150+ italian phrases to learn for tourists

150+ Must-Know Italian Phrases for Tourists (With Pronunciation)

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While many Italians speak English, especially in tourist areas, knowing a few basic Italian phrases can greatly enhance your travel experience. Not only will it help you navigate more easily, but it will also endear you to the locals, who appreciate the effort to speak their language. In this article, we’ll cover over 150+ common Italian travel phrases, complete with pronunciation tips, to help you make the most of your trip.

Pronunciation Tips for Beginners

Before diving into the phrases, let’s go over some basic pronunciation rules to help you sound more like a local:

  1. Vowels are clear and distinct: Italian vowels (a, e, i, o, u) are always pronounced the same way. For example, “a” sounds like “ah,” and “e” sounds like “eh.”
  2. Double consonants are emphasized: Words like “grazie” (thank you) have a strong “zz” sound.
  3. Roll your “r”: Practice rolling your tongue for words like “prego” (you’re welcome).
  4. Stress the right syllable: Most Italian words are stressed on the second-to-last syllable, like “buongiorno” (bwon-JOR-no).

Now that you’re ready, let’s explore the essential phrases you’ll need for your trip!

Italian Phrases for Being Polite

Politeness goes a long way in Italy. Here are some key phrases to show respect and courtesy:

  1. Grazie (GRAH-tsee-eh) – Thank you.
  2. Prego (PREH-go) – You’re welcome.
  3. Per favore (pehr fah-VOH-reh) – Please.
  4. Mi scusi (mee SKOO-zee) – Excuse me (formal).
  5. Scusa (SKOO-zah) – Excuse me (informal).
  6. Mi dispiace (mee dee-SPYAH-cheh) – I’m sorry.
  7. Non c’è problema (non cheh pro-BLEH-mah) – No problem.
  8. Si (see) – Yes.
  9. No (noh) – No.
  10. Per piacere (pehr pyah-CHEH-reh) – Please (less common but polite).

Italian Phrases for Meeting & Greeting

Italian Phrases for Meeting & Greeting

Greetings are an important part of Italian culture. Use these phrases to make a great first impression:

  1. Buongiorno (bwon-JOR-no) – Good morning/Good day.
  2. Buonasera (bwon-ah-SEH-rah) – Good evening.
  3. Ciao (chow) – Hello/Goodbye (informal).
  4. Arrivederci (ah-ree-veh-DEHR-chee) – Goodbye (formal).
  5. Come ti chiami? (KOH-meh tee KYAH-mee) – What’s your name? (informal).
  6. Come si chiama? (KOH-meh see KYAH-mah) – What’s your name? (formal).
  7. Mi chiamo… (mee KYAH-moh) – My name is…
  8. Piacere di conoscerti (pyah-CHEH-reh dee koh-NOH-shehr-tee) – Nice to meet you (informal).
  9. Piacere di conoscerla (pyah-CHEH-reh dee koh-NOH-shehr-lah) – Nice to meet you (formal).
  10. Come stai? (KOH-meh STAH-ee) – How are you? (informal).
  11. Come sta? (KOH-meh STAH) – How are you? (formal).
  12. Sto bene (STOH BEH-neh) – I’m fine.
  13. E tu? (eh too) – And you? (informal).
  14. E Lei? (eh lay) – And you? (formal).

Italian Phrases for Communication

Italian Phrases for Communication

When you need help or are struggling to understand, these phrases will come in handy:

  1. Può aiutarmi? (pwoh ah-yoo-TAHR-mee) – Can you help me? (formal).
  2. Mi può aiutare? (mee pwoh ah-yoo-TAH-reh) – Can you help me? (formal, alternative).
  3. Non capisco (non kah-PEE-skoh) – I don’t understand.
  4. Parla inglese? (PAHR-lah een-GLEH-zeh) – Do you speak English?
  5. Può ripetere? (pwoh ree-peh-TEH-reh) – Can you repeat that? (formal).
  6. Puoi ripetere? (pwoy ree-peh-TEH-reh) – Can you repeat that? (informal).
  7. Come si dice… in italiano? (KOH-meh see DEE-cheh… een ee-tah-LYAH-noh) – How do you say… in Italian?
  8. Dove posso trovare…? (DOH-veh POHS-soh troh-VAH-reh) – Where can I find…?
  9. Ho una domanda (oh OO-nah doh-MAHN-dah) – I have a question.
  10. Che cosa significa…? (keh KOH-zah see-NYEE-fee-kah) – What does… mean?

Italian Power Phrases

Italian Power Phrases

These essential phrases will help you navigate emergencies and tricky situations:

  1. Dove si trova…? (DOH-veh see TROH-vah) – Where is…?
  2. Ho bisogno di aiuto (oh bee-ZOH-nyoh dee ah-YOO-toh) – I need help.
  3. È un’emergenza! (eh oon eh-mehr-JEN-zah) – It’s an emergency!
  4. Chiamate la polizia (kyah-MAH-teh lah poh-lee-TSEE-ah) – Call the police.
  5. Chiamate un’ambulanza (kyah-MAH-teh oon ahm-boo-LAHN-zah) – Call an ambulance.
  6. Dov’è l’ospedale? (doh-VEH loh-speh-DAH-leh) – Where is the hospital?
  7. Mi sono perso/a (mee SOH-noh PEHR-soh/ah) – I’m lost (male/female).
  8. Ho perso il mio passaporto (oh PEHR-soh eel MEE-oh pah-sah-POHR-toh) – I lost my passport.
  9. Dov’è il bagno? (doh-VEH eel BAH-nyoh) – Where is the bathroom?
  10. Attenzione! (ah-ten-TSYOH-neh) – Watch out!

Paying for Things in Italian

Paying for Things in Italian

When shopping or dining, these phrases will help you handle transactions smoothly:

  1. Quanto costa? (KWAHN-toh KOHS-tah) – How much does it cost?
  2. Posso pagare con la carta? (POHS-soh pah-GAH-reh kohn lah KAHR-tah) – Can I pay by card?
  3. Accettate carte di credito? (ah-cheh-TAH-teh KAHR-teh dee KREH-dee-toh) – Do you accept credit cards?
  4. Il conto, per favore (eel KOHN-toh pehr fah-VOH-reh) – The bill, please.
  5. È incluso il servizio? (eh een-KLOO-zoh eel sehr-VEE-tsyoh) – Is the service charge included?
  6. Posso avere uno scontrino? (POHS-soh ah-VEH-reh OO-noh skohn-TREE-noh) – Can I have a receipt?
  7. Non ho spiccioli (non oh SPEE-choh-lee) – I don’t have change.
  8. È troppo caro (eh TROHP-poh KAH-roh) – It’s too expensive.
  9. Avete qualcosa di meno costoso? (ah-VEH-teh kwahl-KOH-zah dee MEH-noh koh-STOH-zoh) – Do you have something less expensive?
  10. Posso provarlo? (POHS-soh proh-VAHR-loh) – Can I try it on?

Italian Phrases for Bars and Cafés

italian common words phrases to be used in bars/cafe

Ordering drinks and snacks like a local is a must in Italy:

  1. Vorrei un caffè (vohr-RAY oon kahf-FEH) – I’d like a coffee.
  2. Un cappuccino, per favore (oon kahp-poo-CHEE-noh pehr fah-VOH-reh) – A cappuccino, please.
  3. Un bicchiere di vino rosso/bianco (oon bee-KYEH-reh dee VEE-noh ROHS-soh/BYAHN-koh) – A glass of red/white wine.
  4. Una birra, per favore (OO-nah BEER-rah pehr fah-VOH-reh) – A beer, please.
  5. Cosa mi consiglia? (KOH-zah mee kohn-SEE-lyah) – What do you recommend?
  6. Vorrei un dolce (vohr-RAY oon DOHL-cheh) – I’d like a dessert.
  7. È senza glutine? (eh SEHN-zah GLOO-tee-neh) – Is it gluten-free?
  8. Posso avere dell’acqua? (POHS-soh ah-VEH-reh dehl-LAH-kwah) – Can I have some water?
  9. Con ghiaccio (kohn GYAH-choh) – With ice.
  10. Dov’è il bancone? (doh-VEH eel bahn-KOH-neh) – Where is the counter?

Italian Phrases for Restaurants

Italian Phrases used in Restaurants

Dining out is a highlight of any trip to Italy. Use these phrases to enjoy your meal:

  1. Vorrei prenotare un tavolo per due (vohr-RAY preh-noh-TAH-reh oon TAH-voh-loh pehr DOO-eh) – I’d like to book a table for two.
  2. Il menù, per favore (eel meh-NOO pehr fah-VOH-reh) – The menu, please.
  3. Siamo pronti per ordinare (SYAH-moh PROHN-tee pehr ohr-dee-NAH-reh) – We’re ready to order.
  4. Qual è il piatto del giorno? (kwahl eh eel PYAH-toh dehl JOHR-noh) – What is the dish of the day?
  5. Vorrei… (vohr-RAY) – I’d like…
  6. È piccante? (eh peek-KAHN-teh) – Is it spicy?
  7. Sono vegetariano/a (SOH-noh veh-jeh-tah-RYAH-noh/ah) – I’m vegetarian (male/female).
  8. Sono vegano/a (SOH-noh veh-GAH-noh/ah) – I’m vegan (male/female).
  9. Il conto, per favore (eel KOHN-toh pehr fah-VOH-reh) – The bill, please.
  10. È stato delizioso! (eh STAH-toh deh-lee-TSYOH-zoh) – It was delicious!

Italian Phrases for Shopping

italian phrases used in shopping

Whether you’re browsing markets or boutiques, these phrases will help:

  1. Avete questa taglia? (ah-VEH-teh KWEHS-tah TAH-lyah) – Do you have this in my size?
  2. Posso provarlo? (POHS-soh proh-VAHR-loh) – Can I try it on?
  3. Quanto costa? (KWAHN-toh KOHS-tah) – How much does it cost?
  4. È in saldo? (eh een SAHL-doh) – Is it on sale?
  5. Può farmi uno sconto? (pwoh FAHR-mee OO-noh SKOHN-toh) – Can you give me a discount?
  6. Accettate carte di credito? (ah-cheh-TAH-teh KAHR-teh dee KREH-dee-toh) – Do you accept credit cards?
  7. Vorrei comprare questo (vohr-RAY kohm-PRAH-reh KWEHS-toh) – I’d like to buy this.
  8. Ha qualcosa di più economico? (ah kwahl-KOH-zah dee pyoo eh-koh-NOH-mee-koh) – Do you have something cheaper?
  9. È fatto a mano? (eh FAH-toh ah MAH-noh) – Is it handmade?
  10. Posso avere una busta? (POHS-soh ah-VEH-reh OO-nah BOO-stah) – Can I have a bag?

Italian Phrases for Travel & Transport

italian phrases for transport

Navigating Italy’s transportation system is easier with these phrases:

  1. A che ora parte il treno? (ah keh OH-rah PAHR-teh eel TREH-noh) – What time does the train leave?
  2. Dov’è la stazione? (doh-VEH lah stah-TSYOH-neh) – Where is the station?
  3. Un biglietto per…, per favore (oon bee-LYEH-toh pehr… pehr fah-VOH-reh) – A ticket to…, please.
  4. Quanto costa il biglietto? (KWAHN-toh KOHS-tah eel bee-LYEH-toh) – How much is the ticket?
  5. Dove si compra il biglietto? (DOH-veh see KOHM-prah eel bee-LYEH-toh) – Where do I buy the ticket?
  6. È questo il treno per…? (eh KWEHS-toh eel TREH-noh pehr…) – Is this the train to…?
  7. Può portarmi a…? (pwoh pohr-TAHR-mee ah…) – Can you take me to…? (taxi).
  8. Quanto costa fino a…? (KWAHN-toh KOHS-tah FEE-noh ah…) – How much does it cost to…? (taxi).
  9. Dov’è la fermata dell’autobus? (doh-VEH lah fehr-MAH-tah dehl-LOW-toh-boos) – Where is the bus stop?
  10. Quanto tempo ci vuole per arrivare? (KWAHN-toh TEHM-poh chee VWOH-leh pehr ah-ree-VAH-reh) – How long does it take to get there?

Italian Phrases for Accommodation

Italian Phrases for Accommodation/hotels

When checking into your hotel or Airbnb, these phrases will be useful:

  1. Ho una prenotazione (oh OO-nah preh-noh-tah-TSYOH-neh) – I have a reservation.
  2. C’è il Wi-Fi? (cheh eel WEE-fee) – Is there Wi-Fi?
  3. A che ora è la colazione? (ah keh OH-rah eh lah koh-lah-TSYOH-neh) – What time is breakfast?
  4. Dove si trova la piscina? (DOH-veh see TROH-vah lah pee-SHEE-nah) – Where is the pool?
  5. Posso avere una camera più tranquilla? (POHS-soh ah-VEH-reh OO-nah KAH-meh-rah pyoo trahn-KWEE-lah) – Can I have a quieter room?
  6. C’è l’aria condizionata? (cheh lah-REE-ah kohn-dee-tsyoh-NAH-tah) – Is there air conditioning?
  7. Dov’è l’ascensore? (doh-VEH lah-shehn-SOH-reh) – Where is the elevator?
  8. Posso lasciare i bagagli qui? (POHS-soh lah-SHAH-reh ee bah-GAH-lyee kwee) – Can I leave my luggage here?
  9. A che ora è il check-out? (ah keh OH-rah eh eel CHEK-owt) – What time is check-out?
  10. Posso avere una coperta in più? (POHS-soh ah-VEH-reh OO-nah koh-PEHR-tah een pyoo) – Can I have an extra blanket?

Phrases to Make Italians Smile

italian phrases for smile

Impress locals with these friendly expressions:

  1. Che bello! (keh BEHL-loh) – How nice!
  2. In bocca al lupo! (een BOH-kah ahl LOO-poh) – Good luck! (literally, “into the wolf’s mouth”).
  3. Crepi il lupo! (KREH-pee eel LOO-poh) – Break a leg! (response to “in bocca al lupo”).
  4. Che buono! (keh BWOH-noh) – How delicious!
  5. Che fortuna! (keh fohr-TOO-nah) – What luck!
  6. Sei molto gentile (say MOHL-toh jehn-TEE-leh) – You’re very kind.
  7. Mi piace molto l’Italia (mee PYAH-cheh MOHL-toh lee-TAH-lyah) – I really like Italy.
  8. Complimenti! (kohm-plee-MEHN-tee) – Congratulations!
  9. Che sorpresa! (keh sohr-PREH-zah) – What a surprise!
  10. Sei simpatico/a (say seem-PAH-tee-koh/ah) – You’re nice (male/female).

Basic Italian Phrases for Kids

Basic Italian Phrases for Kids

Traveling with children? Teach them these simple phrases:

  1. Ciao! (chow) – Hi/Bye.
  2. Grazie (GRAH-tsee-eh) – Thank you.
  3. Per favore (pehr fah-VOH-reh) – Please.
  4. Mi piace (mee PYAH-cheh) – I like it.
  5. Non mi piace (non mee PYAH-cheh) – I don’t like it.
  6. Ho fame (oh FAH-meh) – I’m hungry.
  7. Ho sete (oh SEH-teh) – I’m thirsty.
  8. Dov’è il bagno? (doh-VEH eel BAH-nyoh) – Where is the bathroom?
  9. Posso avere…? (POHS-soh ah-VEH-reh) – Can I have…?
  10. Aiuto! (ah-YOO-toh) – Help!

Italian Phrases for Family

Italian Phrases for Family

Talk about your loved ones with these phrases:

  1. Mia madre (MEE-ah MAH-dreh) – My mother.
  2. Mio padre (MEE-oh PAH-dreh) – My father.
  3. Mio fratello (MEE-oh frah-TEHL-loh) – My brother.
  4. Mia sorella (MEE-ah soh-REHL-lah) – My sister.
  5. Mio figlio (MEE-oh FEE-lyoh) – My son.
  6. Mia figlia (MEE-ah FEE-lyah) – My daughter.
  7. Mio marito (MEE-oh mah-REE-toh) – My husband.
  8. Mia moglie (MEE-ah MOH-lyeh) – My wife.
  9. I miei genitori (ee MYAY jeh-nee-TOH-ree) – My parents.
  10. La mia famiglia (lah MEE-ah fah-MEE-lyah) – My family.

Italian Phrases for Renting A Car

Italian Phrases for Renting A Car

Planning to rent a car in Italy? Here are the essential phrases to make the process smooth and stress-free:

  1. Vorrei noleggiare un’auto (vohr-RAY noh-leh-JAH-reh oon OW-toh) – I would like to rent a car.
  2. Qual è il costo giornaliero? (kwahl eh eel KOHS-toh johr-nah-LYEH-roh) – What is the daily cost?
  3. Avete un’assicurazione completa? (ah-VEH-teh oon ahs-see-koo-rah-TSYOH-neh kohm-PLEH-tah) – Do you have full insurance?
  4. C’è un limite di chilometri? (cheh oon LEE-mee-teh dee kee-LOH-meh-tree) – Is there a mileage limit?
  5. Dove posso restituire l’auto? (DOH-veh POHS-soh reh-stee-TOO-ee-reh L’OW-toh) – Where can I return the car?
  6. Posso lasciare l’auto in un’altra città? (POHS-soh lah-SHAH-reh L’OW-toh een oon-AHL-trah chee-TAH) – Can I leave the car in another city?
  7. C’è un supplemento per il guidatore aggiuntivo? (cheh oon soop-pleh-MEN-toh pehr eel gwee-dah-TOH-reh ah-joon-TEE-voh) – Is there an extra charge for an additional driver?
  8. Dove si trova il parcheggio più vicino? (DOH-veh see TROH-vah eel pahr-KEH-joh pyoo vee-CHEE-noh) – Where is the nearest parking lot?
  9. Cosa succede se l’auto si rompe? (KOH-zah soo-CHEH-deh seh L’OW-toh see ROM-peh) – What happens if the car breaks down?
  10. Posso avere una mappa o un GPS? (POHS-soh ah-VEH-reh OO-nah MAHP-pah oh oon jee-pee-EHSS) – Can I have a map or a GPS?

With these 150+ Italian travel phrases, you’ll be well-equipped to navigate Italy with confidence and charm. Practice them before your trip, and don’t be afraid to use them—Italians will appreciate your effort! Buon viaggio! (Have a great trip!)

Italian Phrases About Life

Reflect on life with these thoughtful expressions:

  1. La vita è bella (lah VEE-tah eh BEHL-lah) – Life is beautiful.
  2. Carpe diem (KAHR-peh DEE-em) – Seize the day.
  3. Tutto passa (TOOT-toh PAHS-sah) – Everything passes.
  4. C’è sempre un domani (cheh SEHM-preh oon doh-MAH-nee) – There’s always tomorrow.
  5. L’amore vince tutto (lah-MOH-reh VEEN-cheh TOOT-toh) – Love conquers all.
  6. Speranza è l’ultima a morire (speh-RAHN-zah eh LOOL-tee-mah ah moh-REE-reh) – Hope is the last to die.
  7. Chi va piano, va sano e va lontano (kee vah PYAH-noh, vah SAH-noh eh vah lohn-TAH-noh) – Slow and steady wins the race.
  8. Meglio tardi che mai (MEH-lyoh TAHR-dee keh MAH-ee) – Better late than never.
  9. Ride bene chi ride ultimo (REE-deh BEH-neh kee REE-deh OOL-tee-moh) – He who laughs last, laughs best.
  10. La felicità è nelle piccole cose (lah feh-lee-chee-TAH eh NEHL-leh PEEK-koh-leh KOH-zeh) – Happiness is in the little things.

Other Helpful Little Italian Words

These small but mighty words can make your Italian sound more natural:

  1. Allora (ahl-LOH-rah) – So/Well.
  2. Ecco (EHK-koh) – Here/There you go.
  3. Perché (pehr-KEH) – Because.
  4. Quindi (KWEEN-dee) – Therefore.
  5. Anche (AHN-keh) – Also.
  6. Forse (FOHR-seh) – Maybe.
  7. Davvero? (dahv-VEH-roh) – Really?
  8. Adesso (ah-DEHS-soh) – Now.
  9. Dopo (DOH-poh) – Later.
  10. Sempre (SEHM-preh) – Always.

Common Italian Phrases for Love

Express your feelings with these romantic phrases:

  1. Ti amo (tee AH-moh) – I love you.
  2. Ti voglio bene (tee VOH-lyoh BEH-neh) – I care about you.
  3. Sei bellissimo/a (say behl-LEES-see-moh/ah) – You’re very beautiful (male/female).
  4. Mi manchi (mee MAHN-kee) – I miss you.
  5. Vieni qui (VYEH-nee kwee) – Come here.
  6. Baciami (BAH-chah-mee) – Kiss me.
  7. Sei il mio amore (say eel MEE-oh ah-MOH-reh) – You’re my love.
  8. Ti penso sempre (tee PEHN-soh SEHM-preh) – I always think of you.
  9. Fammi un sorriso (FAH-mee oon sohr-REE-zoh) – Give me a smile.
  10. Sei tutto per me (say TOOT-toh pehr meh) – You’re everything to me.

kashif author in Florence

Since graduating, Kashif has embraced Florence as his home, delving into its vibrant culture and exceptional cuisine. He is passionate about exploring Italy’s local food scene and discovering the distinctive character of each neighborhood.

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