The Modern Italian Phrasebook: 40 Most Common Phrases In Italy

There’s no denying that Italians know how to live life to the fullest. They enjoy good food, good wine, and good company, and they sure know how to have a good time. But if you’re not fluent in Italian, it can be difficult to join in on the fun without a few common phrases in Italy. That is why we’ve decided to come up with an easy, highly compressed Italian phrasebook for modern travellers!

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Here is a list of 20 of the most common phrases in Italy so you can start enjoying la dolce vita in no time.

Useful Phrases in Italy to Use In a Restaurant

Going out to eat is a cherished pastime in Italy. On the one hand, it is a perfect excuse to spend time with family and friends. On the other, Italian cuisine just happens to be one of the best in the world. From classic dishes like spaghetti carbonara and lasagna to more modern twists like pumpkin risotto and shrimp scampi, Italian gastronomy has something for everyone.

Whether you’re looking to order your food or you’re ready to pay the bill, here are the most useful Italian phrases to say in an Italian restaurant.

1. Buon appetite! – Enjoy your meal!
2. Posso avere il menu, per favore? – Can I have the menu, please?
3. Qual è il piatto del giorno? – What is the dish of the day?
4. Vorrei un bicchiere di vino, per favore. – I would like a glass of wine, please.
5. Il conto, per favore. – The bill, please!
6. È incluso il servizio? – Is the service included?
7. Dov’è il bagno? – Where is the bathroom?
8. Non è quello che avevo ordinato. – This isn’t what I ordered.
9. Potresti portarmi un’altra porzione, per favore? – Can you bring me another portion, please?
10. Era delizioso, grazie. – It was delicious, thank you.

Useful Phrases in Italy to Use In the Street

The Italians have a reputation for being extremely sociable and family-oriented people. But, are they friendly to tourists?

The answer is a resounding yes!

Italians are some of the most welcoming and hospitable people in the world. Whether you want to ask for directions, hail a taxi, or just strike up a conversation with a stranger, you can rest assured that Italians will go out of their way to make you feel at home.

Here are the most common street phrases in Italy:

11. Scusa, mi sai dire dove si trova…? – Excuse me, do you know where I can find…?
12. Dove si trova la fermata dell’autobus più vicina? – Where is the nearest bus stop?
13. Mi sai dare indicazioni per…? – Can you give me directions to…?
14. Vorrei un taxi, per favore. – I would like a taxi, please.
15. Quanto costa andare a…? – How much does it cost to go to…?
16. Mi dispiace, non parlo bene l’italiano. – I’m sorry, I don’t speak Italian very well.
17. Non ho capito. Potresti ripetere, per favore
18. Di dove sei? – Where are you from?
19. Come ti chiami? – What is your name?
20. Qual è il posto migliore in città? – What is the best place in town?

Useful Italian Phrases to Use On a Shopping Spree!

If you’re looking for the best clothes shopping experience, you’ll want to head to Italy’s top malls and clothes stores.

Rome’s famous Galleria Alberto Sordi, for example, is a top spot for fashion lovers which offers an impressive array of high-end brands. And what can I say about Milan’s Quadrilatero d’Oro (Golden Square), which is home to some of the most luxurious haute couture in Europe?

Whether you’re shopping for clothes, technology, or souvenirs, here are the most common phrases in Italy to navigate your way through the country’s top stores.

21. Vorrei provare questo. – I would like to try this on.
22. È in saldo? – Is this on sale?
23. Quanto costa questo? – How much does this cost?
24. Posso pagare con la carta di credit? – Can I pay with a credit card?
25. Hai una carta fedeltà? – Do you have a loyalty card?
26. Prendo questo. – I’ll take this.
27. Posso fare un reso? – Can I return this?
28. Hai questo in una taglia più piccola/grande? – Do you have this in a smaller/larger size?
29. Torno più tardi. – I’ll come back later.
30. Posso avere uno sconto? – Can I get a discount?

Useful Phrases in Italy to Use in a Pub

After a long day of sightseeing, eating and shopping, you might want to relax in one of Italy’s many bars and pubs.

From the aperitivo hour to after-dinner drinks, Italians know how to enjoy a good drink (or two!). So, if you’re looking to join in on the fun, here are common phrases in Italy to order a few drinks and help you break the ice with the locals. Who knows? You may even end up singing Italian songs together.

31. Un bicchiere di…, per favore. – A glass of…, please.
32. Una bottiglia di…, per favore. – A bottle of…, please.
33. Stai bevendo qualcosa? – Are you drinking anything?
34. Cosa stai bevendo? – What are you drinking?
35. Che ne dici di un drink insieme? – How about a drink together?
36. Santé! –Cheers!
37. Alla tua! – To your health!
38. Vieni spesso qui? – Do you come here often?
39. Qual è il drink migliore qui? – What is the best drink here?
40. Posso offrirti da bere? – Can I buy you a drink?

There you have it—40 of the most useful phrases in Italy to help you get by in any situation.  Now all that’s left to do is grab a glass of wine, raise a toast to your next Italian adventure, and of course, make sure you feel confident about your Italian level before you head off.

Lucky for you, that’s the part where we can help. On our website, you will find both face-to-face and online courses taught by Italian teachers that will help you prepare for your next trip and make the most of your time in Italy.

Jennifer, a client who took a personalized online course from her home in Sydney, has just sent us this testimonial:

‘I’m so happy and feel fortunate to have Nevia as my trainer! She is very patient and I really appreciate her style and manner of teaching Italian to a beginner like me! Best of all she’s very flexible and willing to adjust her schedule to meet my needs, which I understand is not always easy. Thank you for sending me to her to learn the Italian language. I don’t even realize how much I’ve already learned in only a matter of few weeks thanks to Nevia!”

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Would you like to have your own tailored Italian learning experience? Send us a message now, tell us about your learning goals, and we’ll find the perfect match for you.