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 |
