Whether sipping espresso in Rome, hiking Cinque Terre, or admiring art in Florence, knowing some basic Italian expressions for travel will enhance your trip tenfold. Italians truly appreciate visitors who make an effort to speak their language. Knowing just a few words can help you connect with locals, order with confidence, and navigate everyday situations.
In this article, we will go over why it’s worth learning some Italian before your trip. We’ll also share 105 easy-to-memorize (and relatively easy to pronounce) basic Italian expressions.
These are among the key phrases we offer to our Italy travel clients before their trips, and the ones we hear time and again are the most useful for English-speaking travelers.
Then, we will explore some FAQ on speaking Italian in Italy. Ready? Pronto? Andiamo! Let’s go! (See how easy, you’ve already learned two words!)
Do I Really Need to Learn Italian Before Traveling?
One question we frequently get asked when planning our Italy travel is, “Do I need to know Italian before I go to Italy?” The answer is no…But you should!
Italy generates approximately €210 billion from tourism annually, accounting for up to 13% of its GDP. With all those visitors, most people who work in hospitality and tourism speak some level of English.
So why bother learning any basic Italian expressions? It comes down to respect and connection. Attempting to say basic phrases in Italian shows you care and that you want to meet them halfway.
I am fluent in Italian, so I speak it everywhere I go. However, even after 12 years of living in Italy, people still express how wonderful it is that I took the effort to learn their language. It’s made my life easier from forging connections with locals to making reservations and more. No one expects you to be fluent before your Italian vacation, but using a few words here and there absolutely will make your trip better.
Take this, for example. One day, I was in Florence shopping at a popular kids’ toy store right downtown. Two French women entered and saluted the shopkeeper with a “Bonjour” in French. The shopkeeper was livid. She turned to me (we had been chatting in Italian) and said, “The French! They come into MY store in Italy and can’t even be bothered to use Italian! They think I should speak French to them?!”
She told me one of the things she loves about Americans is that they always at least try to speak Italian! So, don’t be afraid of making mistakes or not saying it correctly; just the gesture of learning basic Italian expressions goes a long way.
More Than 100 Basic Italian Expressions for Travel
Now that you fully understand why you should learn the language, let’s dive into the basic Italian expressions for travel.
Useful Italian Words
If it’s your first trip to Italy, read up on our 20 essential travel tips as we talk about the history and importance of the Italian language there. Then, learn these useful phrases before your next trip:
Hello (formal) – Salve (SAHL-vay)
This is a formal way to say hello. You can also use it by way of greeting when you can’t remember (or pronounce “buongiorno” or “buonasera”). It’s polite to say ‘thank you’ when entering a business or greeting your waiter, bartender, hotel clerk, and other staff members.
Hello (informal) – Ciao (chow)
As far as Italian greetings go, this one is relatively informal but is a widely accepted way to say “hello” and “goodbye.”
Thank you – Grazie (GRAHT-zee-ay)
In Italian, you pronounce every single letter. Don’t fall into the American trap of saying this “grah-tsee” without the “ay” at the end. (But even if you forget, it’s better than saying nothing at all!)
Yes – Sì (sea)
No – No (noh)
Please – Per favore (pehr fah-VOH-reh)
This should be one of the first words you memorize. “Please” goes a long way!
You’re welcome – Prego (PREH-goh)
Another small word, big impact.
Excuse me – Mi scusi (mee SKOO-zee)
This is the formal version, but it will work in almost any occasion when getting someone’s attention or apologizing. However, you should note that if you’re looking for someone to move out of your way, you can also say “permesso,” which means “let me by.”
Sorry – Mi dispiace (mee dee-SPIA-chay)
This is if you are apologizing for something.
Goodbye – Arrivederci (ahr-ree-veh-DEHR-chee),
This is a widely accepted goodbye, but also means “until next time.”
Good morning/Good day – Buongiorno (bwohn-JOHR-noh)
In general, this is used before about 2 PM.
Good afternoon – Buon pomeriggio (bwohn poh-mer-EE-joe)
You can use this between ‘good morning’ and ‘good evening’ from around 12 pm to 4 pm.
Good evening – Buonasera (bwoh-nah-SEH-rah)
Also written “buona sera,” you can use this from about 4 pm onward.
Good night – Buonanotte (bwohn-a-NOTE-tay)
Goodnight is used as you are leaving to go home to bed, and usually as a goodbye (so you wouldn’t say it walking into a restaurant, for example), but you could say it on your way out.
Do you speak English? – Parla inglese? (PAHR-lah een-GLEH-zeh)
This is also the formal version (informal would be “parli,” but you’re better off being more formal than not, especially with someone you don’t know well).
I don’t speak Italian – Non parlo italiano (nohn PAHR-loh ee-tah-LYAH-noh)
This is your get-out-of-jail card. Use this when you find yourself in a situation where you don’t understand what’s going on.
I don’t know – Non lo so (non loh soh)
Useful for interactions or when confused.
Do you understand? – Capisce? (kah-PEE-sheh)
Formal; helpful to check if someone understands English or your attempt at Italian.
I don’t understand – Non capisco (nohn kah-PEES-koh)
Always helpful to know how to say you don’t understand.
Can you repeat that, please? – Può ripetere, per favore? (pwoh ree-PEH-teh-reh, pehr fah-VOH-reh)
Slowly, please – Piano, per favore (PYAH-noh, pehr fah-VOH-reh)
Useful when someone is speaking too fast.
How are you? – Come sta/stai? (formal/informal) (KOH-meh stah / KOH-meh stai)
What’s your name? – Come si chiama (formal) Come ti chiami (informal) (KOH-meh see KYA-mah / KOH-meh tee KYA-mee)
My name is… – Mi chiamo… (Mee KYA-mo)
Common Italian Phrases For Restaurants and Bars
Food is a major part of Italian culture, so we could devote a whole site just to the local language around drinks and food. Begin with the basic Italian expressions below. Then, explore our articles on how to read an Italian menu, ordering coffee in Italy, and phrases for going gluten-free in Italy.
I’d like to reserve a table for eight o’clock – Vorrei prenotare un tavolo per le otto (vohr-RAY pre-no-TAR-ay oon tah-voh-loh per lay OHT-OH)
A table for two, please – Un tavolo per due, per favore (oon TAH-voh-loh pehr DOO-eh, pehr fah-VOH-reh)
This one will surely impress (both your travel companions and the host of the restaurant)!
I would like... – Vorrei…(vohr-RAY)
This phrase is applicable for ordering. For example, you can say, “Vorrei un caffè,” which means, “I’d like a coffee.”
Can I get something to drink? – Posso avere qualcosa da bere? (POHS-soh ah-VEH-reh kwahl-KOH-zah dah BEH-reh)
Here you can reply with whatever you need:
Water – Acqua (AH-quah)
Wine – Vino (VEE-noh)
Beer – Birra (BEE-rah)
I don’t eat… — Non mangio (non MAN-joh)
…eggs – uova (woh-VA)
…fish – pesce (pesh-AY)
…nuts – noci (noh-CHEE)
Water, please – Acqua, per favore (AHK-kwah pehr fah-VOH-reh)
You’ll also want to specify whether you prefer still (naturale) or sparkling water (gassata/frizzante).
Can I have a bottle of wine? – Posso avere una bottiglia di vino? (POHS-soh ah-VEH-reh OO-nah boh-TEEL-yah dee VEE-noh)
Can I have a glass of wine? – Posso avere un bicchiere di vino? (POHS-soh ah-VEH-reh oon beek-YEH-reh dee VEE-noh)
What would you recommend? – Cosa mi consiglia (KO-sa mee kon-SEEL-ya)
What’s the local specialty? – Qual’e la specialità di questa region? (KWAL-eh la spech-al-LEE-TA dee ques-TAH ray-JOH-nay)
Cheers! – Salute! (sah-LOO-teh)
Salute is the easiest way to say cheers and the perfect way to start a meal with your new Italian friends. Another option is “cin cin,” which sounds like “chin chin,” but the salute is the most widely used.
The check, please – Il conto, per favore (eel KOHN-toh pehr fah-VOH-reh)
In most places, Italians won’t bring you the check unless you ask. This is so that you don’t feel rushed. Instead of getting frustrated that you’ve been waiting a long time, plan to ask for it yourself when you’re ready.
There is an error in the bill – C’è un errore nel conto. (chay oohn ehr-ROAR-ay nel KOHN-toh)
Key Phrases for Directions
If you only learn a few key phrases, these basic Italian expressions for directions will be extremely helpful, whether you’re heading to Piemonte or Puglia.
Where’s…? – Dov’è…? (Doh-VEH)
What’s the address? – Qual’è l’indirizzo? (Kwahl EH leen-dee-REET-tso)
Could you write it down, please? – Pùo scriverlo, per favore? (Pwoh SKREE-ver-loh, pehr fah-VOH-reh)
Could you show me (on the map)? – Può mostrarmi (sulla pianta)? (Pwoh moh-STRAHR-mee SOOL-lah PYAN-tah)
Can I (enter)? – Posso (entrare)? (POH-soh en-TRAH-reh)
I’m looking for (a hotel) – Sto cercando (un albergo) (Stoh chehr-KAN-doh oon al-BER-goh)
Could you help me, please? P– uò aiutarmi, per favore? (Pwoh ah-yoo-TAR-mee pehr fah-VOH-reh)
Go straight ahead – Vai dritto (VAI DREET-toh)
You might hear this after you’ve asked for directions.
Turn left – Gira a sinistra (JEER-ah ah see-NEES-trah)
Turn right – Gira a destra (JEER-ah ah DEHS-trah)
I’m lost – Mi sono perso(a) (mee SOH-noh PEHR-soh (PEHR-sah))
I hope you don’t ever need it, but in this case, you would use “perso” if you’re male and “persa” if you’re female.
Essential Italian Phrases For Hotels and Transport
To prepare for traveling around Italy, you’ll want to read our tips and even more expressions in these articles covering driving in Italy and trains in Italy. If you reach out to us, we can also assist you with specialty languages, such as cooking, wine tasting, or even navigating Italian beach clubs.
What time is it? – Che ora è? (Kay OH-rah eh)
What time does it leave/arrive? – A che ora parte/arriva? (ah keh OH-rah PAR-teh / ah-REE-vah)
Especially useful for trains and buses.
How long does it take? – Quanto ci vuole? (KWAHN-toh chee VWOL-eh)
One ticket to [destination], please – Un biglietto per [city], per favore (oon bee-LYEHT-toh pehr [city], pehr fah-VOH-reh)
Does it stop at…? – Si ferma a…? (See FEHR-mah ah)
Please tell me when we get to… – Mi dica per favore quando arrriviamo a… (Mee DEE-kah pehr fah-VOH-reh KWAHN-doh ah-ree-VYAH-moh ah)
I want to get off here… – Voglio scendere qui (VOH-lyoh SHEN-deh-reh kwee)
I’d like to rent a… – Voglio noleggiare una… (VOH-lyoh noh-lehj-JAH-reh OO-nah)
…bike – bicicletta (bee-chee-KLET-tah)
…car – macchina (MAHK-kee-nah)
…scooter – moto (MOH-toh)
Is this the road to…? – Questa strada porta a… (KWEH-stah STRAH-dah POR-tah ah…)
Can I park here? – Posso parcheggiare qui? (POH-soh par-keh-JAHR-eh kwee)
Do you have a reservation? – Ha una prenotazione? (ah OO-nah preh-noh-tah-TSYOH-neh)
Good for checking in.
What time is check-out? – A che ora è il check-out? (ah keh OH-rah eh eel check-out)
Can you help me with my bag? – Può aiutarmi con la mia valigia? (PWOH ah-yoo-TAR-mee con lah MEE-ah vah-LEE-jah)
Be cautious about who you ask for help with your bag; employees from hotels and train stations will typically wear badges.
Where should I put my bag? – Dove devo mettere la mia valigia? (DOH-veh DEH-voh MEHT-teh-reh lah MEE-ah vah-LEE-jah)
Always helpful if you need to leave your bag at the hotel while you go sightseeing.
Which carriage is it? – Qual è la carrozza? (KWAH-leh lah kah-ROT-tsah)
Use this at the train station if you’re having trouble understanding which carriage to board.
Which platform is it? – Qual è il binario? (KWAH-leh eel bee-NAH-ree-oh)
Platforms in Italy are numbered, but if you’re confused, please don’t hesitate to ask.
Key Italian Phrases For Shopping
Many of our clients travel to Italy for shopping, and we have a whole article on shopping in Italy. That article has even more Italian travel phrases, but here are a few basic Italian expressions to get you started:
I’d like to buy… – Vorrei comparare… (vohr-RAY cohm-prahr-ay…)
I’m just looking… – Sto solo guardando (stoh so-LO gwarh-DAN-doh)
Can I look at it? – Posso dare un’occhiata? (poh-SOH dar-AY oon oh-kya-TAH?)
How much is this? – Quanto costa? (KWAHN-toh KOH-stah)
Always helpful when doing shopping!
How much does it cost? – Quanto viene? (KWAHN-toh VYEH-neh)
This alternative to “Quanto costa?” is more commonly used in conversation.
Can I try it on? – Posso provarlo? (POH-soh proh-VAHR-loh)
For clothes shopping.
Do you have this in another size? – Ce l’ha in un’altra taglia? (Cheh lah een oon-AHL-trah TAL-yah)
- Smaller = più piccola (pyoo PEEK-koh-lah)
- Bigger = più grande (pyoo GRAHN-deh)
Do you accept credit cards? – Accettate carte di credito? (ah-chet-TAH-teh KAR-teh dee CREH-dee-toh)
Does this qualify for a VAT refund? – Questo articolo è rimborsabile tax free? (KWEHS-toh ar-TEE-coh-loh eh deh-tah-SAH-bee-leh)
In Europe, you can get a refund for VAT, which is the tax imposed on certain goods, if you don’t live in the EU. To obtain this, certain requirements must be met, and you will need special documentation. Be sure to ask before buying.
Common Phrases For Emergency or Illness
If you experience an emergency or illness while staying at a hotel, the hotel staff can often provide assistance. However, it’s always great to know these basic Italian expressions, should you have a confrontation or need to visit the pharmacy.
Help! – Aiuto! (ah-YOO-toh)
Hopefully, you don’t need it, but it’s always good to know.
Leave me alone – Lasciami in pace! (LAH-shah-mee een PAH-cheh)
Call the police – Chiami la polizia (KYA-mee lah poh-lee-TSEE-ah)
I lost my passport – Ho perso mio passaporto (oh PEHR-soh mee-yo pah-sah-POHR-toh)
Where is the pharmacy? – Dov’è la farmacia? (doh-VEH lah fahr-mah-CHEE-ah)
Especially useful if you’re feeling ill.
Call a doctor – Chiami un medico! (KYA-mee oon MEH-dee-koh)
I’m sick – Mi sento male (Mee SEN-toh MAH-leh)
I have a headache – Ho mal di testa (Oh mahl dee TEHS-tah)
FYI: Tylenol doesn’t exist in Europe, but you can ask for an “ibuprofene” (EE-boo-pro-fen-ay) or “ibuprofen.”
I have a stomach ache – Ho mal di stomaco (Oh mahl dee STOH-mah-coh)
I’m allergic to… – Sono allergico(a) a…(SOH-noh ahl-LEHR-jee-koh (kah) ah…)
Anyone with allergies, this should be your #1 phrase. Be sure to use “allergico” if you’re male, “allergica” if you’re female.
I need a doctor – Ho bisogno di un dottore (oh bee-ZOH-nyoh dee oon doht-TOH-reh)
Most big cities will have English-speaking doctors, but just in case, this isn’t a bad one to keep handy.
Where is…? – Dov’è…? (doh-VEH)
Here you’d add in whatever you’re looking for, such as:
- Il bagno (eel BAHN-yo) – The bathroom
- La stazione (lah stah-ZEE-oh-nay) – The train station
- Il treno (eel TRAY-noh) – The train
- L’autobus (lah-OW-toe-boos) – The bus
- La fermata (lah fair-MAH-tah) – The bus stop
- La polizia (lah poh-lee-ZEE-ah) – The police
- The name of whatever monument or museum you’re trying to find
It may seem unnecessary, but learning a few basic Italian expressions before your trip can make your travels smoother, more enjoyable, and more immersive. Additionally, you’ll likely receive a warmer welcome from the locals and make a good impression.
In the case of the French ladies from the toy shop earlier, I can confirm that they were promptly ignored for the rest of their visit, while I was given free wrapping paper and a card to include with my gift. Italian made the difference, and it can on your trip too! Buon viaggio! (Have a good trip!)
Frequently Asked Questions About Basic Italian Expressions For Travel
Start with greetings like “Ciao” and “Buongiorno,” polite words like “Per favore” and “Grazie,” and practical questions like “Dov’è il bagno?” or “Parla inglese?”
In major cities, yes. However, outside tourist hubs, knowing a few basic Italian expressions for travel can enhance your experience and facilitate everyday situations.
Italian is phonetic, meaning it’s mostly pronounced how it’s written. Double consonants (like in pizza) should be stressed, and every vowel is pronounced. We have included phonetic guides in this article to help, but if you genuinely want to learn about Italian pronunciation, consider taking a few classes or enrolling in an online course before heading to Italy.
Get A Personalized Travel Itinerary
14 Italian Cities To Visit
Once you’re comfortable with these everyday Italian phrases, it’s time to dive deeper into the charm of Italy’s cities. Explore scenic favorite destinations across the country with our curated guide to Italian cities—from the rolling hills of Florence and the canals of Venice to the historic streets of Rome.
Summery Italian Recipes
Want to cook all things summery with an Italian twist? Here are a few of our readers’ favorite recipes to make in the summertime:
Italy Travel Guide
Are you considering traveling to Italy in real life? Check out our free Italy Travel Guide for our best travel tips, recipes, and articles.
Have Us Plan Your Italy Trip
Did you know we’re also a boutique travel agency specializing in Italy travel planning? If you’re looking to plan one of the best trips to Italy, our Italy trip planner services are here to help you plan your perfect itinerary.
