Italian, a Romance language rich in history and culture, is spoken by millions in Italy and around the world. Learning Italian can enhance your travel experiences, unlock works of great literature, and deepen your understanding of Italian culture. This lesson covers essential conversational phrases and questions in Italian for various social interactions.

Greetings

• Hello/Hi – “Ciao” (informal) / “Salve” (formal)
• Good morning – “Buongiorno”
• Good afternoon – “Buon pomeriggio” (Note: “Buongiorno” is often used throughout the day until evening)
• Good evening – “Buonasera”
• Goodbye – “Arrivederci” (formal) / “Ciao” (informal)

Introducing Yourself or Others

• My name is [name]. – “Mi chiamo [nome].”
• This is [name]. – “Questo è [nome]” (for male) / “Questa è [nome]” (for female)
• I am from [country]. – “Vengo da [paese].”
• I live in [city/place]. – “Vivo a [città/luogo].”

Asking for Directions or People

• Where is the [place]? – “Dove si trova [luogo]?”
• How do I get to [place]? – “Come posso arrivare a [luogo]?”
• Is this the way to [place]? – “È questa la strada per [luogo]?”
• Can you show me on the map? – “Puoi mostrarmi sulla mappa?”

Solving a Misunderstanding

• Sorry, I don’t understand. – “Mi dispiace, non capisco.”
• Can you please repeat that? – “Puoi ripetere, per favore?”
• I mean… – “Intendo dire…”
• What does [word] mean? – “Cosa significa [parola]?”

Farewell Expressions

• See you later – “A più tardi”
• Take care – “Stammi bene”
• Have a good day – “Buona giornata”

Travel and Dining

• I would like to book a room. – “Vorrei prenotare una camera.”
• Can I see the menu, please? – “Posso vedere il menu, per favore?”
• I am vegetarian. – “Sono vegetariano/a.”
• The bill, please. – “Il conto, per favore.”

Shopping

• How much does this cost? – “Quanto costa questo?”
• Do you have this in another size? – “Avete questo in un’altra taglia?”
• I’m just looking, thanks. – “Sto solo guardando, grazie.”
• Can I pay by card? – “Posso pagare con la carta?”

Dating and Love

• You look beautiful. (to a woman) / You look handsome. (to a man) – “Sei bellissima.” / “Sei bellissimo.”
• I miss you. – “Mi manchi.”
• I love you. – “Ti amo.”
• Would you like to go out with me? – “Vuoi uscire con me?”

Emergencies

• Help! – “Aiuto!”
• Call the police! – “Chiamate la polizia!”
• I need a doctor. – “Ho bisogno di un dottore.”
• Where is the nearest hospital? – “Dove è l’ospedale più vicino?”

These phrases offer a solid foundation for basic communication in Italian. Practice speaking and listening regularly, engage with Italian media, and don’t hesitate to converse with native speakers. Remember, language learning is a journey—embrace mistakes as learning opportunities and continue to explore the rich linguistic and cultural nuances of Italian.