If you’ve just been to Italy, you might have got stuck when practicing your Italian, whether it was to order food or ask for information. Or maybe you're about to go to Italy and want to avoid that feeling.
It’s really common not to have the phrases you need because textbooks often give you long lists of phrases without focusing on the ones you’re most likely to use.
This post shares 50 super useful phrases you’ll hear (and use) all the time in Italy. There are quite a few, so no pressure to memorize them all.
Instead, you can treat this like a reference that you can keep coming back to. Or print it off and bring it to Italy like a phrasebook.
Italian Words and Phrases to Know for Transport and Getting Around
You can use these phrases to make getting around Italy easier. You can use them to ask locals for advice in lots of situations, like asking how far something is or asking about the best way to get there.
| Quanto dista? | How far away is it? | KWAHN-toh DEES-tah? |
| Quanto ci vuole? | How long does it take? | KWAHN-toh chee VWOH-leh? |
| Questo autobus va a…? | Does this bus go to…? | KWEHS-toh ow-TOH-boos vah ah…? |
| Questo treno va a…? | Does this train go to…? | KWEHS-toh TREH-noh vah ah…? |
| Da che binario parte il treno? | What platform does the train leave from? (lit. from what platform leaves the train) | Dah keh bee-NAH-ree-oh PAR-teh eel TREH-noh? |
| Quanto costa un biglietto? | How much does a ticket cost? | KWAHN-toh KOH-stah oon bee-LYET-toh? |
| Come arrivo a…? | How do I get to (lit. arrive at)... | KOH-meh ahr-REE-voh ah…? |
| C’è un posto dove posso prendere un taxi? | Is there a place where I can get a taxi? | ChEH oon POH-stoh DOH-veh POS-soh PREHN-deh-reh oon TAK-see? |
For example:
Quanto dista il museo? -How far away is the museum?
Quanto ci vuole per arrivare in stazione? -How long does it take to get to the station?
Quanto costa un biglietto per Roma? -How much does a ticket to Rome cost?
Italian Words and Phrases to Know for Accommodation
These Italian phrases are perfect for getting practical help during your stay in a hotel in Italy. They also cover common questions that hotel staff might ask you.
| Servono solo i documenti. | We just need your documents (lit. are needed only the documents) | SER-voh-noh SOH-loh ee doh-koo-MEN-tee |
| La colazione è dalle 7 alle 10. | Breakfast is from 7 to 10 | Lah koh-lah-TSYO-neh EH DAHL-leh SEHT-teh AHL-leh DYEH-chee |
| C’è un posto dove posso lasciare le valigie? | Is there a place where I can leave my suitcases (lit. the suitcases)? | ChEH oon POH-stoh DOH-veh POS-soh lah-SHAH-reh leh vah-LEE-jeh? |
| Posso lasciare le valigie alla reception? | Can I leave my suitcases (lit. the suitcases) at reception? | POS-soh lah-SHAH-reh leh vah-LEE-jeh AHL-lah reh-SEP-shon? |
| Ha bisogno di una mano? | Do you (formal) need a hand? | Ah bee-ZOH-nyoh dee OO-nah MAH-noh? |
| Hai bisogno di una mano? | Do you (informal) need a hand? | Eye bee-ZOH-nyoh dee OO-nah MAH-noh? |
| Serve aiuto con qualcosa? | Do you need help with anything? (lit. is help needed with something) | SER-veh ah-YOO-toh kon kwahl-KOH-sah? |
| Scusi, c’è il Wi-Fi? | Excuse me (formal) is there Wi-Fi? | SKOO-zee chEH eel WYE-fye |
| Posso avere la password del Wi-Fi? | Can I have the Wi-Fi password? | POS-soh ah-VEH-reh lahPASS-word dehl WYE-fye |
For example:
-Scusi, posso avere la password del Wi-fi? -Excuse me, can I have the Wi-Fi password?
- Ha bisogno di una mano con i bagagli? -Do you need a hand with the luggage?
Italian Words and Phrases to Know for Eating Out
These phrases will help you find a good spot, book a table and understand common things that waiters say.
| È meglio prenotare? | Is it better to book? | Eh MEH-lyoh preh-noh-TAH-reh? |
| C’è un ristorante tipico qui? | Is there a typical restaurant here? | ChEH oon rees-toh-RAHN-teh TEE-pee-koh kwee? |
| Avete prenotato? | Have you (plural) booked? | Ah-VEH-teh preh-noh-TAH-toh? |
| Vorrei prenotare per stasera alle… | I’d like to book this evening at | Vor-RAY preh-noh-TAH-reh pehr stah-SEH-rah AHL-leh… |
| Dov’è il bagno? | Where’s the bathroom? | Doh-VEH eel BAH-nyoh? |
| Il vino della casa | The house wine | Eel VEE-noh DEL-lah KAH-zah |
| Il piatto del giorno | The dish of the day | Eel PYAT-toh del JOR-noh |
| Tutto a posto? | Is everything ok? | TOOT-toh ah POH-stoh? |
| Posso pagare con la carta? | Can I pay by card? | POS-soh pah-GAH-reh con lah CAR-tah? |
| Con Bancomat?* | By debit card? | Con BAHN-coh-maht? |
*Bancomat is the name of Italy’s main bank networks. If you hear it in a restaurant, the waiter’s just checking that you want to pay by debit card.
For example:
Vorrei prenotare per stasera alle otto -I’d like to book for this evening at 8
Qual è il piatto del giorno? -What is the dish of the day?
For other really common phrases that you can use when you’re eating out, you can go to our blogpost on Italian restaurant phrases most tourists don’t understand .
Italian Words and Phrases to Know for Shopping
Here are some common phrases that you can use to talk to commessi, shopkeepers, in Italy. They’ll help you understand what shopkeepers say and how you can reply.
| Posso dare un’occhiata? | Can I take (lit. give) a look? | POS-soh DAH-reh oon ock-KYAH-tah? |
| Do un’occhiata, grazie. | Just looking (lit. a look), thank you | Doh oon-ohk-KYAH-tah, GRAHT-tsyeh* |
| Cerca qualcosa in particolare? | Are you (formal) looking for something in particular? | CHER-kah kwal-KOH-zah een par-tee-koh-LAH-reh? |
| Vuole una busta / un sacchetto? | Do you (formal) want a bag? | VWOH-leh OO-nah BOO-stah / oon sahk-KET-toh? |
| Ecco qui | Here you go | EHK-koh kwee |
For example:
- Buongiorno, cerca qualcosa in particolare? -Hello, are you (formal) looking for anything in particular?
- Do un’occhiata, grazie -Just looking, thanks
Italian Words and Phrases to Know for Your Plans in Italy
These Italian phrases will help you get the info you need for your plans, like tips and opening times, so you don’t miss out on anything fun or important.
| A che ora apre? | What time does it open? | Ah keh OH-rah AH-preh? |
| A che ora chiude? | What time does it close? | Ah keh OH-rah KYOO-deh? |
| Posso chiedere un’informazione? | Can I ask for some (lit. an) information? | POS-so kyeh-DEH-reh oon een-for-mah-TSYOH-neh? |
| C’è una visita guidata? | Is there a guided tour? | ChEH OO-nah VEE-zee-tah gwee-DAH-tah? |
| C’è uno sconto per anziani / bambini? | Is there a discount for seniors / children? | ChEH OO-noh SKON-toh pehr an-TSYAH-nee / bam-BEE-nee? |
| Si può prenotare online. | You can (lit. one can) book online | See pwoh preh-noh-TAH-reh on-LYNE |
| Deve scaricare l’app. | You (formal) have to download the app | DEH-veh skah-ree-KAH-reh lapp. |
| È questa la fila per entrare? | Is this the line to get in? | EH KWES-ta la FEE-la per en-TRAH-reh? |
For example:
A che ora apre il museo? -What time does the museum open?
C’è una visita guidata oggi? -Is there a guided tour today?
Italian Words and Phrases to Know for Chatting and Connecting with Italians
These Italian phrases are perfect for chiacchierare, chatting, with Italians. You can use them to make small talk (like talking about the weather) or thanking Italians for their help.
| Di dove sei? | Where are you (informal) from? | Dee DOH-veh say? |
| Di dov’è? | Where are you (formal) from? | Dee doh-VEH? |
| Cosa mi consiglia di vedere? | What do you (formal) suggest I see? | KOH-zah mee con-SEEL-yah dee veh-DEH-reh |
| Cosa mi consigli di vedere? | What do you (informal) suggest I see? | KOH-zah mee con-SEEL-yee dee veh-DEH-reh |
| È la prima volta in Italia? | Is it your first time (lit. the first time) in Italy? | EH lah PREE-ma VOL-tah een ee-TAH-lya? |
| Piacere. | Nice to meet you | Pya-CHEH-reh |
| Grazie per l’aiuto. | Thank you for the help | GRAH-tsyeh pehr lah-YOO-toh |
| Molto gentile, grazie. | Very kind, thank you | MOHL-toh jen-TEE-leh, GRAH-tsyeh |
| Alla prossima! | Until next time! | AHL-lah PROS-see-mah! |
| Che bello! | How lovely! | Keh BEL-loh! |
| Che caldo! | How hot! | Keh KAHL-doh! |
| Che freddo! | How cold! | Keh FREHD-doh! |
| Più lentamente per favore. | More slowly please | PYOO len-TAH-men-teh per fah-VOH-reh |
| Puoi ripetere per favore? | Can you (informal) repeat please? | PWOY ree-peh-TEH-reh per fah-VOH-reh? |
| Può ripetere per favore? | Can you (formal) repeat please? | PWOH ree-peh-TEH-reh per fah-VOH-reh? |
For example:
Ciao. Alla prossima! -Bye. Until next time!
Piacere. Sono Mary. -Nice to meet you. I’m Mary.
Vai a Firenze? Che bello! -You’re going to Florence? How lovely!
Here, you’ve seen a few phrases to help you ask an Italian to slow down or repeat, so you get the most out of your Italian practice. For more phrases like this, you can go to our blogpost on advice for speaking Italian (and not getting Englished) .
50 Italian Words and Phrases To Know For Your Next Trip: Review
Now you've seen plenty of common Italian expressions. Let’s recap some of the main phrases.
-
Italian Words and Phrases to Know for Transport and Getting Around
For example:
Quanto dista? -How far away is it?
C’è un posto dove posso prendere un taxi? -Is there a place where I can get a taxi?
-
Italian Words and Phrases to Know for Accommodation
For example:
Posso avere la password del Wi-fi? -Can I have the WiFi password?
C’è un posto dove posso lasciare le valigie? -Is there a place where I can leave my suitcases?
-
Italian Words and Phrases to Know for Eating Out
For example:
Vorrei prenotare per stasera alle otto. -I’d like to book for this evening at 8.
Qual è il piatto del giorno? -What is the dish of the day?
-
Italian Words and Phrases to Know for Shopping
For example:
Cerca qualcosa in particolare? -Are you looking for anything in particular?
Do un’occhiata, grazie. -Just looking, thanks.
-
Italian Words and Phrases to Know for Your Plans in Italy
You can use these phrases to get all the practical information you need for your day out in Italy.
For example:
Si può prenotare online. -You can book online.
È questa la fila per entrare? -Is this the line to get in?
-
Italian Words and Phrases to Know for Chatting and Connecting with Italians
These phrases are perfect for getting to know Italians and asking them for help or suggestions.
For example:
Cosa mi consiglia di vedere? -What do you (formal) suggest I see?
Grazie per l’aiuto. -Thank you for the help.
K: Ciao a tutti e benvenuti! Hi everyone and welcome to “Learn Italian with Joy of Languages”.
M: For today’s episode, we asked the teachers at our online Italian school “if you had to teach students just one Italian phrase to help them get around Italy, what would it be?”
K: We’ll share what they told us, but before we get started, can we ask you a quick favore ? If you’re listening to this on your podcast app, could you click the subscribe or follow button? This way you’ll get notified when we release a new episode and you’ll help our podcast grow so we can keep making free lessons like this. Grazie!
M: The phrases you’ll hear are chosen by Italians, so they’re natural sounding and something that an Italian would really say.
K: You’ll also hear the teachers pronounce each phrase. You’ll first hear the slow version and then a version at natural speed, so you can get a sense of what it sounds like in everyday conversation.
The first phrase our teacher Guglielmo thinks is really useful to know is:
Guglielmo (slow speed): C’è il WiFi qui?
M: C’è il Wi-fi qui means “is there Wi-Fi here”? Or literally:
C’è - there is
Il - the
Wi-Fi - Wi-Fi
Qui - here
Guglielmo (natural speed): C’è il Wi-Fi qui?
K: When you ask a question in Italian, like this one, your voice rises at the end to show you’re asking something instead of just making a statement.
M: Because Wi-Fi is the same word in English and Italian, tourists make the mistake of thinking the pronunciation of the word is the same as well. But they’re actually pronounced differently.
K: To say Wi-Fi the Italian way, imagine you’re saying the question “why” in English, but with an exaggerated “ee” at the end (“wah-ee”). Keep that “ee” sound when you’re saying the “i”s in this word.
M: Wi…Fi (slowly)
WiFi (normal speed)
K: Asking the question c’è il WiFi qui is really useful if you’re at a café or restaurant and need the internet to check things like opening times or directions for your plans later on.
M: Or sometimes you can also get WiFi on trains or at museums, so you can ask c’è il WiFi if you want to double check you can use it there as well.
K: The next useful Italian phrase our teacher Annaluna wanted to share with you is:
Annaluna (slow speed): Do un'occhiata, grazie!
M: Do un'occhiata, grazie! Is the Italian phrase for “just looking, thanks”. Literally:
Do - I give
Un’ - a
Occhiata - look
Grazie - thank you
Annaluna (natural speed): Do un'occhiata, grazie!
K: You might have heard of the Italian word occhi, for “eyes”. Occhi (eyes) and occhiata (look) sound similar because they come from the same root. You can think of occhiata as like saying you’re casting an eye over things.
M: Do un’occhiata, grazie is a handy phrase when you’re in a shop and an Italian shop assistant asks you if you need help with anything, but you want to politely say that you’re just having a look around.
K: The next useful phrase is one that our Italian teacher Mary wanted to share:
Mary (slow speed): scusi, è questa la fila per entrare?
M: Scusi, è questa la fila per entrare? means “excuse me, is this the line to get in? Literally:
Scusi - Excuse me
È - is
Questa - this
La - the
Fila - Line
Per - for
Entrare - to enter
Mary (natural speed): scusi, è questa la fila per entrare?
K: This is a useful phrase because in Italy, lines, or “queues” as we say in the UK, aren’t always perfectly ordered, so it can be hard to figure out where it starts.
M: You can also tweak this phrase slightly to say another really practical phrase. Instead of having is this line to get in, you might want to ask, is this the line for the Colosseum, or whatever attraction you’re trying to see. So to say that phrase in Italian, it’s: scusi, è questa la fila per il Colosseo? - Excuse me, is this the line for the Colosseum? Breaking this down that means:
Scusi - excuse me
È - is
Questa - this
La - the
Fila - line
Per - for
Il - the
Colosseo - Colosseum
È questa la fila per il Colosseo?
The next phrase is one that our teacher Marco wanted to share:
Marco (slow speed): Quanto dista ?
M: Quanto dista means “how far away is it?”. Literally:
Quanto - how much
Dista - it distances
Marco (natural speed): Quanto dista?
K: You can remember the word dista by thinking of how it sounds like distance in English. The good news is that trying to ask the question “how far away is it” is easier in Italian than in English. In Italian there are just two words ( quanto dista) and in English there are five.
M: Quanto dista is really useful if you want to go somewhere and want to have an idea of how long it’s going to take you, so you can see if it’s best to walk or get transport, or if you want to check that you can realistically get there with the time you have.
K: You could ask this question to a receptionist, for example.
You can also add the name of the place you’re trying to get to at the end of this phrase if you haven’t mentioned it already. For example, you could say:
M: Quanto dista il museo? - how far away is the museum? Literally:
Quanto - how much
Dista - distances
Il - the
Museo - museum
Quanto dista il museo?
K: The next phrase that our teacher Giacomo wanted to share with you is:
Giacomo (slow speed): posso pagare con la carta?
M: Posso pagare con la carta? Means: can I pay by card? Literally:
Posso - I can
Pagare - to pay
Con - with
La - the
Carta - card
Giacomo (natural speed): Posso pagare con la carta?
K: Most places in Italy accept card, but you might want to check if you’re in a small village or shopping at a market stall.
The final phrase that our teacher Lavinia wanted to share is:
Lavinia (slow speed): Ecco qui
M: Ecco qui means “here you go”. Literally:
Ecco - here is
Qui - here
K: Ecco can be difficult to translate exactly, but it’s used a lot in Italian to draw attention to something, like if you’re handing something over, or if you want to point something out. You’ll often hear it together with another word for “here”, “qui”. Ecco qui is one of those phrases that’s best just to learn without worrying too much about the individual components.
M: You might use the phrase ecco qui if you’re handing over some cash to someone. Or a waiter might use it when they’re giving you something like food or the bill.
K: Now that you’ve heard some of the simple, useful phrases to get around Italy, let’s see what you can remember.
How do you say: is there Wi-Fi here? It starts with c’è , which means “there is” in Italian.
[...]
M: C’è il Wi-fi qui? (x2)
K: What’s the phrase that you can use in shops that means “I’m just looking, thanks?” It literally means “I give a look, thank you”. It starts with “do un’oc...”
[...]
M: Do un'occhiata, grazie!
K: If you’re wondering where you have to join a line, or una fila, at a tourist attraction, how would you say “excuse me, is this the line to get in?” In Italian, you’d literally say “excuse me, is this the line to enter?”
[...]
M: Scusi, è questa la fila per entrare? (x2)
K: What’s a good question to ask in Italian when you’re planning your day and want to check how far away somewhere is? There are two words. One is the Italian for how much and the other word is one that sounds a bit like distance.
[...]
M: Quanto dista? How far away is it? Quanto dista?
K: If you’re buying food at a market stall and want to check “can I pay with card?” what should you say in Italian? It starts with posso , which is Italian for “I can” or “can I?”
[...]
M: Posso pagare con la carta? (x2)
K: Finally, what’s a phrase that you can use yourself, or that you might hear an Italian say, when you’re handing something over? It means “here you go”. There are two words, the first one starts with the sound “ec…”
[...]
M: Ecco qui (x2)
K: We’ve shared some useful phrases for getting around Italy, but of course there are loads more.
M: And we haven’t touched on the phrases you can use when you’re not looking for practical information, but you just want to have a friendly chat and connect with Italians.
K: To see other phrases you’ll need in Italy for other everyday situations, click the link in the description to head over to our website, or go to italian.joyoflanguages.com/podcast and search for episode 195.
M: See you next time.
K: Or as we say in Italian.
Alla prossima!
Time to check your understanding and remember everything you just learned! Below you’ll find a mini-quiz and some vocabulary cards to help it all go in.
Quiz: 50 Italian Words and Phrases To Know For Your Next Trip
How much did you learn? Find out in the quiz!
Vocabulary
È meglio prenotare? = Is it better to book?
A che ora apre? = What time does it open?
Ecco qui. = Here you go.
Cerca qualcosa in particolare? = Are you (formal) looking for something in particular?
Do un’occhiata, grazie. = Just looking, thanks.
Si può prenotare online. = You can book online.
Cosa mi consigli di vedere? = What do you (informal) suggest I see?
Cosa mi consiglia di vedere? = What do you (formal) suggest I see?
C'è il Wi-fi qui? = Is there Wi-Fi here?
Scusi, è questa la fila per entrare? = Excuse me, is this the line to get in?
Quanto dista? = How far away is it?
Posso pagare con la carta? = Can I pay by card?
Flashcards: 50 Italian Words and Phrases To Know For Your Next Trip
Not sure how it works? Click here to watch the tutorial
