🇮🇹 Top Italian Phrases for Your Holiday in Italy

Are you planning a trip to Italy? Knowing a few key Italian phrases will help make your holiday much smoother, more enjoyable, and will also help you connect warmly with locals. Even if many Italians speak English, they’ll appreciate your effort to speak their language. Here are some essential Italian expressions every traveller should know before jetting off to the La Dolce Vita!

1. Greetings and Polite Expressions

• Ciao! – Hello / Goodbye (informal)

• Buongiorno! – Good morning

• Buonasera! – Good evening

• Per favore – Please

• Grazie / Grazie mille – Thank you / Thanks a lot

• Prego – You’re welcome

  
  

👉 Tip: Always greet shopkeepers or waiters with “Buongiorno” or “Buonasera” before asking for something.

2. At the Restaurant

• Un tavolo per due, per favore. – A table for two, please.

• Il menù, per favore. – The menu, please.

• Vorrei la pasta alla carbonara. – I’d like the carbonara pasta.

• Il conto, per favore. – The bill, please.

👉 In Rome, try ordering local dishes like cacio e pepe or amatriciana – they’ll love you for it.

3. Getting Around

• Dov’è la stazione? – Where is the station?

• Quanto costa un biglietto? – How much is a ticket?

• Vorrei andare al Colosseo. – I’d like to go to the Colosseum.

• È lontano a piedi? – Is it far on foot?

4. Shopping and Markets

• Quanto costa questo? – How much does this cost?

• Posso pagare con la carta? – Can I pay by card?

• È troppo caro! – It’s too expensive!

• Mi fa un po’ di sconto? – Can you give me a little discount?

5. Emergencies and Essentials

• Mi scusi. – Excuse me / Sorry

• Ho bisogno di aiuto. – I need help.

• Dov’è il bagno? – Where is the bathroom?

• Chiami un dottore! – Call a doctor!

Final Tip

Don’t worry about being perfect! Italians will love your effort, and even a few words can make your trip more memorable. If you’d like to learn more Italian before your holiday, try a few lessons with a native speaker to boost your confidence.

📞 Contact me, Nicoletta, today for Italian lessons in Manchester or online across the UK and Europe.