Most Popular Italian Phrases and How to Learn Them

If you are planning your trip to Italy, you should learn some basic phrases. While in most touristy places you can communicate in English, many Italians don’t know this language. Moreover, by knowing basic phrases, you can get a better travel experience and befriend some locals. So let’s have a look at some of the most popular words and phrases in Italian!

How to Learn Italian 

When it comes to learning Italian, the resources are really good. For example, you can choose one of the 14 best apps to learn the Italian language or use many handbooks and aids that are available online. A trip to Italy is a great way to practice your skills in real life and improve your talking and listening. 

While studying, be sure that you practice regularly. Studying every day for 15 minutes is always a better and more effective option than having a few hours-long sessions on the weekend. 

Don’t be shy to speak. Your accent may not be perfect, and you may make some mistakes, but that’s the process of learning a foreign language. 

Most Popular Italian Phrases and Tips for Uses 

Ciao – Hello/Goodbye

Use this word with Italian-speaking friends or while traveling in Italy. While it is simple, it can make locals feel much friendlier towards you. 

Grazie – Thank you 

Expressing gratitude in Italian can take you a long way. Whenever someone does something nice for you, say Grazie! You might hear people reply to it with prego, which means you’re welcome. While traveling to Italy, try to use these simple words as much as possible. This way, you will reinforce their usage, and you will remember them better. 

Per favore – Please

Un cappucino e cornetto, per favore – A cappucino and cornetto, please. Use per favore to make requests or while asking for help. It will be very helpful to order your favorite dish or when you want to get your morning coffee. 

Mi scusi – Excuse me

If you want to politely get someone’s attention or apologize, use these two words. 

 

Mi dispiace – I’m sorry

This phrase is great if you want to apologize for an inconvenience or mistake you have made. 

Mi chiamo… – My name is…

Remember this phrase to introduce yourself to others easily. 

Di dove sei? – Where are you from?

You can ask Italians “Di dove sei?” to discover which part of Italy they are from. You can also practice this phrase with your language exchange friends. Reply to it with Sono dall’Inghilterra  (change the name of the country if necessary). 

Mi piace – I like

Use this phrase to express that you enjoy or like something. For example, you can say Mi piace carbonara – I like carbonara. 

Come stai? – How are you?

If you know a bit more Italian, use this phrase with Italians and encourage them to respond in their language. 

 

Other popular phrases that can be handy while traveling to Italy include:

• Non capisco – I don’t understand
• Che bello! – How nice!
• Dove si trova…? – Where is…?
• Molto bene – Very well
• Buongiorno – Good morning/Good day
• Buonasera – Good evening
• Buonanotte – Good night