ESSENTIAL WORDS FOR YOUR ITALIAN TRIP
For English speakers, Italian is generally not an easy language to understand or learn; however if you are planning a trip to Italy, learning a few easy and basic Italian words and phrases will be useful. Despite our lackluster reputation, English is spoken in all of the more touristy parts of Italy. Wherever you may travel, learning some basic words and greetings in the local language will enhance your experience, locals will usually appreciate the effort and sometimes it will get you better treatment; Italy is no exception.
Here are some useful words and phrases that travelers can often use during their trip to Italy.
BASIC WORDS - PAROLE BASI
Ciao!: Hello!/Bye!
It is an informal way of saying “hello” or “ good-bye”
Salve!: Hello! (This is a more formal greeting)
Arrivererci!: Good-Bye! (More formal way to goodbye)
Buongiorno!: Good Morning!
Buon Pomeriggio!: Good Afternoon!
Buonasera!: Good Evening!
ASKING FOR DIRECTIONS - CHIEDERE LE DIREZIONI
Mi sono persa/o: I’m lost
Dove è… : Where is...
La Stazione Ferroviaria: The Train Station
La Fermata Autobus: The Bus Stop
Il Bagno: The Bathroom
La Piazza: The Square
La Farmacia: The Pharmacy
L’Ospedale: The Hospital
La Polizia: The Police
After learning how to ask for directions, you should also learn how to understand the answer!
Gira a Destra: Turn Right
Gira a Sinistra: Turn Left
Vai Dritto: Go Straight
Torna Indietro: Go Back
E’ Molto Vicino!: It’s very close!
E’ Molto Lontano!: It’s very far!
Prima: Before
Dopo: After
MEETING SOMEONE - FARE CONOSCENZA
Mi Chiamo… : My name is….
Come Ti Chiami?: What’s your name?
Vengo Da: I come from
Da Dove Vieni?: Where are you from?
Sono: I am
Americano: American
Inglese: English
Spagnolo: Spanish
Portoricano: Puerto Rican
Italiano: Italian
Come Stai?/ Come va?: How are you?
When someone asks you “come stai?” or “come va?” you can answer like this:
Molto Bene, Grazie!: Very good, thanks!
Bene!: Fine
Male.: Bad/Sick
AT THE AIRPORT - ALL’ AEROPORTO
Aeroporto: Airport
Bagagli: Luggage
A Deposito Bagagli is where you deposit your luggage (the safest are airports and train stations)
Documenti: ID
Passaporto: Passport
Visto: Visa
Biglietto: Ticket
AT A RESTAURANT - AL RISTORANTE
Italy is famous for its delicious food, so whether you choose to eat in a trattoria or in a ristorante, keep in mind these words and phrases, you are going to need them!
Posso Avere Il Menù, Per Favore?: May I have the Menù, please?
Antipasti: Appetizers
Primi Piatti: First Course (usually pasta, rice or some kind of carbohydrate)
Secondi Piatti: Second Course (generally meat or fish)
Contorni: Side Dishes
Dolci: Desserts
Bevande/Bibite: Drinks
ORDINARE - ORDERING
Vorrei Prendere/Scelgo…. : I’d like to have....
Un Caffè: A Coffee
Una Birra Grande/Media/Piccola: A large/medium/small beer
Un Gelato: An ice cream
You can also use Posso Avere if you’d like to order/request something
If you really liked your meal, you can say that it was “buonissimo!” or “delizioso!”.
EMERGENCY - EMERGENZA
Aiuto!: Help!
Sono una/un Turista: I am a tourist
Ho Perso…. : I’ve lost
Il Mio Passaporto: My passport
Il Mio Telefono: My phone
Il Mio Portafoglio: My wallet
Mi Sento Male: I am feeling bad
Chiamate un’ Ambulanza!: Call an ambulance!
Chiamate la polizia!: Call the police!
Sono stata/o derubata/o: I’ve been robbed
HELPFUL QUESTIONS/PHRASES - DOMANDE/FRASI UTILI
Quanto Costa?: How much does it cost?
Il Museo/Negozio/… è chiuso: The museum/shop/... is closed
