If you’re planning to visit Italy, it’s a great idea to learn some basic Italian words and phrases. This can make your trip smoother and help you connect more with the locals. Knowing a few key expressions lets you dive deeper into Italy’s rich history and cultural traditions. But which phrases should you learn first, and how do you use them to really get into the Italian lifestyle? Let’s find out.
90 Basic Italian Words and Phrases Every Tourist Must Know
Basic Italian Words Every Tourist Must Know
Fundamental vocabulary for a smoother Italian travel experience. These simple yet crucial words enhance communication in Italy, providing core Italian terms to help tourists express basic needs and courtesies. By learning these essential words, visitors can navigate everyday situations with greater ease and confidence, making their Italian adventure more enjoyable and rewarding.
| Italian Word | English Translation |
| Ciao | Hello/Goodbye |
| Grazie | Thank you |
| Prego | You’re welcome |
| Per favore | Please |
| Scusi | Excuse me |
| Sì | Yes |
| No | No |
| Salute | Cheers/Health |
| Buongiorno | Good morning |
| Buonasera | Good evening |
| Arrivederci | Goodbye |
| Bellissimo | Beautiful |
| Bacio | Kiss |
| Gelato | Ice cream |
| Piazza | Square |
| Caffè | Coffee |
| Vino | Wine |
| Pasta | Pasta |
| Pizza | Pizza |
| Dolce | Sweet |
| Basta | Enough |
| Allora | Well then |
| Andiamo | Let’s go |
| Capisco | I understand |
| Permesso | Excuse me (to pass) |
| Boh | I don’t know |
| Mamma mia | My goodness |
| Benvenuto | Welcome |
| Bravo | Well done |
| Certo | Of course |
| Magari | If only/Maybe |
| Ecco | Here it is |
| Dai | Come on |
| Bello | Beautiful/Handsome |
| Buon appetito | Enjoy your meal |
| Acqua | Water |
| Sole | Sun |
| Mare | Sea |
| Amore | Love |
| Felicità | Happiness |
| Vita | Life |
| Famiglia | Family |
| Amico | Friend |
| Cuore | Heart |
Also Read: How To Ask Where Is The Toilet & Bathroom In Italian
Italian Phrases Every Tourist Must Know
Essential Italian expressions to navigate daily interactions. These colorful sayings capture the spirit of Italian culture, offering key phrases to help tourists blend in and connect with locals. By mastering these expressions, visitors can enhance their travel experience and gain a deeper appreciation for the Italian way of life.
Also Read: How To Order Food And Drinks In Italian
| Italian Phrase | English Translation |
| In bocca al lupo | Good luck (literally: into the wolf’s mouth) |
| Che figata | How cool |
| Non vedo l’ora | I can’t wait |
| Dai, andiamo | Come on, let’s go |
| Che bello | How beautiful |
| Mi raccomando | I urge you (take care) |
| Che schifo | How disgusting |
| Che peccato | What a shame |
| Figurati | Don’t mention it |
| Magari | If only / Maybe |
| Basta così | That’s enough |
| Piano piano | Slowly, slowly |
| Ci vediamo | See you later |
| Che ne dici? | What do you think? |
| Non ci posso credere | I can’t believe it |
| In gamba | Capable, on the ball |
| Dai, su | Come on, cheer up |
| Fa niente | It doesn’t matter |
| Meno male | Thank goodness |
| Che barba | How boring |
| Lascia perdere | Forget about it |
| Che stress | What stress |
| Va bene | Alright |
| Proprio così | Exactly |
| Mi sta bene | It’s fine with me |
| Che fortuna | How lucky |
| Non esagerare | Don’t exaggerate |
| Buon viaggio | Have a good trip |
| Alla grande | Great, awesome |
| Che pasticcio | What a mess |
| Ogni tanto | Every now and then |
| Che meraviglia | How wonderful |
| Mannaggia | Damn it |
| Che rabbia | How angry |
| Che ridere | How funny |
| Tutto a posto | Everything’s fine |
| Che vergogna | How embarrassing |
| Che giornata | What a day |
| Facciamo due passi | Let’s take a walk |
| Che spettacolo | What a sight |
| Che fame | I’m so hungry |
| Che sonno | I’m so sleepy |
Conclusion
After going through basic Italian words and phrases, let’s wrap up our guide. Knowing these will make your trip better and help you really connect with the locals. Think of language as a key to really get what a place is about. Keep practicing these phrases before and while you’re traveling to feel more confident when you speak. And don’t stop there—once you’ve got the basics down, try learning more words. Dive into the challenge of picking up a new language and look forward to the great conversations you’ll have in Italy.
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