24 Essential Italian Phrases Every Traveler Should Learn

So you’re getting ready for your next trip to Rome but you don’t know any words in Italian. Nessun problema (no problem)! With this list of easy essential Italian phrases, you’ll be ready for your trip to Italy in no time.  

When you are traveling to any country, including popular Italian destinations like Venice, Cinque Terre, and Milan, it is helpful to know some basic phrases and words to make communication easier and to show respect for the local culture. It will also allow you to interact with locals and maybe even make new friends. 

Learning a new language is not only a useful skill, but it is also fun. In this article, we’ll cover 

• A few facts about world language
• Why travelers should learn basic words and phrases
• Best ways to learn a new language
• The most common Italian phrases

World Language Facts

• There are 7,102 known languages in the world.
• 23 languages are the mother (native) tongue of 4.1 billion people.
• English is the most popular language learned around the world and is spoken in 110 countries.
• There are more native Mandarin Chinese speakers than native English speakers.
• English is the most common language used on the internet (60.4% of top 10 million websites), but only 16.2% of the world population speak the language.

It’s no surprise that English is becoming the most spoken language around the world.

Don’t forget to celebrate Language Day on February 21st!

Why Learn a New Language

Explore Cultures

Language learning is an incredibly rewarding experience that enables you to communicate with people all over the world. In addition to exploring new cultures, you can better understand another culture through its film, local Italian foods, and music.  

When you learn Italian phrases before traveling to Italy, it shows your enthusiasm for immersing yourself in the local culture and making genuine connections with the people you meet. By taking the time to learn some basic Italian phrases, you’ll be able to navigate the country more easily and engage in light conversations.

Career Opportunities

Many Americans are learning another language, like Spanish, to boost their career prospects. Learning another language also helps to increase student opportunities for studying abroad. So why not add some Italian phrases to your arsenal of communications.

Personal Growth

They also help build your confidence and improve your memory. Learning a new language allows you to not only understand but also empathize with others. The better you understand someone, the more you can put yourself in their shoes.  

Tips for Learning a New Language

My journey of learning Italian started two years ago. After weighing a few learning options, trying a few apps, and speaking with polyglots, these are some of the best tips shared with me by seasoned language learners.

Focus on the Sounds

When possible, find a language partner who is a native Italian to help you with pronunciation. The language is highly phonic, and every letter must be pronounced. 

Think of it this way. In English, the words ‘who’, ‘how’, and ‘hoe’ have a different emphasis on the letter O. You wouldn’t what to say, “Hoe are you?” when you mean “How are you?”, that would be awkward.

It’s a Marathon, not a Sprint

Learning a new language takes time. There will be high and low periods of learning, but don’t give up. Balance your language learning across writing, reading, speaking, and listening. When you are exhausted from reading, focus on another area. 

Practice, Practice Practice

While there are several ways of learning a new language, all methods require practice. Apps like DuoLingo help you learn at your own pace, while Hello Talk and Tandem will connect you with native speakers of any language. You can also use iTalki to sign up for lessons with native speakers. 

Another tip is to speak to yourself. While having an Italian breakfast, say what you are eating (in your new language)! 

Basic Italian Words and Phrases for Travel

Need a free resource? Listen online for free to learn the sounds and pronunciations!

Looking to learn more Italian phrases? Rick Steves has an Italian phrase book and dictionary that will come in handy while traveling.

English	Italian	Explanations
Good morning   Good afternoon Good evening Good night	Buongiorno   Buon pomeriggio Buona sera Buona notte	Use until noon   Use until 5pm Use until midnight Use when you are going to bed
Thank you   Thank you very much	Grazie   Grazie mille	Gratitude goes a long way!
You’re Welcome   Go ahead Come In	Prego	Use in response to thank you   Use to allow someone to go before you at an entrance Use to welcome someone in
I’m Sorry   I feel sorry	Scusa (informal)   Scusi (formal)	Use with people you know well   Use at work, university, shops, restaurants
How are you?	Come stai? (informal)   Come Sta? (formal)	Use with people you know well   Use with people you don’t know
I am good, thanks.	Sto bene, grazie.   Sto benissimo! Sto alla grande!	A response to ‘how are you?’   I am very well! I am great!
Please	Per favore   Per piacere	In English, it literally means ‘for favor’ and ‘for pleasure’; they are interchangeable.
What is your name?   My name is (+ name)	Come ti chiami?   Mi chiamo (+ nome)	Example: Mi chiamo Lisa.
Where are you from?   I am from (+city)	Di dove sei?   Sono di (+città)	Example: Sono di Los Angeles.
Where is (+ place)	Dov’è (+ il posto)	Add the place on the end. For example, Dov’è il bagno (the bathroom)
How much is it?   How much is it?	Quanto costa?   Quant’è?	Use when you want the price of an item   Use when you want the total cost – learn Italian numbers!
I’ll take (+item)   I would like (+item)	Prendo (+articolo)   Vorrei (+articolo)	In English, we say I will have, but Italians say I will take. For example, Prendo un caffè (I’ll take a coffee). Don’t forget to add please and thank you!

Final Thoughts on Essential Italian Phrases Every Traveler Should Know

Learning some common Italian phrases can greatly enhance your travel experience in Italy. As well as helping you to communicate more effectively with locals, you will also gain a better understanding of the local culture.

If you learn a few key phrases, you can feel more comfortable and confident when ordering food, asking for directions, or simply greeting someone.

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