Italian for Travelers: 20 Must-Know Phrases Before You Go
Introduction
Planning a trip to Italy? Whether you're dreaming of gondola rides in Venice, wine tasting in Tuscany, or snapping selfies by the Colosseum, one thing can take your adventure from good to fantastico: speaking a bit of Italian. You don't have to be fluent, but knowing just a few key phrases can make your trip smoother, more enjoyable, and way more immersive.
This guide is perfect for travelers from Berkeley, Oakland, San Francisco, and beyond who are preparing for their first Italian getaway. We’ll walk you through 20 essential phrases—with pronunciation tips, cultural context, and practical examples—so you can confidently navigate airports, restaurants, shops, and charming Italian towns.
Even just a small effort to speak the local language can open doors, earn smiles, and turn tourists into temporary locals. Italians appreciate when travelers try—even imperfectly—to speak their language. It shows respect, curiosity, and a willingness to connect.
Let’s get you speaking like a local (well, almost). Here are the 20 Italian phrases every traveler should know before boarding that flight to bella Italia.
Greetings and Essentials
1. Ciao – Hi / Bye
Pronunciation: [chow]
Used both to say hello and goodbye informally. It's the most versatile word you'll learn.
🧠 Cultural tip: Say ciao to peers or younger people. For more formal situations, use buongiorno or arrivederci.
2. Buongiorno – Good morning / Good day
Pronunciation: [bwohn-jor-noh]
Used from morning until late afternoon in most parts of Italy.
🧠 Local insight: In shops or restaurants, saying buongiorno when entering is expected—and polite.
3. Buonasera – Good evening
Pronunciation: [bwohn-ah-seh-rah]
Switch to this after 4–5 p.m. in the evening.
4. Per favore – Please
Pronunciation: [pehr fah-voh-reh]
Simple, courteous, and appreciated.
🧠 Example: Un caffè, per favore. (A coffee, please.)
5. Grazie – Thank you
Pronunciation: [grah-tsee-eh]
Use it often!
🧠 Pro tip: Avoid dropping the final “e”—that’s a common American mistake.
6. Prego – You’re welcome / Go ahead
Pronunciation: [preh-goh]
Used as a response to grazie, but also when letting someone pass or enter.
At the Restaurant or Café
7. Vorrei… – I would like…
Pronunciation: [vohr-ray]
A polite way to order food or drinks.
🧠 Example: Vorrei una pizza margherita, per favore.
8. Il conto, per favore. – The check, please.
Pronunciation: [eel con-toh]
You’ll need this to pay at restaurants.
9. Un tavolo per due. – A table for two.
Pronunciation: [oon tah-voh-lo pehr doo-eh]
Perfect for couples or dining with friends.
10. Posso avere…? – Can I have…?
Pronunciation: [pos-soh ah-veh-reh]
Useful when asking for water, napkins, or menu changes.
🧠 Example: Posso avere dell’acqua frizzante? (Can I have sparkling water?)
Getting Around
11. Dov’è…? – Where is…?
Pronunciation: [doh-veh]
Ask for locations: Dov’è il bagno? (Where is the bathroom?)
12. Quanto costa? – How much does it cost?
Pronunciation: [kwan-toh cos-tah]
Great for markets or souvenir shops.
13. Parla inglese? – Do you speak English?
Pronunciation: [par-lah een-gleh-zeh]
Ask politely before launching into English.
🧠 Politeness bonus: Start with Mi scusi (Excuse me).
14. Mi sono perso/a. – I’m lost.
Pronunciation: [mee soh-no pair-soh / pair-sah]
Perso for men, persa for women.
15. Può aiutarmi? – Can you help me?
Pronunciation: [pwoh ah-you-tar-mee]
Use in emergencies or tricky travel moments.
Shopping and Socializing
16. Vorrei comprare questo. – I’d like to buy this.
Pronunciation: [vohr-ray com-prah-reh kwes-toh]
Perfect for markets and boutiques.
17. È troppo caro. – It’s too expensive.
Pronunciation: [eh troh-poh car-oh]
Negotiate with a smile.
18. Che bello! – How beautiful!
Pronunciation: [keh bel-loh]
Use for art, landscapes, or anything that inspires awe.
Politeness and Etiquette
19. Mi scusi. – Excuse me / I’m sorry
Pronunciation: [mee skoo-zee]
Use when bumping into someone or getting someone’s attention.
20. Arrivederci! – Goodbye!
Pronunciation: [ah-ree-veh-der-chee]
A formal and friendly way to say goodbye.
Practice Makes Perfect
These phrases may seem simple, but they are powerful tools for building rapport, showing respect, and navigating new places. Try writing them out by hand, saying them aloud, or practicing with a friend. You can even label items in your home with sticky notes in Italian to build your vocabulary before your trip.
If you’re located in Berkeley, Oakland, or San Francisco, why not go further and join a class where you can practice with real people and gain confidence before you fly?
Ready to Practice Italian Before You Travel?
At Polyglottist Language Academy in Berkeley, we offer beginner-friendly Italian classes that are perfect for travelers. You’ll learn practical language skills, cultural tips, and everyday conversation—all in a welcoming, no-pressure environment. Whether you're based in Berkeley, Oakland, or San Francisco, we’re here to help you prepare for your trip with confidence and joy.
Sign up today, and start turning your Italian vacation dreams into reality.