From the bustling streets of Rome to the serene shores of the Amalfi Coast, Italy offers an unforgettable adventure at every turn. However, venturing through this picturesque country often requires a bit of linguistic finesse, especially if you want to immerse yourself in the true essence of the land of la dolce vita (the sweet life).

Non ti preoccupare (Don’t worry)! Expat Explore is here to help you make the most of your Italian adventure. Below we’ve listed a few key Italian phrases you can use to ensure a smooth and unforgettable trip!

Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned traveller, read on to uncover the essential phrases for Italian travel. From basic greetings to navigating public transportation and gracefully handling miscommunications, our Italian guide will equip you with the linguistic tools needed to immerse yourself fully in the beauty of Italy.

So, pack your bags, brush up on your Italian, and let Expat Explore be your trusted companion on this unforgettable adventure!

Related: Travelling to Italy in spring? Here’s what to expect!

Pronti (Ready)? Iniziamo (Let’s begin)!

Here are our top Italian travel phrases:

Greetings:

Ciao – Hello

Buongiorno  – Good morning

Buon pomeriggio – Good afternoon

Buonasera – Good evening

Buona notte – Good night

Arrivederci – Goodbye

Bonus tip: Familiarise yourself with common Italian hand gestures. Italians are known for speaking with their hands, and the pinched finger gesture is most associated with the phrase, Ma che vuoi? (“What do you want?”).

Related: Visiting Greece, France, the Netherlands, or Portugal? We have more handy travel phrase guides for you!

The magic words:

Per favore – Please

Grazie – Thank you

Mi scusi – Excuse me

SÌ – Yes

Nò – No

Mi chiamo… – My name is…

Bonus tip: Italians appreciate the effort to speak their language, even if it’s just a few words, a little goes a long way!

From ordering your morning espresso to asking for directions to the Colosseum, knowing a few essential Italian phrases can enhance your travel experience. Whether you’re wandering through the cobblestone streets of Florence or marvelling at the ancient ruins of Pompeii, being able to communicate with locals in their native language adds an invaluable layer of authenticity to your journey. Even if it is just a few words here and there!

Getting around:

In general, most of the street and attraction signs are in Italian only, but that shouldn’t be a problem. Many locals speak English, especially in touristic cities, and with these few key phrases, you can impress them into leading you in the right direction. 

Another fun fact, Italian and English share a rich vocabulary of common or very similar words; as soon as you start noticing them, you’ll be surprised at how many you already know! So although the signs may be in Italian, you’ll be able to find your way to the top attractions with ease.

Plus, getting lost can be part of the adventure, you might just find a hidden gem or a new favourite restaurant where all the locals gather along the way.

Dov’è… – Where is…

l’hotel? / l’albergo – the hotel?

la Banca? – the bank?

l’aeroporto? – the airport?

la biglietteria? – the ticket window?

la spiaggia? – the beach?

Sto cercando… – I’m looking for…

il bus – the bus

un taxi – a taxi

i servizi igienici – the toilets

l’ospedale – the hospital

Dov’è la metropolitana? – Where is the metro?

Dove sono i taxi? – Where are the taxis?

Dov’è l’uscita? – Where is the exit?

E’ vicino? – Is it close by?

È lontano? – Is it far?

Sinistra e destra – Left and right

Related: Planning a trip to Italy? Take a look at Italy’s top 10 travel highlights!

Miscommunications:

Even after mastering a few greetings and essential phrases, let’s face it, language blunders can happen to the best of us. But, don’t sweat it! Having a few extra phrases on hand can be your secret weapon to navigating these situations like a seasoned traveller (or at least a charmingly confused one).

Non capisco – I don’t understand

Potrebbe ripetere, per favore? – Could you repeat that, please?

Parla un po’ più lentamente, per favore – Speak a little slower, please

Non parlo italiano – I don’t speak Italian

Parlo un po d’italiano – I speak a little Italian

Remember to relax, be present, and enjoy the journey! Italians value the art of slowing down and savouring life’s simple pleasures. Travel like a local and embrace the Italian way of life. Who knows, you might even find yourself picking up a few extra Italian phrases along the way, simply by soaking in the atmosphere and engaging with the friendly locals.

Pronto per l’Italia? (Ready for Italy?)

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Vuoi esercitarti con queste frasi? (Do you want to practice these phrases?) Then be sure to visit Italy with Expat Explore to put your newfound Italiano knowledge to the test!