Here are some basic Italian phrases which you can use in everyday conversation, as well as some common words you will see on signs.
Grazie | Thanks |
Grazie tante or Molte grazie | Thanks very much |
The following are some polite ways you can reply to someone who thanks you:
Prego | You're welcome |
figurati or si figuri | Don't mention it |
Di niente | Not at all |
Saying hello and goodbye
Here are some different ways to greet people:
Ciao | Hi (quite informal) |
Salve | Hello |
Buongiorno | Good morning (used before noon) |
Buon pomeriggio | Good afternoon (used between noon and 6pm) |
Buona sera | Good evening (used after 6pm) |
The following expressions, on the other hand, are some different things you can say when saying goodbye:
Ciao | Bye |
Arrivederci or Addio | Goodbye |
Buonanotte | Goodnight |
Ci vediamo! | See you! |
Ci vediamo presto! | See you soon! |
Ci vediamo dopo! | See you later! |
Buona giornata! | Have a nice day! |
Buon fine settimana! | Have a good weekend! |
Getting someone's attention and apologising
Scusami or Mi scusi | Excuse me (can be used to get someone's attention, to get past someone, or to apologise) |
Scusa or Scusi | Sorry |
If someone apologises to you, you can reply using one of the following expressions:
Non c'è problema | No problem |
Fa niente or Non fa niente | It's OK |
Non preoccuparti or Non si preoccupi | Don't worry about it |
Making yourself understood
Parli italiano? | Do you speak Italian? |
Io non parlo italiano | I don't speak Italian |
Parlo italiano solo un po' | I only speak a little Italian |
Non parlo molto bene italiano | I don't speak Italian very well |
Parlo poco italiano | I speak a little Italian |
Parli più lentamente per favore | Please speak more slowly |
Lo scriva per favore | Please write it down |
Può ripetere per favore? | Could you please repeat that? |
capisco or Ho capito | I understand |
Non capisco | I don't understand |
Other basic phrases
Lo so | I know |
Non lo so | I don't know |
Scusi, dov'è il bagno? | Excuse me, where's the toilet? |
Things you might see
Entrata | Entrance |
Uscita | Exit |
Uscita di emergenza | Emergency exit |
WC | WC |
Uomini | Gentlemen |
Donne | Ladies |
Libero | Vacant |
Occupato | Occupied |
Guasto | Out of order |
Vietato fumare | No smoking |
Privato | Private |
Divieto d'ingresso | No entry |