Italian Phrases: Essential Expressions You Need

Italian phrases make you sound natural, not textbook-perfect. Here are the essential expressions you'll use in real conversations—from greetings to everyday situations.

Essential Greetings

Hello & Goodbye

• Ciao — Hi/Hello/Bye (versatile!)
• Buongiorno — Good morning
• Buonasera — Good evening
• Arrivederci — Goodbye (formal)
• Ciao ciao — Bye (casual, doubled for emphasis)

How Are You?

• Come stai? — How are you? (informal)
• Come sta? — How are you? (formal)
• Sto bene — I'm fine

Essential Everyday Phrases

Please & Thank You

• Per favore — Please
• Grazie — Thank you
• Grazie mille — Thanks a lot
• Prego — You're welcome

Asking Questions

• Scusa — Excuse me (informal)
• Scusi — Excuse me (formal)
• Mi scusi — I'm sorry
• Come si dice...? — How do you say...?

Common Expressions

• Non capisco — I don't understand
• Parla inglese? — Do you speak English?
• Non parlo italiano — I don't speak Italian
• Può ripetere? — Can you repeat?

Food & Restaurant Phrases

• Vorrei... — I would like...
• Il conto, per favore — The check, please
• Buon appetito! — Enjoy your meal!
• È delizioso — It's delicious

Travel & Directions

• Dov'è...? — Where is...?
• Quanto costa? — How much does it cost?
• Aiuto! — Help!
• Non so — I don't know

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• ❌ Using "ciao" in formal situations → Use "Buongiorno/Buonasera"
• ❌ Confusing "scusa" (informal) with "scusi" (formal)
• ❌ Forgetting "per favore" → Italians appreciate politeness

Practice Tips

1. Start with greetings—use them daily
2. Learn food phrases—essential in Italy
3. Practice "per favore" and "grazie"—very important culturally
4. Master "ciao"—most versatile word

Master Italian Phrases

The best way to learn Italian phrases is through real conversations. Practice daily, get feedback, and use them in context. Try Parlai and practice Italian phrases through authentic conversations, available 24/7.