Last updated on October 30th, 2024 at 06:11 pm

We spent two weeks exploring Italy, and during those two weeks, we were most thankful for having learned basic Italian words and phrases.

Unlike a few other European countries where English is spoken popularly and fluently, not all Italians speak fluent English.

Besides being a nice gesture to put an effort to learn their language it will also come handy when asking strangers for help. It can also be a great icebreaker with the locals when the they try to communicate with you in English.

Having said that, people in most tourist attractions such as museums, restaurants, street vendors and public transport officials have a decently good grasp of English language. You can also expect to find most airports and bigger railway/bus stations to have signboards in English. TIP: If you can speak or understand Spanish then it’s a big advantage as Italian is a close cousin.

Italians like to use the same word for two different things. For e.g. “Prego“ means “You’re Welcome” and it also means “Please” based on the usage. Your response to “Grazie” (Thankyou) is going to be “Prego” (You’re Welcome). However, a server can use the same word “Prego“ (Please) to invite you inside a restaurant. TIP: One Italian word can have many different meanings so be careful. 

TIP:  In most cases, “C” is pronounced ‘Chuh’ and “Ch” is pronounced ‘Kuh’ in Italian. For e.g. a Church is called “Chiesa” (pronounced Ki-eh-sa) and Five is called “Cinque” (pronounced Chin-qweh) in Italian.

Basic Italian Words & Phrases

Here is a list of a few basic Italian words and phrases that you must definitely know in Italy.

Sì. (see) Yes.

No. (noh) No.

Buon giorno! (bwohn-johr-noh) Hello! or Good morning! 

Buona sera! (bwoh-nah-seh-rah)  Good afternoon! Good evening!

Ciao! (chou)  Hello! or Good-bye! 

Grazie! (grah-tsee-eh) Thank you! 

Prego. (preh-goh) You’re welcome. or Please. or By all means, after you.

Scusi. (skooh-zee) Excuse me, I’m sorry. 

Cin Cin! (chin-chin) Cheers! 

Allora. (Ah-loh-raa) So. or Then. or Well then. This is another multi-purpose and very frequently used Italian word. It can be used by itself to express impatience such as Come on! or frustration such as Oh Lord! 

Per favore. (pehr fah-voh-reh) Please. Especially when asking for a favor.

Bagno. (bahn-yoh) Bathroom.

Parla inglese? (pahr-lah een-gleh-zeh) Do you speak English?

Come sta? (koh-meh stah) How are you?

Quanto? (Kwanh-toh) How much? 

With these few basics in your back pocket, you are on to a great start to that Italian vacation. I’m sure you will return with a bunch of new words and phrases as well as great memories to be shared.

Let us know if there is an Italian word or phrase that you would like us to add to this list.

Italian Language Books to Try

Use these phrase books to learn even more Italian before your trip. Some are even small enough to carry with you while you’re in Italy, so you’re never left without a way to communicate. Like if you have no cell service and can’t use Google Translate.

• Rick Steves Italian Phrase Book & Dictionary
• Lonely Planet Italian Phrasebook & Dictionary
• Italian Phrases for Beginners

Happy Traveling!