While we’re all stuck at home dreaming about the holidays that are to come, what better time to start learning a language?
Italian Phrases
Today communication while traveling is easier than ever before. With Google Translate in our pockets, the DuoLingo owl shaming us into lessons and the wide spreading of English across the globe we’ve never had an easier time communicating with locals.While yes, many people across the globe do speak English, particularly in tourist areas, you should never assume or expect locals to speak English to you.
Do I have to learn Italian?
The short answer is no, when you’re taking but a few weeks holiday in Italy you don’t need to be fluent in Italian. Most tours will be available for you to take in English, and almost all museums have plaques in both Italian and English for you to read.
However, it’s incredibly rude to expect Italians to speak English for you. Though rude to assume everywhere, it is even more so the further regional you get. Italy is covered in many beautiful Italian dialects and many people in rural areas do not need to learn English.
If you want to spend an extended time in Italy or venture out past the tourist areas you really should know at least some basic, conversational Italian.
Italian Basics
Before we run into phrases and such there are a few handy things to know about the Italian language.
Firstly, there are only 21 characters in the Italian alphabet. They omit the letters J, K, W, X and Y, however, you may see J and K used in peoples names.
Secondly, there are many many dialects across the country that aren’t exactly dialects. The general language of Italian that we know today began in 17th century Florence, all other dialects are in fact languages of their own. Don’t fret though, you’ll be fine to get by with general Italian phrases.
Day to day conversations
These are phrases that we recommend having in your back pocket just in case. They’re the important things that will help you get on with your day to day movements without too much hesitation.
Ciao: Hello
Buongiorno: Good Morning
Come stai? How are you?
Bene, grazie, per favore: Good, thank you, please
Grazie: Thank you
Prego: You’re welcome
Arrivederci: See you later!
Mi dispiace: I’m sorry
Mi scusi: Excuse me
Si/No: Yes/No
Aiuto: Help
Lei parla inglese? Do you speak English?
Non capisco: I don’t understand
Uno: One, Due: Two, Tre: Three, Quattro: Four, Cinque: Five, Sei: Six, Sette: Seven, Otto: Eight, Nove: Nine, Diece: Ten
If you think you’ll struggle to remember all these words then we recommend saving them into a note on your phone. This means they will always be available to you!
Another great idea is to download the Google Translate app. You can use the app to scan things such as signs and menus, it will then translate the page of text for you. If you have internet connection it can also do immediate translations if you need to say something but are not sure how to.
The phrases above are the bare minimum to know before you get to Italy. However, if you think you’re capable of learning a bit more (and we sure you are!) then keep on reading.
Important questions
When you’re traveling to a new place there are a few questions that are likely to come up multiple times. Questions relating to travel, food, and accommodation are all very common. While they can take a little longer to remember sometimes, they are incredibly useful vocabulary to have ready. Let us tell you, there is nothing more relieving than being able to walk into a restaurant after a long morning exploring the city and ask for a table, immediately followed by a request for directions to the bathroom!
Possiamo avere una tavolo per…? Can we have a table for
Possiamo avere il conto, per favore? Could I have the bill, please?
Hai un bagno? Do you have a bathroom?
Other useful tools
If you do in fact wish to learn Italian then that is great, there are a few things we can suggest to help make the process a bit easier.
There are many language app available for smartphones these days meaning you can learn Italian just about anywhere. Some of the most popular include DuoLingo, Busuu and Babbel. The apps aim to teach you languages in fun, game-like ways with plenty of reminders to keep you accountable.
If one-on-one or teacher-based learning is more for you then why not join an online course. There are lots of these kinds of lessons available, a simple google will bring an abundance to you. If you’d really like to learn, especially as a way to fill your time in isolation, why not opt for video lessons. They’re a great way to get some social interaction and acquire a new skill at the same time!
Recommended Italy Tours: Rome, Pompeii, Vatican City, Amalfi Coast, Florence, Tuscany, Pisa & Venice
Price: €15
Company: Sightseeing Tours Italy
Related article: Your Top Italy Questions Answered
About the Author
Alice is an Australian based globetrotter. She loves exploring and sharing her adventures as she goes. Alice is the owner at Alice's Adventures.
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