You don't need to speak Italian. But these 20 phrases will transform every interaction from transactional to human.
Plan your Italy trip →Buongiorno (bwon-JOR-no) — Good morning/day. Use until ~4pm. THE most important word in Italy. Say it when entering any shop, restaurant, bar, pharmacy. Not saying it is considered rude.
Buonasera (bwona-SEH-ra) — Good evening. Use from ~4pm onwards.
Grazie (GRAH-tsee-eh) — Thank you.
Per favore (pair fa-VOR-eh) — Please.
Scusi (SKOO-zee) — Excuse me (formal). Use with strangers, older people.
Mi scusi, parla inglese? — Excuse me, do you speak English? Always ask before assuming.
Un tavolo per due — A table for two.
Il menù, per favore — The menu, please.
Cosa ci consiglia? — What do you recommend?
Il conto, per favore — The bill, please.
Era tutto buonissimo — Everything was delicious. (This makes the cook's day.)
Dov'è...? (doh-VEH) — Where is...?
Quanto costa? — How much does it cost?
Un biglietto per... — A ticket to...
A che ora parte? — What time does it leave?
Non capisco — I don't understand.
Può ripetere? — Can you repeat?
Aiuto! (ah-YOO-toh) — Help!
Ho bisogno di un dottore — I need a doctor.
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