60 words and phrases to learn in Italian to travel

You planning a trip to Italy? Would you like to express yourself in Italian? Here are 60 words and phrases to learn Italian before leaving!

You will soon visit Italy, discover the riches of this fascinating and romantic country. With a rich historical, cultural and architectural heritage, as well as magnificent landscapes, Italy will be passionate about you. Especially since food is tasty and the inhabitants are welcoming! We advise you to review the basic expressions in Italian before departure, to facilitate your visits. Here are a few phrases and vocabulary in Italian to know. In addition, learning Italian is quite easy, thanks to Latin roots.

The pronunciation in Italian

In Italian everything is pronounced. Indeed, there are no consonants or mute vowels. Italian is a singing and melodious language. Also, the tonic accent can be placed on the last syllable, the last front or the last front. But in general, the last syllable is accentuated. And according to the regions, there are variations. Moreover, the “R” is “rolled”, it is one of the characteristics of the Italian language.

1. Basic expressions

• « Buongiorno » Morning (morning)
• "Buona will be" Good evening (after 5pm)
• « Buona notte » Good night
• « Ciao » Hi.
• « Si / No » Yes / No
• "Per favore" : Please
• « Grazie » Thank you.
• « Prego » : From nothing / Please
• « Come so chiama ? / ti chiami ? » : What’s your name? / are you calling?
• « Piacere » How do you do?
• « Come sta / stai ? » : How are you /are you?
• "Bene. E lei/you?" : Good and you / you?
• « Mi chiamo » : My name is
• « Sono » I am
• "Scusami" Excuse me.
• « Arriverderci » Goodbye
• "A presto" See you soon
• "Non lo so" I don't know

2. The expressions to guide

Can't find your way? Nothing better than learning Italian and so ask for its way in the language of the premises!

• "A destra" On the right
• "A sinistra" On the left
• "Dritto" : Straight
• "Al semaforo girare a destra" : At the fire turn right
• “What’s remote? » : How far?
• « Voglio andare a » I want to go
• « Cerco » I'm looking for
• “Dov’è l’ufficio del turismo” : Where is the tourist office?
• « Lei può mostrarmi sulla pianta ? » Can you show me on the plan?
• « Mi sono perso·a » : I'm lost

3. Expressions to understand and get understood

Need some information? You will need to learn Italian and some expressions.

• "No capisco" I don't understand
• « Lei parla francese ? » : Are you speaking French?
• " Lei può ripetere, per favore? » : Can you repeat, please?
• « No parlo italiano » I don't speak Italian
• « Lei può parlare più piano ? » Can you talk more slowly?
• « Come so dice « x » in italiano ? » : How do we say "x" in Italian?
• "Come so scrive? » : How is it written?

4. Useful expressions in the restaurant or shops

Let’s continue to learn Italian with some useful expressions at the restaurant or in store.

• "A tavolo per due" : One table for two
• « Sono vegetaliano·a – allergico·a » : I am a vegan – allergic
• "Quanto costa? » How much does it cost?
• "Il conto per favore" : Can I get the bill?
• “Dov’è il bagno? » : Where are the toilets?
• "Vorrei comprare" I would like to buy
• « Accettate the credito card? » : Do you accept credit cards?

5. Useful expressions at the hotel

Are you staying at the hotel? Learning Italian will facilitate your requests. So here are some perfect phrases for this context.

• « Ho prenotato su internet per due notti » : I booked on the internet for two nights
• "Vorrei prenotare una camera" I would like to reserve a room
• "The colazione included?" : Is breakfast included?
• "Abbiamo un problema" We have a problem
• "The doccia non funziona" : The shower does not work
• "Posso lasciare il mio bagaglio qui ? » : Can I leave my luggage here?

6. The expressions to be known for transport

• "Dove sono i taxi? » Where are the taxis?
• "Vorrei andare a questo indirizzo" : I would like to go to this address
• “Dov’è la fermata dell’ bus ? » : Where is the bus stop?
• "Vorrei a biglietto per la Metropolitana" : I want a metro ticket
• « Dove posso noleggiare una macchina ? » : Where can I rent a car?

But learning Italian is also learning its expressions. Here is a list of well-known Italian expressions.

7. No avere peli sulla lingua

This Italian expression translates into "not having hair on the tongue". It is used to talk about someone who is frank, who doesn’t bother to say what he thinks.

Example:

• I’m surprised what I just heard!
• No ho peli sulla lingua!

8. In bocca al lupo!

It is an expression to wish good luck, an encouragement to a difficulty. In general we respond by "crepi !".

Example:

• Tomorrow's day will be difficult!
• In bocca al lupo!
• Crepi!

9. Acqua in bocca!

This phrase is translated by “water in the mouth”. We use it to ask someone to keep a secret, shut up.

Example:

• What I just told you must remain confidential!
• Acqua in bocca!

11. No!

Here is an expression to say that we do not agree or to decline a proposal.

Example:

• I can accompany you to visit.
• No!

12. Essere in gamba

This phrase translates to “be in the leg” and designates someone very intelligent and well informed.

Example:

• This guide is great, he knows the city and its history perfectly!
• The guida è in gamba!

13. Hai voluto la bicicletta? E adesso pedala!

A sarcastic phrase that can be translated by “You wanted your bike? Well, now pedal! »

Example:

• I'm sorry I didn't follow their advice, I'm very upset now!
• Hai voluto la bicicletta? E adesso pedala!

14. Piovere's catinella!

One can translate into “he rains ponds”, the equivalent in French of “he rains ropes”.

Example:

• I planned to visit the castle park this morning.
• Piovere's catinella!

How to learn other expressions and vocabulary in Italian?

You now know some basic expressions for your trip to Italy. But if you want to deepen your knowledge, books and applications can help you learn Italian.