135 Basic Italian Phrases for Travel: PDF Cheat Sheet
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.
| English | Italian | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Yes | Sì | see |
| No | No | noh |
| Please | Per favore | pehr fah-VOH-reh |
| Thank you | Grazie | GRAH-tsee-eh |
| You’re welcome | Prego | PREH-goh |
| I don’t understand | Non capisco | non kah-PEE-skoh |
| I don’t speak Italian | Non parlo Italiano | non 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 scusi | mee SKOO-zee |
| Excuse me (to navigate through) | Permesso | per-MESS-so |
| I’m sorry | Mi dispiace | mee dee-SPYAH-cheh |
| Hello/Goodbye | Ciao | chow |
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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.
| English | Italian | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Good morning | Buongiorno | bwohn-JOR-no |
| Good afternoon | Buon pomeriggio | bwohn poh-meh-REE-joh |
| Good evening | Buona sera | bwoh-nah SEH-rah |
| Good night | Buona notte | bwoh-nah NOH-teh |
| Hi / Bye (informal) | Ciao! | chow |
| Goodbye (formal) | Arrivederci | ahr-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 you | Piacere di conoscerti | pyah-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 you | Bene grazie | BEH-neh GRAH-tsee-eh |
| Have a good day | Buona giornata | bwoh-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.
| English | Italian | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | Lunedì | loo-NEH-dee |
| Tuesday | Martedì | mar-TEH-dee |
| Wednesday | Mercoledì | mehr-coh-LEH-dee |
| Thursday | Giovedì | jo-VEH-dee |
| Friday | Venerdì | veh-NEHR-dee |
| Saturday | Sabato | sah-BAH-toh |
| Sunday | Domenica | doh-MEH-nee-ca |
| What time is it? | Che ora è? | keh OH-ra eh? |
| It’s one o’clock | È l’una | eh LOO-nah |
| It’s two o’clock | Sono le due | SOH-noh leh DOO-eh |
| Noon | Mezzogiorno | met-zo-johr-NO |
| Midnight | Mezzanotte | met-zah-NOT-teh |
| Morning | Mattina | maht-TEE-nah |
| Afternoon | Pomeriggio | poh-meh-REE-joh |
| Evening | Sera | SEH-rah |
| Night | Notte | NOH-teh |
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Useful Italian Phrases at the 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.
| English | Italian | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| A table for two, please | Un tavolo per due, per favore | oon tah-VO-lo per DOO-eh, per fah-VO-reh |
| The menu, please | Il menu, per favore | eel MEH-noo, per fah-VO-reh |
| Water, please | Acqua, per favore | AH-kwah, per fah-VO-reh |
| I’m allergic to__ | Sono allergico/a a__ | SO-no ahl-lehr-JEE-ko/ka a__ |
| Dairy / Gluten / Fish | Latticini / Glutine / Pesce | laht-tee-CHEE-nee / gloo-TEE-neh / PEH-she |
| I am vegetarian | Sono vegetariano/a | SO-no veh-je-ta-ree-AH-no/na |
| What do you recommend? | Che cosa ci consiglia? | kay KO-sa chee kohn-SEE-lyah |
| Appetizer | Antipasto | ahn-tee-PAH-stoh |
| First course | Primo | PREE-moh |
| Second course | Secondo | seh-KON-doh |
| Dessert | Dolci | DOL-chee |
| Enjoy your meal! | Buon appetito! | bwohn ahp-peh-TEE-to |
| House wine | Vino della casa | VEE-no DEL-lah KAH-sah |
| Red / white wine | Vino rosso / bianco | VEE-no ROSS-oh / bee-AHN-koh |
| A glass / bottle | Una bicchiere / una bottiglia | OO-nah beek-KYEH-reh / OO-nah bot-TEE-lyah |
| This is delicious | È delizioso | eh 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 service | Grazie per il servizio | GRAH-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.
| English | Italian | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| I have a reservation | Ho una prenotazione | oh ooh-nah preh-noh-tah-zee-oh-neh |
| I would like a room for two | Vorrei una camera per due | voh-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 luggage | Ho bisogno di aiuto con i miei bagagli | oh bee-SO-nyoh dee ah-YOO-toh kon ee MY-ay bah-GA-lee |
Useful Italian Phrases When Visiting 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.
| English | Italian | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| Entrance | Entrata | en-TRAH-tah |
| Exit | Uscita | ooh-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/s | Un biglietto/due biglietti | oon beel-YET-toh/doo-way beel-YET-tee |
| Two adults/one child | Due adulti/un bambino | DOO-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 guide | Vorrei una guida | vo-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.
| English | Italian | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| Left | Sinistra | see-NEES-trah |
| Right | Destra | DEH-strah |
| Straight ahead | Dritto | DREET-toh |
| Turn around | Gira | GEE-rah |
| At the corner | All’angolo | ahl-LAN-goh-lo |
| Map | Mappa | MAHP-pah |
| Near | Vicino | vee-CHEE-no |
| Train station | Stazione dei treni | stah-tsyoh-neh dei TREH-nee |
| Airport | Aeroporto | ah-eh-roh-POHR-toh |
| Bus stop | Fermata dell’autobus | fehr-MAH-tah del-lah-too-BOOS |
Shopping Related Italian Phrases and Words
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.
| English | Italian | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| Open | Aperto | a-PEHR-to |
| Closed | Chiuso | KEE-u-so |
| Sale | Saldi | SAL-di |
| Shop | Negozio | ne-GO-tzio |
| Size | Taglia | TAH-lyah |
| Receipt | Ricevuta | ree-che-VOO-tah |
| Change | Resto | RES-to |
Kids Related Phrases in Italian
Venturing through Italy with your little ones? These phrases will prove immensely helpful in expressing their needs and ensuring they’re catered to.
| English | Italian | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Baby | Bambino/a | bam-BEE-no/a |
| Diaper | Pannolino | pan-no-LEE-no |
| Bottle | Biberon | bee-BEH-ron |
| Child seat | Seggiolino | seg-gio-LEE-no |
| I need a pediatrician | Ho bisogno di un pediatra | oh bee-SO-nyoh di oon peh-dyah-TRA |
| Playground | Parco giochi | PAR-co gio-kee |
| Kids’ menu | Menu per bambini | MEH-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-friendly | Adatto ai bambini | a-DAT-to ai bam-BEE-nee |
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.”
| English | Italian | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Help! | Aiuto! | ah-YOO-to |
| I need a doctor | Ho bisogno di un dottore | oh 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 passport | Ho perso il mio passaporto | oh 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 lost | Mi sono perso/a | mee SO-no PEHR-so/a |
| I feel sick | Mi sento malato/a | mee SEN-toh mah-LAH-to/a |
| It’s an emergency | È un’emergenza | eh oon eh-MER-gen-za |
| I need help | Ho bisogno di aiuto | oh bee-SO-nyoh di ah-YOO-to |
| Be careful | Fai attenzione | fai 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!
