You don't need to speak Italian to travel Italy. Most people in tourism speak English. Google Translate exists. But — and this is the part no guidebook emphasizes enough — attempting even terrible Italian changes how Italians treat you. A "buongiorno" when you enter a shop. A "posso avere" instead of pointing. A "grazie mille" when you leave. These tiny efforts signal respect, and Italians reward respect with warmth, better service, extra portions, and directions that actually work. You don't need 50 phrases. You need 15. But we'll give you 50 because some of them are fun.
Plan my trip →Buongiorno (bwon-JOR-no) — good morning/good day. Use until ~3pm. The single most important word. Say it when entering ANY shop, restaurant, or human interaction.
Buonasera (bwon-ah-SEH-rah) — good evening. Use after ~3pm. Same rule: say it when entering anywhere.
Grazie (GRAH-tsee-eh) — thank you. Add "mille" (MEE-leh) for "thanks a lot."
Per favore (per fah-VOH-reh) — please.
Scusi (SKOO-zee) — excuse me / sorry. Works for bumping into people AND getting attention.
Permesso (per-MESS-oh) — let me pass. On a crowded bus, in a narrow aisle. Magic word.
Un caffè, per favore — one espresso, please. The most useful sentence in Italy.
Il conto, per favore — the bill, please. Essential for restaurants (they'll never bring it unsolicited).
Posso avere... (POSS-oh ah-VEH-reh) — can I have... Point at what you want and say this. Works everywhere.
Quanto costa? (KWAN-toh COST-ah) — how much does it cost?
Dov'è...? (doh-VEH) — where is...? + il bagno (bathroom), la stazione (station), il centro (center).
Non parlo italiano — I don't speak Italian. Usually gets an instant switch to English + sympathy.
Mi piace molto (mee pee-AH-cheh MOL-toh) — I like it a lot. Say this about food. Chefs will love you.
Salute! (sah-LOO-teh) — cheers! (when clinking glasses). Also means "bless you" after a sneeze.
Arrivederci (ah-ree-veh-DER-chee) — goodbye (formal). Or just "ciao" (informal, among friends).