90+ Essential Italian Phrases for Your Italy Adventure

Italy captivates with its artistic heritage, culinary masterpieces, and breathtaking landscapes. The country that gave us Leonardo da Vinci, ancient Roman architecture, and perfect espresso deserves more than just a passing visit. When traveling to Italy, understanding basic Italian phrases dramatically enhances your experience, allowing for meaningful connections with locals and a deeper appreciation of the culture.

While most Italians in tourist areas speak some English, making an effort to communicate in their language demonstrates respect and often results in warmer, more authentic interactions. This comprehensive guide provides the essential Italian phrases you'll need for your Italian adventure.

Why Learning Basic Italian Phrases Matters for Your Trip

Learning fundamental Italian expressions serves multiple purposes beyond basic communication. When you attempt to speak Italian, you signal respect for the local culture. Many Italians appreciate tourists who make this effort, often responding with increased patience and helpfulness.

Even mastering just a handful of common phrases can:

Break down initial communication barriers
Help navigate unexpected situations
Enhance cultural immersion
Create memorable interactions with locals
Gain access to authentic experiences that might otherwise be missed

Remember, perfection isn't necessary. Italians typically appreciate your effort rather than expecting flawless pronunciation or grammar.

Essential Italian Greetings and Courtesy Phrases

The foundation of any successful interaction begins with proper greetings. These everyday expressions will help you navigate initial conversations with Italians:

Buongiorno! – Good morning! (used until early afternoon)
Buon pomeriggio! – Good afternoon! (used from early afternoon until evening)
Buonasera! – Good evening! (used from evening until bedtime)
Buonanotte! – Good night! (specifically used when parting before sleep)
Salve! – Hello! (formal greeting usable at any time of day)
Ciao! – Hi!/Bye! (informal, used among friends or younger people)
Come stai? – How are you? (informal)
Come sta? – How are you? (formal)
Molto bene, grazie. – Very good, thank you.
Come ti chiami? – What is your name? (informal)
Come si chiama? – What is your name? (formal)
Mi chiamo _____. – My name is _____.
Piacere. – Nice to meet you.
Per favore. – Please.
Grazie. – Thank you.
Grazie mille. – Thank you very much. (literally "a thousand thanks")
Mi dispiace. – I'm sorry.
Prego. – You're welcome. (also used when offering something)
Mi scusi. – Excuse me. (to get attention or apologize, formal)
Scusa. – Excuse me. (informal)
Non c'è problema. – No problem.
Parli lentamente. – Speak slowly.
Buona giornata. – Have a good day.
Arrivederci. – Goodbye. (formal)
A presto. – See you soon.

Navigating Italian Airports and Transportation

Air travel in Italy often presents your first real language challenge. These phrases will help you navigate Italian airports and transportation systems with confidence:

I vostri passaporti, per favore. – Your passports, please.
Eccolo/Eccoli. – Here it is/Here they are.
Stiamo viaggiando insieme. – We are traveling together.
Abbiamo bisogno di aiuto per salire a bordo dell'aereo. – We need help boarding the plane.
Il volo è in ritardo? – Is the flight delayed?
Il volo è cancellato? – Is the flight canceled?
Quando parte il prossimo aereo per _____? – When is the next flight to _____?
Mi manca qualche bagaglio. – I am missing some luggage.
È occupato questo posto? – Is this seat taken?
Vorrei cambiare posto. – I would like to change my seat.
Dov'è il taxi? – Where is the taxi?
Quanto costa un biglietto per _____? – How much is a ticket to _____?
A che ora parte il prossimo treno per _____? – What time does the next train to _____ leave?
Da quale binario parte il treno? – From which platform does the train depart?
Vorrei noleggiare un'auto. – I would like to rent a car.

Asking for Help and Directions in Italian

Getting lost while exploring Italian cities is practically inevitable. These phrases will help you ask for assistance and understand directions:

Potrebbe aiutarmi, per favore? – Could you help me, please?
Dov'è l'aeroporto, per favore? – Where is the airport, please?
Dov'è la stazione degli autobus, per favore? – Where is the bus station, please?
Dov'è una banca, per favore? – Where is a bank, please?
Dove posso trovare un taxi? – Where can I find a taxi?
Dov'è la toilette? – Where is the toilet?
Dove posso comprare i biglietti? – Where can I buy tickets?
Dov'è una farmacia? – Where is a pharmacy?
Dov'è un supermercato? – Where is a supermarket?
Come arrivo a _____? – How do I get to _____?
È lontano? – Is it far?
Mi porti a questo indirizzo. – Drive me to this address.
Si fermi qui, per favore. – Please stop here.
Aspetti un momento, per favore. – Please wait a moment.
Ritorno subito. – I'll be back immediately.
Sono perso/persa. – I am lost. (male/female)
C'è una stazione della metropolitana vicino? – Is there a subway station nearby?
A destra. – To the right.
A sinistra. – To the left.
Dritto. – Straight ahead.

Essential Hotel and Accommodation Phrases

Your accommodation experience will be much smoother with these useful Italian phrases for hotel situations:

Ho prenotato una camera. – I have booked a room.
Questa camera è troppo rumorosa. – This room is too noisy.
C'è qualche problema? – Is there a problem?
Il condizionatore non funziona. – The air conditioner doesn't work.
Il lavandino è rotto. – The sink is broken.
C'è il Wi-Fi? – Is there Wi-Fi?
Qual è la password del Wi-Fi? – What's the Wi-Fi password?
C'è un armadietto per le mie cose? – Is there a locker for my things?
A che ora si deve lasciare la camera? – When is check-out time?
A che ora è la colazione? – What time is breakfast?
Grazie dell'aiuto. – Thank you for your help.
Come è stato il suo soggiorno con noi? – How was your stay with us?
Molto piacevole, grazie. – Very pleasant, thank you.
Ecco il suo conto, per favore lo controlli. – Here is your bill, please look it over.
C'è un errore nel conto. – There is an error in the bill.
Posso pagare con carta di credito? – Can I pay with a credit card?

Italian Restaurant and Food Phrases

Italy's culinary reputation is legendary. These phrases will help you navigate menus, order food, and enjoy authentic Italian dining experiences:

Ho una prenotazione. Mi chiamo _____. – I have a reservation. My name is _____.
Vorrei annullare la mia prenotazione. – I would like to cancel my reservation.
Vorrei cambiare la mia prenotazione. – I would like to change my reservation.
Un tavolo per _____, per favore. – A table for _____, please.
Possiamo sederci qui? – Can we sit here?
Il menu, per favore. – The menu, please.
Cosa mi consiglia? – What do you recommend?
Qual è la specialità della casa? – What is the house specialty?
Siamo pronti a ordinare. – We are ready to order.
Vorrei _____. – I would like _____.
Sono vegetariano/vegetariana. – I am vegetarian. (male/female)
Sono vegano/vegana. – I am vegan. (male/female)
Sono allergico/allergica a _____. – I am allergic to _____. (male/female)
Vorrei qualcosa senza carne. – I'd like something without meat.
Vorrei un'acqua minerale. – I'd like a mineral water.
Acqua naturale o frizzante? – Still or sparkling water?
Vorrei un succo d'arancia. – I'd like an orange juice.
Vorrei un tè al limone. – I would like a tea with lemon.
Vorrei un caffè. – I would like a coffee.
Vorrei un'insalata. – I would like a salad.
Vorrei una minestra. – I would like a soup.
Senza zucchero. – No sugar.
Anche del sale e del pepe, per favore. – Some salt and pepper also, please.
Vorrei un dolce. – I would like a dessert.
Il conto, per favore. – The bill, please.
È incluso il servizio? – Is service included?

Italian Shopping and Money Phrases

Shopping in Italian markets and boutiques becomes more enjoyable with these practical phrases:

Quanto costa? – How much does it cost?
Cosa vorresti? – What would you like?
Vorrei _____. – I would like _____.
Quanto costano? – How much are they?
Avete la taglia _____? – Do you have size _____?
Posso provarlo/provarla? – Can I try it on? (for masculine/feminine items)
Mi sta bene? – Does it look good on me?
È troppo caro. – It's too expensive.
Può farmi uno sconto? – Can you give me a discount?
Dove posso cambiare i soldi? – Where can I exchange money?
Accettate carte di credito? – Do you accept credit cards?
Posso avere una ricevuta? – Can I have a receipt?
Posso prendere il gelato? – Can I have some ice cream?
È aperto/chiuso. – It's open/closed.
A che ora aprite/chiudete? – What time do you open/close?

Entertainment and Nightlife Phrases in Italian

To experience Italian nightlife and entertainment, these phrases will help you find fun activities and socialize with locals:

C'è un pub qui vicino? – Is there a pub here?
C'è un concerto gratuito al parco. – There's a free concert in the park.
Vorresti ballare? – Would you like to dance?
Ci sono ancora biglietti per il teatro? – Are tickets for the theatre still available?
Quanto costa un biglietto, per favore? – How much does a ticket cost, please?
Un biglietto, per favore. – One ticket, please.
Andiamo a divertirci. – Let's have some fun.
Andiamo a ballare. – Let's go dancing.
Andiamo in un locale notturno. – Let's go to a night-club.
Cosa c'è da fare qui? – What is there to do here?
Ci sono musei aperti oggi? – Are there museums open today?
A che ora chiude il museo? – What time does the museum close?
C'è un tour guidato in inglese? – Is there a guided tour in English?

Emergency and Health-Related Italian Phrases

Being prepared for emergencies is essential when traveling. These critical phrases could help during unexpected situations:

Aiuto! – Help!
Chiamate un'ambulanza! – Call an ambulance!
Chiamate la polizia! – Call the police!
C'è stato un incidente. – There has been an accident.
Sto male. – I feel sick.
Ho bisogno di un medico. – I need a doctor.
Ho perso il mio passaporto. – I've lost my passport.
Mi hanno rubato il portafoglio. – My wallet has been stolen.
Dove si trova l'ospedale più vicino? – Where is the nearest hospital?
Ho bisogno di questi medicinali. – I need these medications.
Sono allergico/allergica a questo medicinale. – I am allergic to this medication. (male/female)
Ho l'assicurazione medica. – I have medical insurance.

Italian Social and Romantic Expressions

For those seeking friendships or romance during their Italian adventure, these phrases might come in handy:

Mi piacerebbe rivederti. – I'd like to see you again.
Piacerebbe molto anche a me. – I'd like that very much.
Sei molto bella. – You are very beautiful. (to a woman)
Sei molto bello. – You are very handsome. (to a man)
Posso baciarti? – May I kiss you?
Posso tenerti la mano? – May I hold your hand?
Mi piaci molto. – I like you a lot.
Sei single? – Are you single?
Sono sposato/sposata. – I'm married. (male/female)
Non sono interessato/interessata. – I'm not interested. (male/female)
Vorresti uscire questa sera? – Would you like to go out this evening?
Vorresti venire a cena con me? – Would you like to have dinner with me?
Ti amo. – I love you.
Parliamo domani. – Let's talk tomorrow.
Hai un profilo Instagram? – Do you have an Instagram profile?

Cultural Context and Etiquette Tips for Using Italian Phrases

Understanding how and when to use these phrases is as important as knowing the phrases themselves:

Formal vs. Informal Address: Italian distinguishes between formal (Lei) and informal (tu) forms of address. When addressing strangers, especially older people or those in positions of authority, use the formal form.
Greeting Etiquette: Italians often greet with kisses on both cheeks, though this is more common among people who know each other. A handshake is appropriate for first meetings.
Meal Timing: Italians typically eat lunch between 1-3 PM and dinner from 8-10 PM. Arriving at restaurants outside these hours may mean limited service.
Coffee Culture: Ordering a "caffè" will get you an espresso, not an American-style coffee. Cappuccino is considered a morning drink and rarely consumed after lunch.
Volume and Gestures: Italians often speak loudly and use animated hand gestures. This isn't aggression but normal communication style.
Dress Code: Italians dress well, especially in cities. When visiting churches, shoulders and knees should be covered.

Tech-Savvy Italian Phrases for Modern Travelers

In today's connected world, these modern technology-related phrases can be particularly useful:

C'è una presa elettrica qui vicino? – Is there an electrical outlet nearby?
Ho bisogno di comprare una SIM card. – I need to buy a SIM card.
Come posso connettermi al Wi-Fi? – How can I connect to the Wi-Fi?
La batteria del mio telefono è scarica. – My phone battery is dead.
Posso caricare il mio telefono qui? – Can I charge my phone here?
C'è un posto dove posso stampare dei documenti? – Is there a place where I can print documents?
Accettate Apple Pay/Google Pay? – Do you accept Apple Pay/Google Pay?
Posso prenotare online? – Can I book online?
Avete un'app? – Do you have an app?

Practical Tips for Learning and Pronouncing Italian Phrases

To master these phrases more effectively:

Focus on Pronunciation: Italian is largely phonetic, meaning words are pronounced as they're spelled. Pay special attention to double consonants and the rolling 'r'.
Practice with Audio Resources: Listen to native speakers through language apps or online resources to refine your pronunciation.
Start with High-Frequency Words: Begin with the most commonly used phrases, gradually expanding your vocabulary.
Use Flashcards or Mobile Apps: Tools like digital flashcards can help reinforce your memory of key phrases.
Context-Based Learning: Group phrases by situation (restaurant, shopping, etc.) to create mental associations that aid recall when needed.
Daily Practice: Even just 10-15 minutes of daily practice significantly improves retention.
Language Exchange: Practice with Italian speakers online through language exchange platforms before your trip.

Learn Any Language with Kylian AI

Private language lessons are expensive. Paying between 15 and 50 euros per lesson isn’t realistic for most people—especially when dozens of sessions are needed to see real progress.

Many learners give up on language learning due to these high costs, missing out on valuable professional and personal opportunities.

That’s why we created Kylian: to make language learning accessible to everyone and help people master a foreign language without breaking the bank.

To get started, just tell Kylian which language you want to learn and what your native language is

Tired of teachers who don’t understand your specific struggles as a French speaker? Kylian’s advantage lies in its ability to teach any language using your native tongue as the foundation.

Unlike generic apps that offer the same content to everyone, Kylian explains concepts in your native language (French) and switches to the target language when necessary—perfectly adapting to your level and needs.

This personalization removes the frustration and confusion that are so common in traditional language learning.

Choose a specific topic you want to learn

Frustrated by language lessons that never cover exactly what you need? Kylian can teach you any aspect of a language—from pronunciation to advanced grammar—by focusing on your specific goals.

Avoid vague requests like “How can I improve my accent?” and be precise: “How do I pronounce the R like a native English speaker?” or “How do I conjugate the verb ‘to be’ in the present tense?”

With Kylian, you’ll never again pay for irrelevant content or feel embarrassed asking “too basic” questions to a teacher. Your learning plan is entirely personalized.

Once you’ve chosen your topic, just hit the “Generate a Lesson” button, and within seconds, you’ll get a lesson designed exclusively for you.

Join the room to begin your lesson

The session feels like a one-on-one language class with a human tutor—but without the high price or time constraints.

In a 25-minute lesson, Kylian teaches exactly what you need to know about your chosen topic: the nuances that textbooks never explain, key cultural differences between French and your target language, grammar rules, and much more.

Ever felt frustrated trying to keep up with a native-speaking teacher, or embarrassed to ask for something to be repeated? With Kylian, that problem disappears. It switches intelligently between French and the target language depending on your level, helping you understand every concept at your own pace.

During the lesson, Kylian uses role-plays, real-life examples, and adapts to your learning style. Didn’t understand something? No problem—you can pause Kylian anytime to ask for clarification, without fear of being judged.

Ask all the questions you want, repeat sections if needed, and customize your learning experience in ways traditional teachers and generic apps simply can’t match.

With 24/7 access at a fraction of the cost of private lessons, Kylian removes all the barriers that have kept you from mastering the language you’ve always wanted to learn.

Take your free lesson with Kylian today.