Italian is an expressive, romantic language that is as fun to learn as it is to speak.
And while your travel or study abroad program may not require you to learn Italian, getting a few key phrases down before arriving in Italy will significantly improve the quality of your stay. Daily life could become a hassle if you don’t, and no one wants to come off as an ugly tourist.
Here are 40 key Italian phrases to learn before you travel
SKIP TO TRANSLATIONS FOR …
Daily life
Eating and drinking
Emergencies and legal
Traveling
Money and purchases
14 phrases for everyday life in Italy
Making the most of your trip to Italy means nailing the day-to-day interactions. Memorize these 14 Italian phrases to make simple conversations much easier, and watch your confidence grow.
- Hello: Ciao
- Goodbye: Arrivederci
- Yes: SÌ
- No: No
- Please: Per favore
- Thank you: Grazie
- I’m sorry: Mi dispiace
- Excuse me: Mi scusi
- My name is ____: Mi chiamo ____
- How are you?: Come stai?
- Where is ____?: Dov’è ____?
- Where is the bathroom?: Dov’è il bagno?
- Can you show me on this map?: Puoi mostrarmelo su questa mappa?
- I don’t understand: Non capisco.
Related: How to study abroad in Italy – the definitive guide
Four phrases to know for eating in Italy
This is as easy as a decision gets. You traveled to Italy to eat well. These four basic requests will make sure that happens. Learn them.
- May I please have a menu?: Il menu, per favore
- May I have the bill/check?: Il conto per favore
- Where is the market/grocery store?: Dov’è il mercato?
- Is this water safe to drink?: Quest’acqua è potabile?
11 Italian phrases to know in an emergency while traveling
You don’t want to be consulting a translation app in an emergency. Learn this basic list of Italian phrases so you can react in a bad situation.
- This is an emergency: Questa è un ’emergenza.
- Fire!: Fuoco!
- I need a doctor: Ho bisogno di un dottore
- I feel sick: Mi sento male
- I need medicine: Ho bisogno di medicine
- I’m allergic to ______: Sono allergico a _____
- I would like to speak with a lawyer: Vorrei parlare con un avvocato
- I would like to speak with my embassy: Vorrei parlare con la mia ambasciata
- I need help: Ho bisogno di aiuto
- Where is the police station?: Dov’è la stazione di polizia?
- Stop that thief!: Ferma quel ladro!
Related: 35 travel apps you need before going abroad
Six phrases to know while traveling in Italy
The Italian transportation system can be a little tricky to navigate. Know these six Italian phrases to make your local and regional travels easier.
- What does a ticket cost?: Quanto costa un biglietto?
- How long is this trip?: Quanto dura questo viaggio?
- When does it arrive? (for any mode of transportation): Quando arriva?
- Where is the bus stop?: Dov’è la fermata dell’autobus?
- Where is the metro/subway?: Dov’è la metro?
- Please take me to the airport: Aeroporto, per favore
Five Italian phrases you need to know when shopping
Memorizing these five questions will help you out when visiting stores and markets.
- How much does this cost?: Quanto costa questo?
- Are there student rates/prices?: Ci sono tariffe per studenti?
- Do you take credit cards?: Accettate carte di credito?
- Where can I exchange money?: Dove posso cambiare denaro?
- Where is the closest ATM?: Dov’è il bancomat?
