Helpful Words and Phrases to Know while in Italy

Traveling to a different country where you aren’t fluent in the language can be a daunting task, but I have compiled a list of 30 helpful words and phrases that you can learn to help you make the most of your time in Italy!

Most Italians speak English, and many of the transportation systems will have an English option, so fret not if you are just now finding my blog and you are already in Italy or if you just can not get the hang of these words!

PHOTO: View of Colosseum in Rome and morning sun, Italy, Europe. (Photo via vwalakte / iStock / Getty Images Plus)

I would like to start with the most easiest words that you will be able to use on a daily basis while in Italy.

• ESSENTIALS/GREETINGS:

Hello – Ciao (chow)

Goodbye – Arriverderci (ah-ree-vah-dair-chee)

Thank you – Grazie (grah-tzee-yeh)

You’re welcome – Prego (preh-goh)

Please – Per favore (per fah-voh-reh)

Excuse me (to get someones attention) – Scusi (skoo-zee)

Excuse me (to get past someone) – Permesso (pair-meh-soh)

Yes – Si (see)

No – No (noh)

Good day – Buon giorno (bwohn jor-noh)

Good afternoon – Buona sera (bwohn-nah sair-rah)

Good night – Buona notte (bwohn-nah noht-teh)

• POPULAR QUESTIONS:

How are you? – Come stai? (koh-meh st-eye)

ANSWER: Good/Not bad/So-so – Bene/Non c’e’ male/ Cosi cosi (beh-neh/nohn cheh mah-leh/ koh-zee koh-zee)

Do you speak English? – Parla Inglese? (parh-la een-glay-zeh)

I don’t understand – Non capisco (non kah-pee-skoh)

I am sorry – Mi sidpiace (mee sees-pee-yah-cheh)

How much is it? – Quanto costa? (kwan-toh koh-stah)

• DIRECTIONS:

Left – Sinistra (seen-ees-strah)

Right – Destra (deh-strah)

Back – Dietro (dee-yeh-troh)

Forward – Avanti (ah-vahn-tee)

Straight Ahead – Dritto (dree-toh)

Entrance – Entrata (en-trah-tah)

Exit – Uscita (oo-shee-tah)

Where is…..? – Dov’e’….? (dov-e)

Where are….? – Dove sono? (dov-ay so-no)

Where? – Dove? (dov-ay)

Which? – Quale? (kwal-e)

Remember that this list of helpful words and phrases can always be learned while you are flying or on the train to Italy! It is never too late to learn.

If you would like to further your Italian word bank, please watch this video by Michele with Intrepidguide!

And don’t forget to follow me on twitter for all things Italy!