135 Basic Italian Phrases for Travel: PDF Cheat Sheet

basic Italian phrases for travel

Hello, fellow travelers, and welcome to your comprehensive guide on basic Italian phrases for travel.

With my experience as a native Italian language teacher, I’ve crafted this guide using insights gleaned from interacting with hundreds of international tourists.

My objective is to tackle the unique challenges you may encounter when immersing yourself in a new language during your travels in Italy. I aim to provide the best way to navigate these language hurdles for a smoother experience.

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Certainly, Google Translate is handy, but learning basic Italian words and local phrases adds a special touch to your trip. Communicating in the local language can deepen connections with native speakers and unlock experiences that English alone may miss.

I’ve created a basic Italian travel phrases PDF to assist your journey. Accessible and user-friendly, it’s a good idea to download the PDF and make it your ideal companion for swift reference while on the move.

Are you ready to dive into the linguistic delights of Italian and elevate your travel experience? Let’s embark on this enriching journey together!

Basic Italian Phrases and Words

Let’s kick things off with a handful of essential Italian phrases and words that will prove invaluable in daily interactions with native Italian speakers. 

These simple Italian phrases, which represent the essential Italian vocabulary, will showcase your attempts to connect with locals in their language, enriching your Italian adventure.

EnglishItalianPronunciation
Yessee
NoNonoh
PleasePer favorepehr fah-VOH-reh
Thank youGrazieGRAH-tsee-eh
You’re welcomePregoPREH-goh
I don’t understandNon capisconon kah-PEE-skoh
I don’t speak ItalianNon parlo Italianonon PAR-lo ee-tah-LYAH-no
Do you speak English?Parla Inglese?PAR-la een-GLAY-zeh
Excuse me (to get someone’s attention)Mi scusimee SKOO-zee
Excuse me (to navigate through)Permessoper-MESS-so
I’m sorryMi dispiacemee dee-SPYAH-cheh
Hello/GoodbyeCiaochow

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Common Italian Greetings

common Italian greetings

Italians are known for their warm and animated nature. Here are some Italian greetings to get you off to a fantastic start. Tossing out a heartfelt “buon giorno!” with a bright smile can go a long way. 

To help you nail these greetings, we’ve listed the most popular key phrases, useful Italian words, and their appropriate use cases.

Formality is typically reserved for strangers and elders, while casual greetings are shared among friends.

EnglishItalianPronunciation
Good morningBuongiornobwohn-JOR-no
Good afternoonBuon pomeriggiobwohn poh-meh-REE-joh
Good eveningBuona serabwoh-nah SEH-rah
Good nightBuona nottebwoh-nah NOH-teh
Hi / Bye (informal)Ciao!chow
Goodbye (formal)Arrivederciahr-ree-veh-DEHR-chee
My name is__Mi chiamo__mee KYAH-moh
What is your name?Come ti chiami?koh-meh tee KYAH-mee
Nice to meet youPiacere di conoscertipyah-CHEH-reh dee koh-NO-shehr-tee
How are you? (informal)Come stai?koh-meh STAI
How are you? (formal)Come sta?koh-meh STAH
Good, thank youBene grazieBEH-neh GRAH-tsee-eh
Have a good dayBuona giornatabwoh-nah jor-NAH-tah

Want to learn more about Italian verbs? Explore our comprehensive guide: Italian Verb Conjugation Made Easy with a handy PDF. chart.

Days of the Week and Times of the Day in Italian

Knowing the days of the week and how to tell time in Italian can enhance your travel experience

This knowledge comes in handy while booking tours, checking opening times, or even planning your daily itinerary.

Here are the days of the week and some useful phrases related to time.

EnglishItalianPronunciation
MondayLunedìloo-NEH-dee
TuesdayMartedìmar-TEH-dee
WednesdayMercoledìmehr-coh-LEH-dee
ThursdayGiovedìjo-VEH-dee
FridayVenerdìveh-NEHR-dee
SaturdaySabatosah-BAH-toh
SundayDomenicadoh-MEH-nee-ca
What time is it?Che ora è?keh OH-ra eh?
It’s one o’clockÈ l’unaeh LOO-nah
It’s two o’clockSono le dueSOH-noh leh DOO-eh
NoonMezzogiornomet-zo-johr-NO
MidnightMezzanottemet-zah-NOT-teh
MorningMattinamaht-TEE-nah
AfternoonPomeriggiopoh-meh-REE-joh
EveningSeraSEH-rah
NightNotteNOH-teh

Recommended Reading: Learn how to count in Italian in no time.

Useful Italian Phrases at the Restaurant

useful phrases at the Italian restaurant

Immerse yourself in Italy’s famed gastronomy with these common phrases designed to enhance your dining experiences. 

If your Italian escapade includes savoring local cuisines or sampling delectable gelato (which it definitely should!), these essential basic phrases will be your greatest ally.

EnglishItalianPronunciation
A table for two, pleaseUn tavolo per due, per favoreoon tah-VO-lo per DOO-eh, per fah-VO-reh
The menu, pleaseIl menu, per favoreeel MEH-noo, per fah-VO-reh
Water, pleaseAcqua, per favoreAH-kwah, per fah-VO-reh
I’m allergic to__Sono allergico/a a__SO-no ahl-lehr-JEE-ko/ka a__
Dairy / Gluten / FishLatticini / Glutine / Pescelaht-tee-CHEE-nee / gloo-TEE-neh / PEH-she
I am vegetarianSono vegetariano/aSO-no veh-je-ta-ree-AH-no/na
What do you recommend?Che cosa ci consiglia?kay KO-sa chee kohn-SEE-lyah
AppetizerAntipastoahn-tee-PAH-stoh
First coursePrimoPREE-moh
Second courseSecondoseh-KON-doh
DessertDolciDOL-chee
Enjoy your meal!Buon appetito!bwohn ahp-peh-TEE-to
House wineVino della casaVEE-no DEL-lah KAH-sah
Red / white wineVino rosso / biancoVEE-no ROSS-oh / bee-AHN-koh
A glass / bottleUna bicchiere / una bottigliaOO-nah beek-KYEH-reh / OO-nah bot-TEE-lyah
This is deliciousÈ deliziosoeh deh-lee-ZEE-oh-so
Can I have the check?Posso avere il conto?POHs-so ah-VEH-re eel KON-to
Can I pay by card?Posso pagare con la carta?POHs-so pah-GAH-re kon lah KAHR-ta
Where’s the bathroom?Dov’è il bagno?DOH-veh eel BAH-nyoh
Thank you for the serviceGrazie per il servizioGRAH-tsyeh per eel sehr-VEE-tsyo

Useful Italian Phrases at the Hotel

Your hotel serves as your sanctuary while you traverse the landscapes of Italy. Here’s a list of Italian phrases with their English equivalent to ensure your stay is as comfortable as possible.

EnglishItalianPronunciation
I have a reservationHo una prenotazioneoh ooh-nah preh-noh-tah-zee-oh-neh
I would like a room for twoVorrei una camera per duevoh-rei ooh-nah kah-meh-rah per doo-eh
Could I have extra towels?Potrei avere asciugamani extra?poht-rei ah-ve-reh ah-shoo-gah-mah-nee EX-tra
Can I have room service?Posso avere il servizio in camera?POS-so ah-ve-reh eel ser-vee-TZEE-oh in kah-meh-rah
Where is the gym?Dov’è la palestra?doh-VEH lah pah-LEH-strah
Where is the elevator?Dove è l’ascensore?DOH-veh eh lah-SEN-so-re
What time is breakfast?A che ora è la colazione?ah keh O-rah eh lah koh-lah-TSEE-oh-neh
Can I have the Wi-Fi password?Potrei avere la password del Wi-Fi?poht-REI ah-ve-REH lah pass-WORD del wee-FEE
Could I have a late check-out?Potrei fare il check-out più tardi?poht-REI FA-reh eel check-OUT pyoo TAR-dee
I need help with my luggageHo bisogno di aiuto con i miei bagaglioh bee-SO-nyoh dee ah-YOO-toh kon ee MY-ay bah-GA-lee

Useful Italian Phrases When Visiting Attractions

useful Italian phrases when visiting Italian attractions

Italy’s rich culture and legendary landmarks are a significant part of any travel itinerary. 

We’ve gathered some of the most important phrases to help you secure tickets and ask common questions at attractions to aid you.

EnglishItalianPronunciation
Where is the museum?Dov’è il museo?doh-VEH eel moo-SEH-o
When does it open/close?Quando apre/chiude?KWAHN-doh AH-preh/KEY-you-day
EntranceEntrataen-TRAH-tah
ExitUscitaooh-SHEE-tah
Can I buy a ticket here?Posso comprare un biglietto qui?POS-so kom-PRA-reh oon beel-YET-toh kwee
One/two ticket/sUn biglietto/due bigliettioon beel-YET-toh/doo-way beel-YET-tee
Two adults/one childDue adulti/un bambinoDOO-way a-DOL-tee/oon bahm-BEE-noh
How much is the entrance fee?Quanto costa l’ingresso?KWAHN-toh KO-sta leen-GRES-so
I would like a guideVorrei una guidavo-REI oo-na GWEE-da
Do you have an English guide?Avete una guida in inglese?ah-VE-te oo-na GWEE-da een een-GLE-se
Can I take photos?Posso fare foto?POS-so FA-reh FO-to
Where is the toilet?Dov’è il bagno?doh-VEH eel BAH-nyoh
How do I get to__?Come arrivo a__?KO-meh ah-REE-vo ah__
Is it within walking distance?È a distanza di cammino?EH ah de-STAN-za dee ka-MEE-no

How to Ask for Directions in Italian

Avoid getting disoriented in Italy’s labyrinth-like cities with these phrases designed to guide you through your journey.

EnglishItalianPronunciation
Where is__?Dov’è__?doh-VEH__
How do I get to__?Come arrivo a__?coh-MEH ah-REE-vo ah__
Is it far?È lontano?eh lohn-TAH-no
LeftSinistrasee-NEES-trah
RightDestraDEH-strah
Straight aheadDrittoDREET-toh
Turn aroundGiraGEE-rah
At the cornerAll’angoloahl-LAN-goh-lo
MapMappaMAHP-pah
NearVicinovee-CHEE-no
Train stationStazione dei trenistah-tsyoh-neh dei TREH-nee
AirportAeroportoah-eh-roh-POHR-toh
Bus stopFermata dell’autobusfehr-MAH-tah del-lah-too-BOOS
shopping in Italy

Shopping in Italy is an absolute treat, whether you’re hunting for the latest fashion, unique food items, or charming souvenirs. Here are some phrases to aid you on your shopping spree.

EnglishItalianPronunciation
How much does it cost?Quanto costa?KWAHN-toh KOS-tah
I would like to buy__Vorrei compare__vor-REI kom-PRARE__
Do you accept credit cards?Accettate carte di credito?a-CHET-ta-te CAR-te di cre-DI-to
OpenApertoa-PEHR-to
ClosedChiusoKEE-u-so
SaleSaldiSAL-di
ShopNegozione-GO-tzio
SizeTagliaTAH-lyah
ReceiptRicevutaree-che-VOO-tah
ChangeRestoRES-to

Venturing through Italy with your little ones? These phrases will prove immensely helpful in expressing their needs and ensuring they’re catered to.

EnglishItalianPronunciation
BabyBambino/abam-BEE-no/a
DiaperPannolinopan-no-LEE-no
BottleBiberonbee-BEH-ron
Child seatSeggiolinoseg-gio-LEE-no
I need a pediatricianHo bisogno di un pediatraoh bee-SO-nyoh di oon peh-dyah-TRA
PlaygroundParco giochiPAR-co gio-kee
Kids’ menuMenu per bambiniMEH-nu per bam-BEE-nee
Can I have a high chair?Potrei avere un seggiolone?po-TREI a-VE-re un seg-gio-LO-ne
Do you have babysitting service?Avete un servizio di babysitter?a-VE-te un ser-VI-zio di ba-by-SIT-ter
Child-friendlyAdatto ai bambinia-DAT-to ai bam-BEE-nee

How to Ask for Help in Italian

how to ask for help in Italian

Should you require aid while exploring Italy, these phrases will be lifesavers in emergency situations.

While we hope you never have to use them, it’s always wise to remember the old saying, “better safe than sorry.”

EnglishItalianPronunciation
Help!Aiuto!ah-YOO-to
I need a doctorHo bisogno di un dottoreoh bee-SO-nyoh di oon dot-TO-re
Call the police!Chiamate la polizia!key-ah-MAH-teh lah po-LEE-tsya
I lost my passportHo perso il mio passaportooh PEHR-so eel MEE-o pah-sah-POR-to
Where is the hospital?Dov’è l’ospedale?doh-VEH lohs-peh-DAH-le
I’m lostMi sono perso/amee SO-no PEHR-so/a
I feel sickMi sento malato/amee SEN-toh mah-LAH-to/a
It’s an emergencyÈ un’emergenzaeh oon eh-MER-gen-za
I need helpHo bisogno di aiutooh bee-SO-nyoh di ah-YOO-to
Be carefulFai attenzionefai at-TEN-zio-ne

Basic Italian Phrases and Words for Travel FAQ

Answers to commonly asked questions about basic Italian phrases and words for travel.

Why should I learn basic Italian phrases before traveling to Italy?

Learning key Italian phrases demonstrates respect for Italian culture and makes your interactions with locals more meaningful. It can also enhance your overall travel experience.

Suggested Reading: Dive into the world of language learning with our top picks for the best 10 websites and apps to learn Italian through games.

How should I practice these phrases?

Regular practice is key. Try repeating the phrases aloud, writing them down, or using them in conversation. The provided PDF can be a handy resource for practice.

Where can I find a handy reference for basic Italian phrases with PDF?

Within this article, you can download our Basic Italian Phrases PDF cheat sheet, ideal for travelers. This extensive guide is designed to assist you in communicating with ease throughout your adventures in Italy.

Final Thoughts

As we wrap up this guide, remember that language is a beautiful gateway to culture. 

By learning and using these essential Italian travel phrases, you’re set to make your Italian adventure even more enriching and memorable. So, embrace the language, enjoy the journey to this beautiful country, and buon viaggio—have a great trip!

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