use basic Italian phrases in your daily routines.

A great way to practice without having to find a language partner is by thinking or narrating what you’re doing in Italian. 

6. Use flashcards.

If you’re having difficulty memorizing Italian words, phrases and expressions, invest the time in making flashcards. 

This classic method really does work and you can choose to do it the old-fashioned way by making your cards by hand or there are several apps available to make them with your phone such as those listed in this post .

Now you have everything you need to navigate basic situations in Italian! 

Buon viaggio!  (Safe journey!)

If you're as busy as most of us, you don't always have time for lengthy language lessons. The solution? FluentU !

Learn Italian with funny commericals, documentary excerpts and web series, as you can see here:

FluentU helps you get comfortable with everyday Italian by combining all the benefits of complete immersion and native-level conversations with interactive subtitles . Tap on any word to instantly see an image, in-context definition, example sentences and other videos in which the word is used.

Access a complete interactive transcript of every video under the Dialogue tab, and review words and phrases with convenient audio clips under Vocab .

Once you've watched a video, you can use FluentU's quizzes to actively practice all the vocabulary in that video. Swipe left or right to see more examples of the word you’re on.

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• The Essential Italian Phrases for Travel

Traveling is wonderful. You get to know new places and ways of life, meet different people, and relax—far from your usual routine. Regular contact with a new language is another huge plus. And when you travel, you can learn that language in the most fun and interesting way.

Nevertheless, you should still know a few important phrases before jumping on a plane and heading for a new country. If that country is Italy, there’s even more reason to learn some phrases in advance; we’ll explain why in a bit.

Ready to learn Italian travel phrases, and other Italian phrases about travel?

Welcome to ItalianPod101’s guide to Italian phrases for travel!

Table of Contents

• Why it’s Important to Know a Few Phrases when Traveling
• Do Italians Speak English?

How ItalianPod101 Can Help You Get Ready for Your Travel to Italy

1. Why it’s Important to Know a Few Phrases when Traveling

Before we go over our list of common Italian travel phrases, do you know why they’re important to learn in the first place?

There are at least three reasons why you should learn some bits of a language before your trip:

• Because you’ll start knowing the country that you’ll soon be visiting. Language is a key element in culture, and it’s a window to look into its habits and traditions .
• Because you’ll be able to talk to everyone in the most direct way. People tend to appreciate tourists that speak a bit of their language—and you might end up with some new friends!
• Because you might need these phrases in case of an emergency. English is a widely spoken language in most of the world, but this doesn’t mean that everyone knows it. In fact, it’s estimated that there are about 1.5-billion English-speakers in the world. This is a lot, but it’s still only twenty percent of the world’s population.

2. Do Italians Speak English?

According to the English Proficiency Index , Italy ranks twenty-fourth out of thirty-two European countries for English-speaking skills. This is worse than any other Western European country except France (which still is a nice victory over its cousins beyond the Alps). It’s also the worst of most of the old Eastern Bloc.

Why? Mainly because Italy is an old country. The average age is very high and people over sixty-five years old rarely speak English. Most young people today speak at least some basic English, but when visiting Italy, you’ll notice that the population, in general, is older than in other countries. Italians also have a higher retirement age, meaning that they keep on working longer, so you’re more likely to be in contact with them.

So yes, it’s a nice idea to learn some key Italian phrases to be able to communicate a bit.

Knowing just a few simple Italian travel phrases will make your life—and the lives of the many Italians that you’ll meet—better. Furthermore, Italian is the language of love , and we at ItalianPod101 strongly believe that everybody should know at least some Italian travel words and phrases.

3. The Essential Italian Phrases for Travel

We’ve created an easy-to-use collection of the most useful Italian phrases for tourists on their Italy travels. Enjoy!

1- Useful Italian Travel Phrases for Good Manners

We’ll start off with some phrases to help you practice good manners in Italy. Here’s an essential list of greetings and other useful expressions for your Italy travels. You can also hear Italian travel phrases with pronunciation by visiting our relevant vocabulary lists , where you can find an audio alongside these useful phrases.

• “Hello.”
• “Good morning,” or “Good day.” This phrase is actually used until about four o’clock p.m.
• “Good evening.”
• “Good night.”
• “Yes.”
• “No.”
• “Thank you.”
• “Please.”
• “Excuse me.” This can also mean, “Forgive me,” when said to a young person or a friend.
• This means the same thing, but when said to an older person or in a formal occasion.
• “How are you?”
• “Fine, thanks.”
• “I don’t speak Italian.”
• “Beautiful,” or “Great.” You’ll notice that Italians say this a lot.

2- Essential Italian Travel Phrases for Transportation

Some of the most useful travel phrases in Italian have to do with getting from A to B. Moving around in Italy, especially in Rome or Naples, can be a bit complicated. Buses aren’t always the most reliable means of transportation, and metros don’t cover the entire city.

But don’t worry, you have our collection of basic Italian phrases for travel to help you get around Italy anyway!

• “Where is the bus stop?”
• “Where is the metro station?”
• “How many stops to the Colosseum?”
• “Straight.”
• “To the right.”
• “To the left.”
• “When does the bus come?”
• “What time does the train leave?”
• “How much is the ticket?”
• “How much is the taxi ride to the airport?”

3- Italian Phrases for Accomodation

In the vast majority of hotels and other accommodation structures, you’ll find an English-speaking staff. But things might be different if you stay at a small B&B or if you rent a home in someone’s apartment, especially far from the most popular tourist destinations.

In that case, you can find a host that speaks very poor English or doesn’t speak it at all.

If that does happen to you, here are some key Italian travel phrases to know:

• “Do you have a free room for tonight?”
• “How much is the room?”
• “What time is the check-in/check-out?”
• “What time do you serve breakfast?”
• “Can I pay with credit card?”
• “I’d like a room with two single beds/one double bed.”

4- Italian Phrases for Visiting

Yes, most staff in museums and tourist sites speak English. But still, isn’t it more charming to speak Italian while walking down the Uffizi Gallery or Pompei’s roads ? Check out these basic Italian words for tourists visiting this country’s many beauties:

• “Do you have a guide in English?”
• “How long does the visit take?”
• “I love the Italian art.”
• “Who’s the author of this painting?”
• “What time period is this site from?”
• “In what century was this church built?”

5- Italian Phrases for Shopping

Shopping in Italy is something you can’t miss. Fashion, art, handicrafts, antiques, food, wine…there are so many unique products you can only buy here . Here are the most useful Italian phrases for travel and shopping:

• “How much is it?”
• “It costs….”
• “Can I have a discount?”
• “What time do you open?”
• “What time do you close?”
• “We open/close at…”
• “I’d like to return this.”
• “Can you gift wrap it, please?”
• “Are you open on Sundays?”
• “Do you have this shirt in a bigger/smaller size?”

6- Italian Phrases for Emergencies

Nobody wants to experience an emergency , especially when far from home. It’s better to be prepared, but we want to reassure you: Italy is a safe country . Petty crime is common in crowded places, like in every other country in the world, but violent crime is rare.

Things have changed a lot over the last few decades, and crime statistics show a constant decrease. Moreover, the country has one of the best public healthcare systems in the world , even if hospitals in the South tend to be worse than in the North. Policemen always speak at least a little English at the tourist locations, as do most doctors across the country.

Still, if you have a condition or severe allergies, it’s always wise to learn their name in the native language before going abroad.

Check out these Italian phrases for tourists experiencing an emergency:

• “Help!”
• “Call the police.”
• “Call an ambulance.”
• “I’ve been robbed.”
• “They stole my wallet / cellphone / bag.”
• “I have to go to the embassy of [your country].”
• “Where does it hurt?”
• “My chest / my stomach / my back hurts.”
• “Do you take some daily medication?”
• “Yes, I take…”
• “Do you have any allergies?”
• “Yes, I’m allergic to…”
• “I can’t find my son.”
• “I got lost.”
• “Is there a doctor who speaks English?”

7- Italian Phrases for the Restaurant

And now the best part of every travel to Italy: Food!

Here are some basic Italian phrases for travel to help you enjoy the local food experience to its fullest without language barriers:

• “It’s really good!”
• “I’d like to reserve a table for four for tonight, please.”
• “We’d like to order, please.”
• “Do you have any vegetarian dishes?”
• “I’d like some local wine.”
• “Could you bring the salt / oil / parmesan, please?”
• “Compliments to the chef!”
• “Can I have the check, please?”

What did you think of our list of best Italian travel phrases? We hope that with our guide, you’re well-equipped with basic Italian travel phrases to help you on your travels in Italy!

Do you still want more Italian phrases for travel? Check out our articles and guides about this topic and get ready for your Italian adventure!

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50+ Useful Italian Phrases for Your Travels

UPDATED: November 20, 2023

Everyone visiting Italy should have a basic understanding of the Italian language. Whether you are holidaying in South Tyrol or some other gorgeous corner of the country, below you’ll find a detailed overview of useful Italian phrases for travelers like yourself.

Part of the beauty of South Tyrol is its delicious blend of Austrian and Italian cultural influences. While the majority of locals speak German as their first language, most South Tyroleans are bilingual . This is immediately evident as you encounter signs in German and Italian upon entering the region. 

You certainly do not need to know either language to visit South Tyrol; however, your trip will be more rewarding by becoming a little familiar with either one. If you are tying in your South Tyrol trip with a visit to other hot spots in Italy such as the Renaissance city of Florence or the rolling countryside of Tuscany , this article is for you. We cover the basics, as well as give you useful Italian travel phrases. 

If you are only visiting South Tyrol and you are not sure whether to learn German or Italian, here’s a quick word test using a traditional South Tyrolean delight — Fresh goat cheese in bacon crust. Do your best to s peak each of the following:

• Ziegenfrischkäse im Speckmantel
• Caprino in crosta di Speck

Which one rolled off the tongue easier? If it was the first, you might prefer bratwurst over pizza and may want to head over to our helpful German phrases  article before reading further.

By the way, if you are interested in learning Italian ( or practically any language for that matter ), we highly recommend Babbel. We purchased lifetime access at 50% Off and love learning with it. The app is both fun and addicting!

Time-Saving Tip 🡆 Download our Travel Guide to obtain a printable PDF of Useful Italian Phrases & Words. It’s a great resource to access quickly as a printout or on your phone while traveling in Italy.

CONTENTS OVERVIEW

Don’t Be Brad Pitt – The Basics of Italian Pronunciation

Saying hello & goodbye in italian, basic italian travel phrases for conversations, additional useful italian travel phrases, useful italian words for travel: getting from point a to point b, telling time in italian, know your numbers in italian, ordering food & drink in italian, additional italian language & travel tips, make sure to keep learning italian fun.

Before diving into basic Italian phrases it’s helpful to have a grasp on proper pronunciation. This will come in handy when running into specialties listed on a menu or when meeting someone, for example. After all, you don’t want to come off like Brad Pitt when saying goodbye to your new Italian friends.

Here are some basic Italian pronunciation guidelines:

• “A” is pronounced like the a in water
• “I” like the “ee” in feet
• “U” like the “oo” in boot
• “C” before “i” or “e” is pronounced like a “ch”
• “G” before an “i” or “e” like the “g” in “giraffe”
• “H” is silent
• “R” is almost always rolled…and almost always fun to say!
• “Z” like the “ds” in “ads” at the beginning of the sentence, and like the “ts” in tents everywhere else
• “Gli” sounds like the “lli” in billion, which sounds like “yee”

In general, the emphasis is on the second-to-last syllable (i.e. “Arrivederci” is “ah-ree-vah-DAIR-chee”). This stress helps give the Italian language its poetic cadence. If the last letter of the word has an accent symbol, the emphasis is likely on the last syllable (i.e. perché is pear-kEH)

Now that you know basic Italian pronunciation, here are a handful of greetings you may hear or can use when interacting with the locals or travelers from Italy:

• Benvenuto (Ben ven uto) – Welcome
• Buongiorno (Bwohn journo) – Good morning or good day. Typically used until late afternoon
• Buona sera (Bwohn ah say rah) – Good evening. 
• Buona notte (Bwohn ah nau-tay) – Good night. Use when saying goodbye at night
• Ciao (chow) – A common way to informally say hello or goodbye at any time of day
• Salve (sahl vey) – The polite, formal way to say hello. Can be used any time of day 
• Arrivederci (ah-ree-vah-DAIR-chee) – The formal way to say goodbye

After starting a dialogue, you may want to inform the person that you speak a little Italian.

• I understand a little Italian: “Io capisco un po l’Italiano” (EE-oh kah-PEES-koh oon poh lee-TAH-lyah-noh)

If you do not want to attempt any conversation in Italian, let the person know you do not speak any Italian.

• I don’t speak Italian: “Non parlo Italiano” (non PAR-lo Italiano)

Then, you would want to follow this by asking them if they speak English.

• Do you speak English?: “Parla Inglese?”(PAR-la ee-GLAY-zay)

If the person responds “No”, they do in fact mean “No”. “Yes” in Italian, on the other hand, is “Si” (see).

While in Italy you should know how to ask where something is located. Nothing is more important when nature calls and you are in the middle of a castle tour that is entirely in Italian. True story. Best told over vino (wine).

• Where is?: “Dove’?” (doe VEH)
• Where is the bathroom?: “Dove’ il bagno?” (doe VEH eel BHAN-yo). Note: If you’re in a panic situation and these words evade you, try yelling “Aiuto!” (I u-toh), which means “Help!”. Once help arrives, of course, the right thing to do is offer a “thank you”: “Grazie” (GRAT-zee-yay)
• Where is a restaurant?”: “Dove’ un ristorante?”(doe VEH oon rees toh-RAHN-tay)
• Where is the main train station?”: Dove’ la stazione centrale?” (doe VEH lah stah-zee-oh-neh sen-trah-lay)
• Where is the cable car?: “Dove’ la funivia?” (doe VEH lah foo-nih-vee-a)
• Quanto costa?: How much does it cost?
• Quanto costa il biglietto: How much is the ticket?
• Per favore: Please
• Prego: You’re welcome
• Mi chiamo…: My name is…
• Come ti chiami: What is your name?
• Quando: When?
• Cosa: What?
• Perché: Why?
• Destra (right), sinistra (left), dritto (straight)
• Vicino (close), lontano (far)

When you’re traveling around South Tyrol or if arriving in other cities like Bolzano (Bozen) , Milan, Verona or Venice first, you’ll likely need to look for specific places or forms of transportation. Here are some of the most common Italian travel words you may need or encounter while on your adventure:

• Arrivo: Arrival
• Partenza: Departure
• Programma: Schedule
• Stazione ferroviari: Train station
• Biglietto: Ticket
• Treno: Train
• Macchina: Car. Also known as auto
• Noleggio auto: Car rental
• Funivia: Cable car
• Autobus: Bus
• Aeroporto: Airport
• Parcheggio: Parking
• Cantina: Winery
• Banca: Bank. Be sure to ask for a bancomat if you’re looking for an ATM
• Mercato del contadino: Farmer’s market
• Farmacia: Pharmacy
• Ospedale: Hospital
• Panetteria: Bakery
• Polizia: Police
• Museo: Museum
• Castello: Castle
• Chiesa: Church
• Uffico del Turismo: Office of Tourism
• Supermercato: Grocery
• Piazza: Town Square

Hopefully, you’re able to avoid getting sick while traveling , but if not keep an eye out for signs indicating “Farmacia” and “Ospedale”. By the way, if you are renting a car while in Italy, see our post on driving in Italy It will help you enjoy a stress-free time on the road.

Knowing how to tell the time in Italy will really only be useful if you forget your watch or if your smartphone dies. In that case, this highly instructional video shows you how to accurately ascertain the time when roaming the Italian countryside.

• Che ore sono?: “What time is it?”

Once you’ve made your way to the supermercato, panetteria or cantina, knowing numbers in Italian helps understand prices, order quantities, etc.

• quattro (4)
• undici (11)
• dodici (12)
• tredici (13)
• quattordici (14)
• quindici (15)
• seidici (16)
• diciassette (17)
• diciotto (18)
• diciannove (19)
• venticinque (25)
• cinquanta (50)
• settanta cinque (75)
• cento (100)

When visiting Italian-speaking places like South Tyrol, the last thing you want to struggle with is ordering food and drink. An Italian adventure without being able to fully savor its culinary treasures is what nightmares are made of. Here are some drinks you may wish to order:

• vino bianco: white wine
• vino rosso: red wine
• birra: beer
• acqua: water
• caffè: coffee
• latte: milk

Here are some basic Italian phrases that will help you while dining in Italy:

• [Un] vino bianco per favore: One white wine please
• {Due] Hugo spruzzo per favore: Two Hugo Spritz please
• [Tre] vini rossi per favore: Three red wines please

Note: Replace vini rossi with vino rosso for a single glass of red wine.

• [Quattro] birra per favore: Four beers please

Note: Replace uno with una for a single glass of beer.

• [Un] caffe con latte per favore: One coffee with milk please
• Tavolo per [due] per favore: Table for two please
• A che ora chiudete?: What time do you close?
• A che ora apri?: What time do you open?
• Hai un menu?: Do you have a menu?
• Posso vedere la lista dei vini per favore?: Can I see the wine list please?
• Quanto le devo?: How much do I owe?
• Puoi scriverlo per favore?: Can you please write that down?
• Posso avere il conto per favore?: Can I have the bill please?
• Posso pagare in contanti?: May I pay with cash?
• Posso pagare con la carta di credito?: May I pay with credit card?

South Tyrol is famous for its unique culinary culture. If you visiting the region take time to discover the must-try South Tyrol cuisine before your trip.

Regardless of whether your journey takes you to South Tyrol or any other region in Italy, you’ll find that dining here offers a unique experience that’s likely different from what you’re accustomed to back home. To fully savor this culinary adventure, check out these helpful tips for eating in Italy. It’s a great companion to our list of useful Italian phrases.

One dish that’s likely on your must-try list is an authentic Italian pizza. For insights into what to expect when ordering this iconic dish , ITALY magazine provides an informative piece that’s worth a read.

Coffee Break Italian Podcast : This podcast has free and members-only versions. While there are additional bonus materials available to members, the free podcast is exceptional. Out of the three resources we mention here, this is the most beneficial for travel in Italian-speaking regions. Another advantage to this podcast is that the hosts provide details on grammar and cultural nuggets, review past lessons and break down the language. If you do not have any Italian language experience, we recommend starting with episode 1.

Untold Italy : Untold Italy is our favorite podcast about visiting the country. Every episode is packed with practical advice and stories that inspire our wanderlust. Katy, the host, excels at providing travel insights and insider tips you cannot find elsewhere. She covers every gorgeous region from the Italian Alps to Sicily.

We’ve learned that the most important part of learning a new language is not to judge yourself too harshly or to take yourself too seriously. Sure you may get frustrated, but just remind yourself that you’re on vacation after all.

You’re going to make mistakes and sound silly. Everyone does. Learning a new language is very challenging, so be patient with yourself. Keep in mind that most Italians are just as self-conscious and apologetic for their English as you are for your Italian.

About KATE & vin

Kate and Vin are South Tyrol + Dolomites travel specialists and the founders of Throne & Vine. They're dedicated to helping travelers discover and visit the most beautiful region in the Italian Alps.

2 thoughts on “50+ Useful Italian Phrases for Your Travels”

This is such a helpful guide for those heading to Italy. I’m so curious now about the Brad Pitt comment, did he totally mangle the Italian language at some point?

Hi Kavita – Glad you find this Italian language guide helpful! Mr. Pitt mangled Italian the second he opened his mouth! Too much Southern drawl!

Comments are closed.

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Best Italian Phrases for Travel (With FREE Printable)

Looking for the best Italian phrases for travel? Well, you have come to the right place!

It’s always good to learn some important phrases when travelling to a new country. It not only shows respect, but trust me when I say, locals will treat you better if you are at least attempting to speak their language!

Learning the basics will let you exchange pleasantries with people you meet, help you navigate around the city, allow you to ask for help, order your meals, and so much more.

Both John and I were raised in Italian-speaking families and have been to Italy several times. So we absolutely know what we are talking about.

Hubby is completely fluent. However, I could definitely use some brushing up. So, I can speak from experience when I say that it is important to learn at least the basics.

So we have put together a list of the most important, and most used phrases that you will need to know before travelling to Italy.

Essential Italian Phrases

Unlike a lot of places our family has travelled to, there aren’t too many people who speak English in many parts of Italy. As such, I would have struggled to communicate, if not for learning at least a few basic phrases.

These phrases should give you a great starting point for communicating in Italian. They cover basic greetings, essential questions, and polite expressions that are useful in everyday interactions.

Good morning Buongiorno (bwon-jor-no)

Good evening Buonasera (bwon-ah-seh-rah)

Please Per favore (pehr fah-voh-reh)

Thank you Grazie (grah-tsee-eh)

Excuse me (to get someone’s attention) Mi scusi (mee skoo-zee)

Excuse me (to navigate through) Permesso (per-mess-so)

Where is the bathroom? Dove il bagno? (doh-veh eel bahn-yo)

How much does it cost? Quanto costa? (kwahn-toh koh-stah)

Do you speak English? Parla inglese? (par-lah een-gleh-zeh)

Can I have the menu? Posso avere il menu? (pohs-soh ah-veh-reh eel meh-noo)

A ticket to [destination], please Un biglietto per [destination], per favore (oon beel-yet-toh pehr [destination], pehr fah-voh-reh)

I don’t understand Non capisco (nohn kah-pees-koh)

Can you help me? Può aiutarmi? (pwaw ah-yoo-tar-mee)

Common Greetings in Italian

This list covers a range of common Italian greetings that you can use in various social contexts, from casual to formal.

From meeting new friends to addressing a tour guide, or meeting up with family, the following greetings are perfect for getting started with basic Italian communication.

Hello / Hi Ciao (chow)

Good afternoon Buon pomeriggio (bwon po-meh-ree-joh)

Good night Buonanotte (bwon-ah-not-teh)

See you later A dopo (ah doh-poh)

See you soon A presto (ah preh-stoh)

Goodbye (formal) Arrivederci (ah-ree-veh-der-chee)

Goodbye (informal) Ciao (chow)

Nice to meet you Piacere (pyah-cheh-reh)

How are you? (formal) Come sta? (coh-meh stah)

How are you? (informal) Come stai? (coh-meh sty)

I’m fine, thanks. And you? Sto bene, grazie. E tu? (stoh beh-neh, grah-tsee-eh. eh too?)

Making Small Talk in Italian

Making small talk is a great way for you to immerse yourself in the local culture.

From talking to a store clerk to exchanging pleasantries with someone I met while eating gelato in the local park, being friendly was a great way to practice my language skills while on vacation.

My name is [your name]. And you? Mi chiamo [your name]. E tu? (mee kyah-moh [your name]. eh too?)

Where are you from? Di dove sei? (dee doh-veh seh-ee)

The weather is nice today. Il tempo è bello oggi. (eel tem-poh eh bel-loh oh-jee)

I like Italy. Mi piace l’Italia. (mee pee-ah-cheh l’ee-tal-ya)

What is your favorite Italian food? Quale è il tuo cibo italiano preferito? (kwah-leh eh eel too-oh chee-boh ee-tal-ee-ah-no preh-feh-ree-toh)

Do you have any recommendations on places to visit? Hai qualche consiglio su posti da visitare? (eye kwal-keh kohn-seel-yoh soo poh-stee dah vee-see-tah-reh)

I visited [place] and I liked it a lot. Ho visitato [place] e mi è piaciuto molto. (oh vee-zee-tah-toh [place] eh mee eh pee-ah-choo-toh mohl-toh)

Hope to see you again soon! Spero di rivederti presto! (speh-roh dee ree-veh-dehr-tee preh-stoh)

Asking for Directions in Italian

Some Italian cities and small towns are like a maze! And with a poor signal on your phone, you may need to ask for directions.

I can’t even tell you how many times we got turned around when walking the small alleyways in Venice!

Anyway, these phrases will assist you in finding your way around Italy.

Where is [place]? Dove si trova [place]? (doh-veh see troh-vah [place])

Can you tell me how to get to [place]? Mi può dire come arrivare a [place]? (mee pwoh dee-reh koh-meh ah-ree-vah-reh ah [place])

Is it far from here? È lontano da qui? (eh lon-tah-no dah kwee)

Can I walk there? Posso andare a piedi? (pohs-soh an-dah-reh ah pee-eh-dee)

Which bus should I take for [place]? Quale autobus devo prendere per [place]? (kwah-leh ow-toh-boos deh-voh pren-deh-reh pehr [place])

Where is the train station? Dove si trova la stazione ferroviaria? (doh-veh see troh-vah lah stah-tsee-oh-neh fehr-roh-vyah-ree-ah)

Where can I find a taxi? Dove posso trovare un taxi? (doh-veh pohs-soh troh-vah-reh oon tahk-see)

Does this road go to [place]? Questa strada va a [place]? (kweh-stah strah-dah vah ah [place])

What time does the bus come? A che ora passa l’autobus? (ah keh oh-rah pahs-sah low-toh-boos)

How do I get back to [your hotel/street]? Come faccio a tornare a [your hotel/street]? (koh-meh fah-cho ah tor-nah-reh ah [your hotel/street])

Is this the right way to [place]? È questa la direzione giusta per [place]? (eh kweh-stah lah dee-rek-tsee-oh-neh joo-stah pehr [place])

Excuse me, I’m lost. Can you help me? Scusi, sono perso/a. Mi può aiutare? (skoo-zee, soh-noh pehr-soh/ah. mee pwoh ah-yoo-tah-reh)

Italian Question Words

I was always taught that asking questions is the best way to learn. This also applies when you are trying to navigate around a new place.

These question words form the basis of many essential inquiries and will be incredibly useful as you travel around Italian-speaking regions.

With these words, you can ask about places, times, people, and reasons, making your travel experience a little less stressful.

Who? Chi? (kee)

What? Che cosa? / Cosa? (keh koh-sah / koh-sah)

Where? Dove? (doh-veh)

When? Quando? (kwahn-doh)

Why? Perché? (pehr-keh)

How? Come? (koh-meh)

Which? / Which ones? Quale? / Quali? (kwah-leh / kwah-lee)

How much? / How many? (masculine) Quanto? (kwahn-toh)

How much? / How many? (feminine) Quanta? (kwahn-tah)

How many? (masculine plural) Quanti? (kwahn-tee)

How many? (feminine plural) Quante? (kwahn-teh)

Useful Phrases at Restaurants

Good food is definitely synonymous with Italy. And trust me when I say, we didn’t hesitate to dive right in!

From seafood to pasta, gelato to cannoli, we tried it all. However, since both John and I suffer from food allergies (he has a bad shellfish allergy), it was really important that we were able to confirm the ingredients in many of the new dishes we tried.

So, these phrases will really come in handy when you’re dining out in Italy. It’ll help you order food, ask about dishes, and express your dietary preferences or restrictions. Buon appetito!

A table for [number of people], please. Un tavolo per [number of people], per favore. (oon tah-voh-loh pehr [number], pehr fah-voh-reh)

The menu, please. Il menu, per favore. (eel meh-noo, pehr fah-voh-reh)

What do you recommend? Cosa consiglia? (koh-sah kohn-see-lyah)

I am allergic to [allergen]. Sono allergico/a a [allergen]. (soh-noh al-ler-jee-koh/ah ah [allergen])

Dairy / Gluten / Fish Latticini / Glutine / Pesce. (laht-tee-chee-nee / gloo-tee-neh / peh-she)

I am vegetarian Sono vegetariano/a. (so-no veh-je-ta-ree-ah-no/na)

Can I have the bill? Posso avere il conto? (pohs-soh ah-veh-reh eel kohn-toh)

Can I pay by card? Posso pagare con la carta? (pohs-so pah-gah-re kon lah kahr-ta)

Still/sparkling water, please. Acqua naturale/frizzante, per favore. (ahk-wah nah-too-rah-leh/free-zahn-teh, pehr fah-voh-reh)

Can I taste the wine? Posso assaggiare il vino? (pohs-soh ah-sah-jyah-reh eel vee-noh)

I would like [dish], please. Vorrei [dish], per favore. (vohr-ray [dish], pehr fah-voh-reh)

How is this dish prepared? Come è preparato questo piatto? (koh-meh eh preh-pah-rah-toh kweh-stoh pee-ah-toh)

Is it spicy? È piccante? (eh pee-kan-teh)

Could I have more [ingredient/utensil]? Potrei avere più [ingredient/utensil]? (poh-treh-ee ah-veh-reh pee-oo [ingredient/utensil])

Thank you, it was delicious! Grazie, è stato delizioso! (grah-tsee-eh, eh stah-toh deh-lee-tsyoh-zoh)

Where’s the bathroom? Dov’è il bagno? (doh-veh eel bah-nyoh)

Shopping Words in Italian

When in Rome or Milan, you will want to shop! From incredible leather shoes to designer clothes, purses, and cologne, you will be tempted at every turn! I practically had to put blinders on Hubby! Ha!

This list will be pretty helpful for you when you go shopping in Italy. It will give you the basic vocabulary needed for a smooth shopping experience.

Shop / Store Negozio (neh-go-tsyoh)

Market Mercato (mehr-kah-toh)

Supermarket Supermercato (soo-pehr-mehr-kah-toh)

Shopping Shopping (shohp-ping)

Price Prezzo (pret-tsoh)

Sale Saldi (sal-dee)

Discount Sconto (skohn-toh)

Cash Contanti (kohn-tahn-tee)

Credit card Carta di credito (kar-tah dee kreh-dee-toh)

Receipt Scontrino (skohn-tree-no)

Size Taglia (tah-lyah)

Large Grande (grahn-deh)

Medium Medio (meh-dyoh)

Small Piccolo (peek-koh-loh)

Fitting room Camerino (kah-meh-ree-noh)

Open Aperto (ah-pehr-toh)

Closed Chiuso (kyoo-soh)

Entrance Entrata (ehn-trah-tah)

Exit Uscita (ooh-shee-tah)

How much is this? Quanto costa questo? (kwahn-toh koh-stah kweh-stoh)

Can I pay with a credit card? Posso pagare con la carta di credito? (pohs-soh pah-gah-reh kohn lah kar-tah dee kreh-dee-toh)

Words to Know When You Are Visiting Attractions

Italy is an absolutely gorgeous place to visit. With amazing architecture, jaw-dropping landscapes, and interesting attractions, you will have a difficult time deciding where to go first.

These words and phrases will be very useful when you explore various attractions in Italy. They will help you to navigate and enjoy your experiences to the fullest.

Ticket Biglietto (bee-lyet-toh)

Opening hours Orario di apertura (oh-rah-ryo dee ah-per-too-rah)

Closing hours Orario di chiusura (oh-rah-ryo dee kyoo-soo-rah)

Guide Guida (gwee-dah)

Tour Tour (toor)

Map Mappa (mah-pah)

Information Informazioni (een-for-mah-tsyoh-nee)

Audio guide Audioguida (ow-dee-oh-gwee-dah)

Museum Museo (moo-seh-oh)

Gallery Galleria (gahl-leh-ree-ah)

Church Chiesa (kyeh-sah)

Restroom / Bathroom Bagno (bahn-yo)

Do not touch Non toccare (nohn tok-kah-reh)

Photography allowed Fotografia permessa (foh-toh-grah-fee-ah pehr-mehs-sah)

No photography Vietato fotografare (vyeh-tah-toh foh-toh-grah-fah-reh)

Gift shop Negozio di souvenir (neh-go-tsyoh dee soo-veh-neer)

Where is the [attraction]? Dove si trova [attraction]? (doh-veh see troh-vah [attraction])

Is there a guided tour? C’è un tour guidato? (cheh oon toor gwee-dah-toh)

Kids-Related Phrases in Italian

If like us, you are planning to visit Italy with kids in tow, then you may be interested in learning some child-specific vocabulary.

Most travellers don’t give this a second thought (us included) until they are in a foreign country with kids and don’t know the word for “diapers” or “playground”!

Where is the playground? Dove si trova il parco giochi? (doh-veh see troh-vah eel par-koh joh-kee)

I have a child/children. Ho un bambino/bambini. (oh oon bam-bee-no/bam-bee-nee)

Can my child try this? Mio figlio può provare questo? (mee-oh fee-lyoh pwoh proh-vah-reh kweh-stoh)

Is there a children’s menu? C’è un menu per bambini? (cheh oon meh-noo pehr bam-bee-nee)

We need a high chair. Abbiamo bisogno di una seggiolone. (ahb-byah-moh bee-zoh-nyoh dee oo-nah sej-joh-loh-neh)

Where is the nearest bathroom? Dove è il bagno più vicino? (doh-veh eh eel bahn-yo pyoo vee-chee-noh)

Is this place child-friendly? Questo posto è adatto ai bambini? (kweh-stoh poh-stoh eh ah-dah-toh eye bam-bee-nee)

My child is allergic to [allergen]. Mio figlio è allergico a [allergen]. (mee-oh fee-lyoh eh al-ler-jee-koh ah [allergen])

Can we get a discount for children? Possiamo avere uno sconto per bambini? (pohs-syah-moh ah-veh-reh oo-noh skohn-toh pehr bam-bee-nee)

Do you have any activities for children? Avete attività per bambini? (ah-veh-teh at-tee-vi-tah pehr bam-bee-nee)

We need a baby cot/crib. Abbiamo bisogno di una culla. (ahb-byah-moh bee-zoh-nyoh dee oo-nah cool-lah)

Where can I change my baby’s diapers?? Dove posso cambiare i pannolini del mio bambino? (doh-veh pohs-soh cahm-byah-reh ee pahn-noh-lee-nee del mee-oh bam-bee-noh)

Where can I find diapers? Dove posso trovare i pannolini? (doh-veh pohs-soh troh-vah-reh ee pahn-noh-lee-nee)

Asking for Help in Italian

Sometimes things don’t always go our way when we travel. Whether it’s getting lost, or worse, getting sick or hurt. In cases like this, it’s always a good idea to at least know how to ask for help.

This list will be very helpful if you ever need assistance in Italy. It covers a range of situations where asking for help is necessary.

Can you help me? Mi può aiutare? (mee pwoh ah-yoo-tah-reh)

I need help. Ho bisogno di aiuto. (oh bee-zoh-nyoh dee ah-yoo-toh)

I’m lost. Mi sono perso/a. (mee soh-noh pehr-soh/ah)

Can you call a doctor? Può chiamare un medico? (pwoh kyah-mah-reh oon meh-dee-koh)

Where is the nearest hospital? Dove è l’ospedale più vicino? (doh-veh eh los-peh-dah-leh pyoo vee-chee-noh)

I need a pharmacy. Ho bisogno di una farmacia. (oh bee-zoh-nyoh dee oo-nah fahr-mah-chyah)

Can you call the police? Può chiamare la polizia? (pwoh kyah-mah-reh lah poh-lee-tsyah)

Is there someone here who speaks English? C’è qualcuno qui che parla inglese? (cheh kwahl-koo-noh kwee keh par-lah een-gleh-zeh)

I need a taxi. Ho bisogno di un taxi. (oh bee-zoh-nyoh dee oon tahk-see)

I lost my bag/wallet. Ho perso la mia borsa/il mio portafoglio. (oh pehr-soh lah mee-ah bor-sah/eel mee-oh por-tah-foh-lyoh)

Can you show me on the map? Può mostrarmi sulla mappa? (pwoh moh-strahr-mee sool-lah mah-pah)

I don’t understand. Non capisco. (nohn kah-pees-koh)

How to Say Numbers in Italian

This list covers the basic numbers which can be important in a variety of situations like shopping, telling time, booking tickets, or even giving directions.

I’m telling you, the below chart will come in very handy during your travels in Italy!

Telling the Time in Italian

Many people don’t consider learning how to tell time in another language to be very important. But it is!

If you need to ask someone about the bus or train schedule, when to meet up with a tour group, or when an attraction or restaurant opens or closes, you will need to know the basics.

What time is it? Che ore sono? (keh oh-reh soh-no)

It’s 1 o’clock. È l’una. (eh loo-nah)

It’s 2 o’clock. Sono le due. (soh-no leh doo-eh)

It’s 3:15. Sono le tre e un quarto. (soh-no leh treh eh oon kwar-toh)

It’s 4:30. Sono le quattro e mezza. (soh-no leh kwah-troh eh met-tsah)

It’s 5:45. Sono le cinque meno un quarto. (soh-no leh cheen-kweh meh-no oon kwar-toh)

It’s noon. È mezzogiorno. (eh met-zoh-jor-no)

It’s midnight. È mezzanotte. (eh met-za-not-teh)

AM (in the morning) Di mattina (dee mah-tee-nah)

PM (in the afternoon/evening) Di pomeriggio / Di sera (dee po-meh-ree-joh / dee seh-rah)

Days of the Week in Italian

Learning the days of the week is just as important as learning to tell time and for exactly the same reasons.

Whether you are checking the bus or train schedule, or wondering what days an attraction is open or closed, know these Italian words will come in pretty handy.

Monday Lunedì (loo-neh-dee)

Tuesday Martedì (mar-teh-dee)

Wednesday Mercoledì (mer-koh-leh-dee)

Thursday Giovedì (joh-veh-dee)

Friday Venerdì (veh-neh-dee)

Saturday Sabato (sah-bah-toh)

Sunday Domenica (do-men-ee-kah)

Useful Words for Transport and Getting Around

Unless you are travelling on a guided tour (which we have also done), learning some words and phrases related to transportation and getting around while in Italy is one of my important travel tips.

The below phrases cover various modes of transport, directions, and general terms that are useful in travel.

Train Treno (treh-noh)

Bus Autobus (ow-toh-boos)

Tram Tram (trahm)

Subway / Metro Metropolitana (meh-troh-poh-lee-tah-nah)

Taxi Taxi (tahk-see)

Airport Aeroporto (ah-eh-roh-por-toh)

Station Stazione (stah-tsyoh-neh)

Timetable Orario (oh-rah-ryoh)

Platform Binario (bee-nah-ryoh)

Car rental Noleggio auto (noh-leh-joh ow-toh)

Bicycle Bicicletta (bee-chee-klet-tah)

Road Strada (strah-dah)

Highway Autostrada (ow-toh-strah-dah)

Traffic Traffico (trahf-fee-koh)

Direction Direzione (dee-rek-tsyoh-neh)

Left Sinistra (see-nee-strah)

Right Destra (deh-strah)

Straight ahead Dritto (dreet-toh)

Roundabout Rotonda (roh-ton-dah)

Stop (on a sign) Stop (stop)

Crosswalk Attraversamento pedonale (ah-trah-ver-sah-men-toh peh-doh-nah-leh)

Where is the nearest…? Dove si trova il/la più vicino/a…? (doh-veh see troh-vah eel/la pyoo vee-chee-noh/ah)

Tips for Learning Italian Phrases

The following are some tips and tricks that the kids and I used to learn some Italian before our trip to Sicily:

1. Read the Italian Travel Phrases We Provided Out Loud

When I’m trying to learn Italian phrases, I always find it helpful to read them out loud. Try to work your way through our post (or use the free cheat sheet) to start out.

I found that this not only helped with pronunciation but also boosted my confidence in speaking (which is my biggest problem).

I make it a point to repeat each phrase several times, focusing on the nuances of how each word sounds. It’s a great way to get a feel for the rhythm and melody of the language.

Not to mention, it’s a fun way to practice, especially when you start getting the hang of rolling those Rs!

2. Use a Language App. to Practice

I highly recommend using a language app to practice Italian. It’s a convenient way to learn common Italian phrases, especially when I’m on the go.

Our younger daughter, Miss Somersault, has her own Duolingo account which she uses daily to practice her language skills.

These apps often come with interactive lessons, quizzes, and sometimes even games, which make learning less of a chore and more of an engaging activity.

Whether it’s during a coffee break or while waiting to pick the kids up at school, I squeeze in a quick lesson.

It’s amazing how much progress you can make with just a few minutes of daily practice.

3. Listen to Italian Podcasts, Radio, or Television

Immersing myself in the language is key, and what better way than listening to Italian podcasts, radio, or watching Italian TV shows?

This approach helps me get accustomed to the speed and flow of the language as it’s spoken by natives.

I usually don’t understand everything, but it’s about getting my ears used to the sounds and rhythms.

Plus, it’s a great way to pick up on cultural nuances and contemporary usage that textbooks might not cover.

I learned this technique from my Nonna, who learned English from watching Soap Operas on TV! It is a little difficult at first, but if you are also using the above tips, it will get easier.

4. Practice with a Native Speaker

There’s no substitute for practicing with a native Italian speaker. This is where John came in! He was our family’s go-to language partner!

Honestly, I still found it to be a bit intimidating at first. But it’s incredibly effective.

Conversing with a native speaker can challenge you to use what you’ve learned in real-life situations. This helps you to become fluent faster.

Plus, when practicing with a native speaker, they can offer instant feedback and tips on pronunciation and colloquialisms that you wouldn’t learn otherwise.

5. Use Flashcards

Flashcards are my go-to for helping the kids memorize basic Italian words. They’re simple, versatile, and incredibly effective.

Our youngest son, Mr. Bump, found this to be the easiest way to learn some vocabulary quickly.

Both Berlitz and Usborne make awesome sets of flashcards. They are also perfect for younger children (Mr. Bump was 9 the first time we went to Italy).

Flashcards can also be paired with workbooks or even colouring books for younger kids. They make learning a new language more like a game and less like a chore.

Italian Phrases for Travel – FAQs

With regular practice, you can learn basic Italian phrases in a few weeks. Consistency is key, so even dedicating a few minutes daily can make a big difference.

While it’s not necessary, speaking some Italian will make things easier during your your travels. It also shows respect for the local culture and helps in better connecting with locals.

Using language learning apps, listening to Italian music, podcasts, and practicing speaking with native speakers or language exchange partners are effective methods.

Italians generally appreciate the effort and are quite patient and encouraging with travellers trying to speak their language.

Good pronunciation helps in being better understood. However, Italians are usually forgiving of mistakes and can often understand you from the context.

Basic Italian is sufficient for most travelers. Regional dialects vary, but standard Italian is widely understood and spoken throughout the country.

In major cities and tourist areas, many people speak English, especially in hotels, restaurants, and popular attractions. However, knowing Italian is beneficial in less touristy areas.

Italians value politeness, so always use “please” (per favore) and “thank you” (grazie). Also, be mindful of using the formal “Lei” in polite or formal situations.

It’s okay! You can always use gestures, or most Italians will try to help you out, especially if they see you’re making an effort. Carrying a phrasebook or a translation app can also be handy.

Download Our FREE Printable!

We have put together a cheat sheet of the best Italian phrases for travel. You can download it for FREE here:

Final Thoughts on Useful Italian Phrases for Travel

Wrapping up this post on key Italian phrases for travel, I really hope you’ve found this guide handy. It’s amazing how just a few phrases can transform your travel experience.

Speaking the local language, even just a little, can open so many doors. And don’t worry about getting every word perfect – it’s the effort that counts.

Besides, Italians are known for their warmth and hospitality, and they’ll appreciate your attempts to speak their language.

Plus, it’s a great icebreaker and can lead to some of the most memorable moments of your trip. So, go ahead and give these phrases a shot.

Happy travels! Or Buon viaggio !

Pin This Post for Later!

Related Posts:

• 17 Best Christmas Traditions in Italy: From Food to Festivities
• Can You Drink Tap Water in Rome?
• Can You Drink Tap Water in Venice?
• Can You Drink Tap Water in Italy?
• What is the Legal Drinking Age in Italy?
• Is Italy Shaped Like a Boot?
• 37 of the Best Souvenirs from Italy to Take Home
• Best Italian Phrases for Travel

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Marianne Giordano is the founder and writer for Pasta Pretzels & Passports. Together with her husband, John, and their children, the family has travelled to 15 countries, including 27 states in the US, and all over their home country of Canada. Marianne is responsible for planning all of her family's travel itineraries and dreaming up new adventures. A Canadian native, Marianne shares all her favourite family-friendly things to do while travelling the world.

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StoryLearning

Learn A Language Through Stories

94 Italian Travel Phrases Every Intrepid Adventurer Needs To Know

What better excuse to learn Italian or brush up on your Italian skills than a trip to Italy.

Italy is one of the world’s most popular travel destinations. Travellers flock there for the delicious food, beautiful sights, and rich culture.

But, when you only have limited time before your trip and you want to learn some Italian language basics, it can be hard to know where to begin.

• How do you know which phrases will be the most useful?
• What’s important and what can you skip over?

Luckily, I’ve created this handy guide to teach you essential Italian travel phrases you'll need to make the most of your trip . These phrases serve as a great crash course for basic communication in Italian. You can look it over at your leisure in the weeks leading up to your trip, or even blast through it on your plane ride.

Either way, when you get to Italy, you’ll be equipped with enough basic phrases to make ordering in restaurants, asking for directions, and befriending locals a breeze.

I’ve broken the guide down into a few sections to make your study-sesh even easier:

• Introductions
• Transportation
• Restaurants
• Emergencies

If you spend some time studying this guide, it’ll be easy to ask for what you need in any situation (and to make new Italian friends)! And a lot faster than trying to learn Italian from scratch .

By the way, if you want to learn Italian in time for your trip my top recommendation for language learners is my Uncovered courses, which teach you through StoryLearning®.  Click here  to find out more and try out the method for free.

Part 1: Travel Phrases To Connect With Italians

Mastering basic Italian greetings is the first step in learning to communicate in Italian. Think about how much a simple “hello” can be appreciated in your daily life. The same is true when you travel.

Italy is also home to kind and welcoming locals. Many Italians are enthusiastic about meeting and befriending travellers and showing them all that their country has to offer.

You'll find that people often greet you in passing or at the beginning of a conversation. Knowing the right way to respond is a great way to show them you’re making an effort to understand their language!

• #1 Ciao! – Hello/Goodbye (informal)
• #2 Salve! – Hello/Goodbye (very formal, you probably won’t hear this one very often)
• #3 Buon giorno! – Good morning! or Good day!
• #4 Buona sera! – Good evening!
• #5 Buona notte! – Good night!
• #6 Arrivederci! – Goodbye!

For these greetings, you would respond by saying the same word back to the person.

Learn More About Your Conversation Partner Or Get Clarification

Next, let’s take a look at how you would continue on to ask someone how they are doing and learn a little bit about them.

• #7 Come stai? – How are you? (formal)
• #8 Come va? – How are you? (informal)
• #9 Molto bene, grazie – Very well, thank you
• #10 Non sto bene/ Sto male – I’m not well
• #11 Come ti chiami? – What is your name?
• #12 Mi chiamo… — My name is…
• #13 Piacere – Nice to meet you (Literal translation: “pleasure”)

If you’re struggling to remember the phrases you want to use, or if you want to discuss something you don’t know the vocabulary for, you can ask if the person you are talking to speaks English.

• #14 Lei parla inglese? – Do you speak English?
• #15 Non capisco – I do not understand

Part 2: Italian Travel Phrases For Asking Directions

Half of the fun of traveling is exploring, and we all know that sometimes that means we have to ask for directions.

Whether you’re trying to find the train station or trying to get back to your hotel, you’re probably going to ask someone for directions at some point in your trip.

• #16 Dov’è… — Where is…
• #17 Mi sono perso – I’m lost
• #18 Il bagno – the bathroom
• #19 La stazione ferroviaria – the train station
• #20 L’ufficio postale – post office
• #21 Il mercato – the market
• #22 La farmacia – the pharmacy
• #23 L’ospedale – the hospital

And, of course, the next step is understanding what they say in response.

• #24 Gira a destra – Turn right
• #25 Gira a sinistra – Turn left
• #26 È qua vicino – It’s close by
• #27 Davanti – across from
• #28 Dietro – behind
• #29 Sotto – under
• #30 Prima – before
• #31 Dopo – past

If you're having trouble understanding or the person is talking too fast, it can help to hold out a map and have them point to what they are talking about as they explain.

And don’t forget to say thank you after someone gives you directions!

• #32 Grazie mille! – Thanks a lot!
• #33 Prego – You’re welcome

Part 3: Travel Phrases To Help You Get Around Italy

Once you know where you’re going, you have to figure out how you’re getting there. The next batch of words will help you converse about transportation.

Let’s start with some words and phrases you might need to use at the train station or the airport.

• #34 L’aeroporto – the airport
• #35 Il biglietto – the ticket
• #36 L’orario – the timetable
• #37 La partenza – departure
• #38 Il treno – the train
• #39 Il volo – the flight
• #40 Il bagaglio – the baggage
• #41 L’ufficio informazioni – the information office
• #42 Quando arriva lì? – When does it arrive there?
• #43 Quanto dura il viaggio? – How long does it take to get there?

When you’re travelling within a city, it’s more likely that you’ll be going on foot, by bus, or in a taxi. Next, let’s look at some words and phrases relating to those types of travel.

• #44 Fermata dell’autobus – bus stop
• #45 Mi serve un taxi – I need a taxi
• #46 Quanto costa la corsa? – How much is the fare?
• #47 Mi piacerebbe andare a… — I would like to go to…

Part 4: Italian Travel Phrases To Help You Taste Italy

For most travellers, one of the highlights of any trip to Italy is eating as much food as possible. In a nation known across the globe for its cuisine, you need to know how to order what you want to eat.

Did you know that there are lots of different types of restaurants in Italy? And they all have different names.

That's why deciding where to eat in Italy isn’t quite as simple as looking for a sign that says ristorante . You have to know what you’re looking for to find a place that will suit your mood and cravings!

• #48 Osteria – a moderately priced restaurant with a short menu of simple foods like pasta, grilled meat, and wine
• #49 Trattoria – a step up from the osteria , typically family-run, typically specialising in rustic home-cooked foods
• #50 Ristorante – a higher-end full-service dining establishment
• #51 Bar – shop selling coffee, beer, wine, and liquor, and occasionally grab-and-go food
• #52 Pasticceria – bakery
• #53 Paninoteca – sandwich shop
• #54 Enoteca – wine bar, sometimes also serving small plates

Understanding The Menu In Italian

Once you settle on a restaurant and take a look at the menu, you might be overwhelmed by your options. Most restaurants in areas that attract lots of tourists will have an English version of the menu.

But, some of the best food in Italy is off the beaten path, so it’s best to know some basics in case you venture into a restaurant that only offers its menu in Italian.

• #55 Pomodoro – tomato
• #56 Aglio – garlic
• #57 Sale – salt
• #58 Pepe – pepper
• #59 Insalata – salad
• #60 Cioccolato – chocolate
• #61 Pane – bread
• #62 Pollo – chicken
• #63 Bistecca – steak
• #64 Vitello – veal
• #65 Carne – meat
• #66 Pesce – fish
• #67 Carciofo – artichoke
• #68 Zucca — pumpkin
• #69 Porro – leek
• #70 Piselli – peas
• #71 Mela –apple
• #72 Fragola – strawberry
• #73 Arancia – orange
• #74 Pesca – peach
• #75 Vino – wine
• #76 Acqua – water
• #77 Succo – juice

How To Place Your Order In Italian

When you know what you want to order, you can always just point to it on the menu. But it's much politer to brush up on the proper way to order your food in Italian!

Your waiter will surely appreciate the effort and you might even strike up an interesting conversation and make a new friend.

• #78 Vorrei… — May I have…
• #79 La salsa è piccante?  – Is the sauce spicy?
• #80 Possiamo avere il conto? – Can we have the check?
• #81 Per favore – Please
• #82 Sono allergico a… — I am allergic to…
• #83 Buon appetito – Enjoy your food!

Part 5: Italian Travel Expressions For Emergencies

Last but not least, I'll leave you with a chapter that I hope you won’t need to use.

When travelling, you need to be prepared. These are phrases that you can keep in your back pocket to use in case of an emergency. You can rest easy in your travels knowing that you're prepared for the worst-case scenario.

• #84 Aiutatemi! – Help me!
• #85 Chiami… — Call…
• #86 Polizia – police
• #87 Ambulanza – ambulance
• #88 Pompieri – fire brigade
• #89 Ho bisogno di un dottore – I need a doctor
• #90 Mi fa male qui – I have pain here. (You can point to the place that hurts)
• #91 C’è un incendio   – There’s a fire
• #92 Attento – Watch out
• #93 Al ladro! – Stop, thief!
• #94 Vai via! – Go away!

Now You’re Ready For An Adventure In Italy

When you picture your next trip abroad, do you find your mind drifting to images of a Tuscan hillside or a bustling restaurant in Rome? Do you yearn for delicious pasta, pizza, and gelato? Do you dream of Florence’s museums or Venice’s canals?

Well, you're ready to turn those daydreams into a reality. Once you’ve mastered these words and phrases, you’re all set for an awesome adventure in Italy.

You’ll feel comfortable introducing yourself to people and asking them how they’re doing, asking for directions, getting around, and ordering a delicious meal in the perfect restaurant. Plus, you’re prepared in case of an emergency.

I hope you enjoy your time in Italy – and who knows? Maybe you’ll love it so much that you’ll decide you want to become fluent in Italian!

How To get Fluent In Italian, The Natural Way

You'll get so much more out of a trip to Italy if you know some basic Italian. And even more if you can have conversations with the locals.

You'll discover hidden sights off the tourist trail, make friends and remember your trip for the rest of the life. But how do you get conversational in Italian in time for heading off to Italy?

Well, you can use the StoryLearning® method – I used it to get fluent in Italian in 3 months , without touching a textbook or memorising grammar rules.

I've put it together into my course, Italian Uncovered , which takes you from beginner to intermediate level in Italian through the power of story.

So if you'd like to get fluent in Italian using the same methods as me in time for your trip, click here.

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An Italian Mama's Guide to Italy

Travelers Italian: 100+ of the most useful Italian phrases for travel

Travelers’ Italian. Over 100 easy and useful Italian phrases for travel and basic Italian words that will help you make the most of your time in Italy (by a teacher)

You do not need to speak Italian to enjoy your time in Italy.

However, knowing basic Italian words or being able to express simple sentences will go a long way to improve your stay.

We Italians love it when foreigners make an effort and while I know it is daunting to express yourself in a language you do not dominate, you will see most people will react with great appreciation!

I am a qualified teacher of Italian as a second language and most of my students came to class before a trip to Italy, to learn Italian phrases tourists could learn or carry with them while in Italy for quick reference.

Today, I want to share the travelers’ Italian phrases most commonly requested in my classes.

These, we found, were the most useful Italian phrases for tourists and were all reasonably easy to learn or read out when needed!

As you will see, it is a mix of basic Italian words and Italian phrases for tourists that cover situations you may encounter while traveling in Italy.

I hope you find them useful!

This article is part of our series ‘Learn Italian’. You can find here >>> all our free Italian lessons <<<

You can hear the pronunciation of these Italian phrases for tourists copying them into google translate and clicking on the little megaphone symbol – try here

Basic Italian words and Italian phrases for travel

Before you learn specific Italian phrases for travel, you want to learn your basics.

• Si – yes

2. No – No

3. Grazie – thank you

Grazie is the most common way to express gratitude in Italian but there are several others you may hear or want to use. Learn how to say thank you in Italian here.

4. Prego – you are welcome / please

5. Per favore – please

Please can be tricky to express in Italian. Learn how to properly say please in Italian here.

6. Mi scusi – Excuse me

7. Scusi – Sorry

8. Non capisco – I don’t understand

9. Non parlo italiano – I don’t speak Italian

10. Aiuto! – Help !

Simple Italian phrases to make yourself understood

Parla inglese? – Do you speak English?

Mi dispiace, non parlo Italiano – Sorry, I don’t speak Italian

Piu’ piano per favore – slower please

Puo’ ripetere , per favore? – Can you say that again, please?

Common Italian phrases to greet someone

Ciao – hello / goodbye, informal

Buon giorno – good morning

Buona sera – good evening

Buona notte – good night

Buon pomeriggio – good afternoon, mostly used when parting from someone, slightly formal

Arrivederci – goodbye / bye bye (formal)

A presto – see you soon

Good to know : in most interactions with tourism establishments such as your hotel owner, host, ticket officer etc, you want to use greetings that are formal and polite. The most useful to learn are: buongiono (formal hello) and arrivederci (formal goodbye, at the end of a stay or a meal).

You can learn how to say hello in Italian here

Asking for directions – basic Italian travel phrases if you are lost

Dov’e’ ? – where is?

Ex Dov’e’ il Colosseo? Where is the Colosseum?

Ore more politely: ITA: Mi scusi, mi sa dire dov’e’ il Colosseo? ENG: Excuse me, would you be able to tell me where the Colosseum is?

E’ lontano? Quanto dista? – It is far? how far is?

How far is the Colosseum? Quanto e’ lontano/ Quanto dista il Colosseo?

Dritto – sraight

Destra – right

Sinistra – left

Semaforo – traffic light

Incrocio – crossroads

Ponte – bridge

Strada – street

Strisce / strisce pedonali – zebra crossing

Senso unico – one way street

Piazza – square

ZTL – Zona Traffico Limitato, an area closed to car traffic. Learn what they are and how to deal with them in this guide about driving in Italy.

Parcheggio -parking

A sample conversation may look like:

You: Scusi, dov’e’ il colosseo? Excuse me, where is the Colosseum?

Answer: vada dritto, poi al semaforo gira a destra e lo vede . Go straight, then at the traffic light turn right and you see it.

Another example can be: You: scusi, dov’e’ il bagno? (Excuse me, where is the restroom?) Answer: in fondo a destra (at the end of the room, to the right)

Transport and tickets

At train stations, airports and transport hubs, you may encounter or need to use the following Italian travel phrases and words:

Biglietto – ticket

Biglietto di sola andata – one way ticket

Biglietto di andata e ritorno – return ticket

Riduzioni / tariffe speciali / sconti – disxounts and special tariffs, usually for children/elderly/teachers/specified categories

Posto a sedere – seat

Treno – train

Binario – platform

Porto – harbor / port

Cabina – cabin (on a boat)

Traghetto – ferry

Aliscafo – hydrofoil (you will hear it to go to Capri for instance)

Prenotazione – booking / reservation

When you book a train ticket, it may come with a warning ‘prenotazione obbligatoria’, which means booking for a specific date/time/seat is mandatory.

Taxi – taxi

Autista – driver

Basic Italian sentences when at the shop

Quanto costa – How much is this?

Prezzo – price

Saldi – sales

Ha il resto? – Do you have change (if you are paying with a big note)

Carta di credito – credit card

Bancomat – debit card / also ATM

Posso provare? Can I try this on?

Do’ un’occhiata – I am just browsing / having a look

Si puo’ spedire? Can you ship this?

Caro – expensive Ex. No, grazie, e’ troppo caro . No, thank you, it is too expensive. Ex. Ha qualcosa di meno caro? Do you have anythign less expensive?

Top tip! To avoid embarrassing situations, learn about the etiquette of negotiating in Italian markets and shops here (hint you don’t!)

Medical emergencies

A well equipped arsenal of travelers Italian needs Italian phrases for travel emergencies, just in case!

Sto male – I am sick / I am unwell

Ho bisogno di un dottore / chiamate un dottore – I need a doctor / call a doctor

Aiuto ! – help!

Farmacia – pharmacy / chemist

Ospedale – Hospital

Pronto soccorso – A&E

Medico di guardia – doctor on call

Medicina – medicine

Ricetta – prescription

Mascherina – face mask / Mascherina chirurgica : disposable face mask (medical)

Dottore – Doctor

Infermiere / infermiera – nurse (male/female)

In hotel – useful Italian phrases about your accommodation

Camera – room

Camera matrimoniale – double room (with double bed)

Camere comunicanti – connecting rooms

Culla – baby cot/ crib

Letti a castello – bunk beds

Camerata – hostel room (with multiple beds)

Bagno in camera – en suite bathroom

Piscina – pool

Doccia – shower

Bagno – restroom

At the beach – useful Italian words for a day on the beach

Spiaggia – beach

Stabilimento – beach club

Ombrellone – sun umbrella

Sdraio – deckchair

Lettino – beach lounger

Bagnino – lifeguard

Crema solare – sunscreen

Secchiello e paletta – bucket and spade

Sabbia – sand

Scogli – rocks

Ghiaia – pebbles

At the restaurant – Italian words and sentences for a meal out

Food is such a large part of an Italian trip, my list of Italian phrases for travel needed a section about eating out, and so here it is!

Tavolo – table Ex. Ha un tavolo per quattro? Do you have a table for four?

Vino della casa – house wine

Acqua liscia / gassata – flat / sparkly water

Primo, secondo, contorno, dolce – these are the names of Italian courses. You can learn all about Italian meal structure here.

Mancia – tip (yes, you will need this one! Learn why here >>> guide to tipping in Italy

Allergia – allergy

Allergeni – allergens

Noci – walnuts / also generic word for ‘nut’

Noccioline – peanuts

Lattosio – lactose | Senza Lattosio = lactose free

Latticini / prodotti caseari – dairy products

Glutine – gluten

Kids essentials in Italian

Passeggino – stroller

Biberon – baby bottle

Ciuccio – soother / pacifier

Pappa – baby meal

Seggiolone – high chair

Pannolino – nappy / diaper

Pediatra – pediatrician

Scaldare – to heat: useful if you want to ask a restaurant/ cafe to heat up you child meal you brought from home (Mi puo’ scaldare la pappa per favore? Can you heat the baby food please?)

If you are about to travel to Italy with a baby, read this !

Other useful Italian words for travel you may want to use

Bello / bella – beautiful (male/neutral and female)

Presto, tardi – early, late

In ritardo – late Ex. Il treno porta un’ora di ritardo . The train is one hour late

Come stai? Come sta? – How are you? (informal / formal)

Piacere – when introduced to someone, how do you do

Gratis – for free

Salute! – Cheers! You can find the many ways to say cheers in Italian here.

Stagione – season, you may find it on price lists as Alta stagione ‘high season’; bassa stagione= ‘low season’. Learn here >>> how the seasons are called in Italy

If you are in Italy for the festive seasons, you may also want to learn how to say Merry Christmas in Italian or the Italian for Happy New Year .

I hope you found these Italian phrases for travel useful and you have a wonderful time in my beautiful country. Safe travel planning!

Travelers’ Italian – pin these Italian phrases for travel so you can carry them with you!

Marta Correale

Marta Correale is an Italian mama of two. Born and raised in Rome, Marta has a passion for travel and especially enjoys showing off Italy to her kids, who are growing up to love it as much as she does! A classics graduate, teacher of Italian as a second language and family travel blogger, Marta launched Mama Loves Italy as a way to inspire, support and help curious visitors to make the most of a trip to Italy and learn about Italian culture on the way.

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25 Basic Italian Phrases You Must Know Before You Visit

Some basic Italian phrases is a must for traveling in Italy!

We visited Italy for the first time and had the time of our life. And we know you’ll love it since we can’t wait to go back ourselves!

But there are definitely some things you need to know before your Italy vacation. And a few basic Italian phrases is one of them!

Getting around in any country can be hard, especially when you don’t speak the language. 

• Trying to ride the metro
• Ordering at restaurants
• Getting off the beaten path

All of these things get tricky when there’s no one around who speaks English. I mean, how do you know which metro stop to get off at? I can tell you from experience – ya’ don’t. 

We got lost in-the-middle-of-nowhere Rome because we don’t speak Italian. 

After that, we asked the bed & breakfast staff to put together a list of must-know Italian phrases to help us get by on our Italy road trip. You can even download the cheatsheet version from our free travel resource library – just pop in your email below.

In this post we’ll cover:

• Italian phrases for tourists
• Basic Italian numbers
• Italian conversation questions

This post may contain affiliate links. You can read more on our Disclaimer Page.

Getting off the beaten path in Tuscany

Italian Phrases for Tourists

Hello  –  Ciao

Good morning  – Buongiorno

Good evening  –  Buonasera

Goodbye  – Arrivederci or Addio

Please –  P er favore

Thank you  –  Grazie

You’re welcome  – P rego

Yes/no  – Si/no

Pardon me  –  Scusami

I don’t speak Italian  – Non parlo italiano

I’m sorry  –  Mi dispiace

I’m allergic to ____  –  Sono allergico a ____.

Help!  – Aiuto!

Red/white wine please  – V ino/ bianco  rosso per favore

I love Italy!  – Io amo l’Italia!

Basic Italian Numbers

(1) One  – Uno

(2) Two  – Due

(3) Three  – Tre

(4) Four – Quattro

(5) Five – Cinque

(6) Six  –  Sei

(7) Seven – Sette

(8) Eight – Otto

(9) Nine  – Nove

(10) Ten – Dieci

(20) Twenty – Venti

(30) Thirty  – Trenta

(40) Fourty  – Quaranta

(50) Fifty – Cinquanta

(60) Sixty – Sessanta

(70) Seventy –  Settanta

(80) Eighty  – Ottanta

(90) Ninety   – Novanta

(100) One hundred  – Cento

Download the Basic Italian Phrases PDF!

We got you covered. Print out the cheatsheet and take it with you on your Italy adventure!

IT ONLY TAKES 5 SECONDS!

Italian Conversation Questions

How are you?  – Come sta?

Do you speak English?  –  Parli inglese?

What time is it?  – Che ore sono?

Where are you from? –  Di dove sei?

Where is the airport?  – Dov’e l’aereoporto?

Where is the train station  –  Dove si trova la stazione ferroviaria?

Where is this address?  –   Dov’è questo indirizzo?

How much is it?  – Quanto costa?

Where is the pharmacy?  –  Dov’è la farmacia?

Where is the bathroom? –  Dov’è la toilette?

This list of phrases really helped us get by and I’m sure it will help you too. Memorize them, learn them, or just print them out from our  travel resource library!

We hope you have the best time on your trip! And if you need even more guidance, you can see our exact   Italy road trip itinerary!

Happy travels!

– Veronica

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Speak Like a Local: 30 Italian Sayings to Use While Traveling

If you’re planning a visit to Italy, there’s no better way to acclimate than by speaking the language. These 30 Italian phrases can help.

Jazmin Kylene • Apr 25, 2024

One of the best parts about traveling to a foreign place is immersing yourself in an unknown culture. From new foods to sacred traditions, you can expand your mind by leaning into the differences and embracing life as a local.

If you’re planning a visit to Italy , there’s no better way to acclimate than by speaking the language. It can help you navigate interaction more easily and even earn you some new Italian friends along the way.

These classic idioms won’t just help you integrate into Italian culture– they’ll also provide insight into long-held Italian values and beliefs. From emphasizing the importance of living life to the fullest, to acknowledging life’s ironies with humor, these 30 essential Italian phrases cover it all.

6 Wise Italian Proverbs

• “Tra moglie e marito non mettere il dito.” (Between husband and wife, don’t put your finger.) Never meddle in someone else’s relationship.
• “Chi va piano, va sano e va lontano.” (Who goes slowly, goes safely and goes far.) It’s wise to take your time and not rush through life.
• “L’appetito vien mangiando.” (Appetite comes from eating.) The more you eat, the hungrier you become – a really relatable one for the Italian food lovers.
• “Chi dorme non piglia pesci.” (He who sleeps doesn’t catch fish.) You have to work hard and make an effort to achieve your goals.
• “Meglio un uovo oggi che una gallina domani.” (Better an egg today than a chicken tomorrow.) It’s better to take what you have now instead of risking it for a hypothetical bigger future reward.
• “Piove sul bagnato.” (It rains on the wet.) When things are already going poorly, even more misfortune piles on. The ultimate “When it rains, it pours” sentiment.

Fun & Eccentric Italian Sayings

• “Non tutti i matti portano le campane.” (Not all mad people wear bells.) Similar to “Still waters run deep” – you can’t judge a book by its cover. The calm, quiet ones are sometimes the most eccentric.
• “Gallina vecchia fa buon brodo.” (An old hen makes good broth.) With age and experience comes wisdom.
• “La gatta frettolosa ha fatto i gattini ciechi.” (The hurried cat gave birth to blind kittens.) Patience and diligence are required for a flawless result. A rushed job will always show its flaws.
• “Senti che puzzo, c’è un forestiero in città.” (What’s that stink, there must be a foreigner in town.) A cheeky way of calling out someone who is clearly a tourist and sticks out like a sore thumb. Use it ironically as a self-deprecating joke!
• “Prendersi un granchio.” (To take a crab.) To make a big mistake or blunder.

5 Everyday Italian Expressions 

• “Un caffe?” (A coffee?) This one is easy – throughout Italy, this is an extremely common way to cheerfully offer someone a coffee. The sheer frequency you’ll hear this simple phrase screams Italian culture.
• “Stai buono!” (Stay good!) Parents lovingly say this to children when asking them to behave or listen closely. It’s like the Italian version of “Be good!”
• “Cos’hai da guardare?” (What are you looking at?) A very common, sassy way to playfully call someone out for curiously people-watching or staring at you.
• “Non me ne frega niente.” (I don’t care at all.) The perfect carefree brush-off to insignificant things that don’t matter. Hardcore indifference!
• “Che schifo!” (How disgusting!) A dramatic exclamation for emphasizing your disgust over something unpleasant.

Expressive Italian Gestures 

Italians are known for their lively, dramatic hand gestures and body language that add emphasis to their words. Here are a few common ones to throw into your conversations:

• “Ma vafan….” (Holding up flat hand, twisting it back and forth rapidly) Essentially the equivalent of an eye roll or flipping someone off out of annoyance or dismissal.
• Finger purse (Pursing lips together and holding fingers in front of mouth) An adorable gesture done by Italians young and old to call someone’s attention in a cute, catchy way.
• “Che vuoi?” (Shoulders shrugging in exasperated motion with palms facing upward) A constant motion akin to “What do you want?” or “Well, what is it?”

Endearing Terms in Italian

 You’ll often hear Italians frequently using affectionate, evocative terminology with friends, family, and even casual acquaintances:

• “Ciao bello/bella.” (Hello beautiful one.) A classic greeting for guys/girls you’ve got your eye on!
• “Amore mio.” (My love.) A term of endearment akin to “My dear” or “My darling.”
• “Buon’anima.” (Good soul.) An affectionate phrase to call someone a kind, good-hearted person.
• “Zio/a.” (Uncle/Aunt.) A respectful way to refer to someone quite a bit older than you, even if you’re not directly related.

4 Italian One-Liners

• “Semo gente, o semo fave?” (Are we people, or are we beans?) A silly rhetorical question to point out the absurdity of a situation.
• “Sei caldo?” (Are you hot?) On the surface, a simple question – but Italians often teasingly use it to call someone attractive.
• “La miglior luna, quella senz’un baiocco.” (The best moon is the one without a cent.) An ironic lament about being broke – but at least you have the free moon to enjoy!
• “Io ti faccio vedere che differenza c’è tra un cacio e un fungo!” (I’ll show you the difference between cheese and mushrooms!) A humorous old-school threat meaning “I’ll show you who’s boss.” It stems from the belief that you shouldn’t confuse two completely different things.

Unique Italian Wisdom 

• “Il dubbio è l’anticamera della scoperta.” (Doubt is the anteroom of discovery.) Embracing doubt and uncertainty opens your mind to new learnings.
• “Chi lascia la via vecchia per la nuova, sa quel che lascia, ma non sa quel che trova.” (Those who take a new road know what they are leaving behind, but not what lies ahead.) An acknowledgment that change involves risk, but also opportunity.
• “Il tempo è pericolosamente prezioso.” (Time is dangerously precious.) A deep reminder not to waste a single moment in life – time is a rare, irreplaceable gift.

Happy Travels!

Even if you’ve got a bit of an accent or find trouble pronouncing some of the words, it’s the effort you put into honoring a new culture will make you honorary Italian. By doing your best to use these playful sayings and classic expressions, you’ll connect more authentically with locals, immerse yourself deeper in the Italian experience, and add some extra delight to your everyday conversations.

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Privacy practices may vary, for example, based on the features you use or your age. Learn More

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