Italian Phrases for Travelers
Visiting Italy? Knowing a few essential Italian phrases can make your trip smoother and more enjoyable. While many people in major cities speak English, locals appreciate it when travelers make an effort to speak their language. Here are some key Italian phrases to help you navigate your journey.
Basic Greetings & Polite Expressions
- Buongiorno – Good morning
- Buonasera – Good evening
- Ciao – Hi/Bye (informal)
- Arrivederci – Goodbye (formal)
- Grazie – Thank you
- Prego – You’re welcome / Go ahead
- Per favore – Please
- Mi scusi – Excuse me
- Mi dispiace – I’m sorry
Introducing Yourself
- Mi chiamo… – My name is…
- Sono di… – I am from…
- Parlo un po’ di italiano – I speak a little Italian
- Non parlo italiano – I don’t speak Italian
- Capisco / Non capisco – I understand / I don’t understand
Asking for Help & Directions
- Dov’è…? – Where is…?
- Può aiutarmi? – Can you help me?
- Mi sono perso/a – I am lost
- C’è una mappa? – Is there a map?
- A destra / A sinistra – To the right / To the left
- Vicino / Lontano – Near / Far
Transportation & Getting Around
- Dove si trova la stazione? – Where is the train station?
- Quanto costa il biglietto? – How much is the ticket?
- A che ora parte il treno/autobus? – What time does the train/bus leave?
- Un biglietto per favore – One ticket, please
- Quanto dista da qui? – How far is it from here?
Ordering Food & Drinks
- Un tavolo per due, per favore – A table for two, please
- Il menù, per favore – The menu, please
- Vorrei… – I would like…
- Che cosa mi consiglia? – What do you recommend?
- Il conto, per favore – The check, please
- Posso pagare con la carta? – Can I pay with a card?
Shopping & Payments
- Quanto costa? – How much does it cost?
- Avete una taglia più grande / più piccola? – Do you have a bigger/smaller size?
- Accettate carte di credito? – Do you accept credit cards?
- Mi fa uno sconto? – Can you give me a discount?
Emergencies & Medical Assistance
- Aiuto! – Help!
- Chiamate un dottore! – Call a doctor!
- Ho bisogno di un medico – I need a doctor
- C’è una farmacia qui vicino? – Is there a pharmacy nearby?
- Ho perso il mio passaporto – I lost my passport
- Chiami la polizia! – Call the police!
Numbers in Italian
- Uno, due, tre, quattro, cinque – One, two, three, four, five
- Sei, sette, otto, nove, dieci – Six, seven, eight, nine, ten
- Venti, trenta, quaranta, cinquanta – Twenty, thirty, forty, fifty
Final Tips for Travelers
- Italians appreciate politeness, so always greet with a buongiorno or buonasera.
- Learning just a few phrases can enhance your experience and help you connect with locals.
- Don’t be afraid to try speaking Italian—most people will be happy to help!
Travel with Ease in Italy!
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Buon viaggio!