Ciao, Italia! 15 Simple Italian Phrases Every Traveller Needs

You don’t need to be fluent to fall in love with Italy. But knowing a handful of Italian words? That’s the secret to warmer welcomes, better coffee, and a few extra smiles along the way.

Photo by Javier Quiroga on Unsplash

Here are some simple phrases used every day:

?? Start with kindness

• Buongiorno – Good morning
• Buonasera – Good evening
• Grazie mille – Thanks a million
• Per favore – Please

Pro tip: Say Buongiorno when you walk into a shop. Instant respect.

Stay at Casa Capo d’Orso

Photo by Essential Italy©

? At the café (the most important part)

• Un caffè, per favore – A coffee, please
• Un gelato, per favore – An ice cream, please
• Il conto, per favore – The bill, please
• Dov’è il bagno? – Where’s the bathroom?

Stay at Villa Salicornia

Photo by Essential Italy©

?? Getting lost (on purpose)

• Dov’è la stazione? – Where’s the station?
• A sinistra / a destra – Left / right
• Dritto – Straight ahead
• Quanto costa? – How much is it?

Even pointing and saying Dritto? works wonders.

Stay at Casa Magiona

Photo by Essential Italy©

? Just in case

• Aiuto! – Help!
• Ho bisogno di un medico – I need a doctor

Better to know them and not need them.

Stay at Trullo Cavallerizza

Photo by Essential Italy©