You've made an in-depth study of Italian, now it's time to expand your vocabulary with some practical phrases for everyday life. Ready to improve your Italian language skills? let's start!
1. Sorry to bother you
English translation: Sorry to bother you
This expression is a polite way to initiate a conversation, especially with someone you don't know. It also works when you realize that the person you want to talk to is busy or engaged in other activities. In a more formal setting, you can replace “excuse me” with pronoun particles -this,explain,”sorry to disturb you.” Another variation is Sorry to bother you (Sorry if I bother you).
2. I can’t wait to see you
English translation: i look forward to meeting you
This quote can be applied to your parents, relatives, close friends or significant others. It expresses a strong desire to see someone again. It is often used when people are living far away for a period of time or permanently and are looking forward to an upcoming reunion.you can also say I can not wait anymore insidegoodbye (i look forward to meeting you again).
3. I’m sorry
English translation: What a pity / What a pity
way of expression”it's a pity” is an interjection that you use when something doesn’t go as expected. It can be a response to something that happened to yourself or someone you know. In Italian, you might say: it's a shame or it's a pity.For example, if your friend tells you that he failed a test, you might respond by Oh no, what a shame!
4. It’s worth it
English translation: it's worth it
This is an evergreen expression that can be used in a variety of situations. This means that something actually has value. Whether it's a new beginning, a project, a travel plan, or an idea, you can use this phrase to express your approval.
5. I get goosebumps
English translation: I got goosebumps
There are two different ways to use this expression. The first has to do with the body's reaction to the cold, with goosebumps forming on the skin.On the other hand, you could say I get goosebumps When someone tells you a story that scares you or sends shivers down your spine.
6.I agree with you
English translation: I agree with you
This is a way to express agreement in a conversation and let the other person know that you believe they are right on a particular issue.
7. From time to time
English translation: from time to time
Occasionally The same meaning as the English expression “”from time to time”. It does not imply randomness as there is a subtle hint that there is no regular recurrence of specific dates. For example, Sometimes we can go fishing together method”From time to time, we can go fishing together”.
8.Are you kidding me?
English translation: are you joking / teasing me
This sentence can be expressed in various tones, such as asking in a joking manner, Are you fooling me? (Are you pulling my leg?) or in an annoyed tone. Translation often relies on the speaker's facial expressions, which are very important in Italian communication.
9.A hundred days like this
English translation: many happy returns
Italians use this expression when they need to celebrate something: a birthday, anniversary, wedding, birth or any other event worth remembering. Hopefully others will have more days like this.
10. All the best!
English translation: anything is OK
This sentence is used a lot in Yida. Essentially, this expression conveys the idea that everything can be used in the broth. As you probably know, you can add various ingredients to your broth or choose not to. From this point of view, it is appropriate for Italians to use this expression for anything. Please allow me to give you an example:
- What can I bring to the party tonight? (What can I bring to the party tonight?) – Whatever you want, everything happens! (Do whatever you want, do whatever you want!)
11. No ifs or buts!
English translation: No ifs, ands or buts!
“No ifs, ands or buts” is the English translation of the Italian expression “no ifs and buts”. It is often used at the end of a statement to emphasize and make the preceding sentence clear. This sentence is commonly used by parents when communicating with their children, as shown in the following example:
You're not going out today because you have to study for tomorrow's test, no ifs or buts! (You won't go out today because you have to study for tomorrow's exam, no ifs and buts!)
12.You never know
English translation: you will never know
way of expression”you will never know” Italian can be translated as “you will never know” or”you will never know”. This quote reminds us that life is unpredictable and things may turn out differently than expected in some way.
13. Tell the truth
English translation: to be honest
This is a preamble, an idiomatic expression used to initiate a response when you intend to express a disagreement with the person you are speaking to. In English, a suitable equivalent might be “to be honest”. For greater clarity, let's delve into an example:
- I really like the way they ended the concert, what do you think? (I really like the way they ended the concert, what do you think?) – To be honest, I didn't like it at all. (To be honest, I don't like it at all)
14. Whoever is there and whoever is not, go there!
English translation: If you're in, you're in, if you're not, deal with it!
This is an idiomatic expression often used in Italian and suitable for a variety of contexts.Whenever someone is late and someone already present wishes to continue with the scheduled activity (whether aperitif, party, travel or outdoor dinner. In any case, the sentence goes like this: “Whoever is there, whoever is not, just make do with it,” essentially means “Those who are here are here, and those who are not must be managed.“
15.I shudder when I think about it
English translation: I shudder when I think about this
This sentence is very similar to the previous sentence, It gave me goosebumps. However, in this case, it is used when people are discussing something that is scary or makes you feel scared. It applies to situations where someone is telling you something that sends chills down your spine or scares you to death.Another variation is Just thinking about it makes me shudder. (I shudder just thinking about it).
16. Don’t procrastinate!
English translation: Don't be late!
Although very simple, this expression has important implications, especially in areas of Italy where punctuality may not be a priority. convey”do not be late,” you can use this phrase or simply say do not be late.For emphasis and to ensure your message is clear, you can add listen to me.
17. Sorry, I didn’t understand!
English translation: Sorry, I didn't understand!
This sentence comes into play when someone is speaking very fast and you have trouble understanding it, or when something is unclear for some reason. It is also used in the context of humor, especially when the joke is not easy to understand: Sorry, I didn't understand! (and I' and -A ending in feminine nouns joke, joke).
18. How do you say (…) in Italian?
English translation: How do you say (…) in Italian?
This is a useful sentence to have in your toolbox when you come across an Italian word you don't recognize or have forgotten. Just use this question to quickly get the missing word when you need it.
19. Can you lend me your pen?
English translation: Can you lend me your pen?
In this case it's a pen, but you can use this question to borrow anything from someone. This is a polite and considerate way to ask someone to lend you something, especially if you need it at a specific moment.
20. Enough!
English translation: Enough is enough!
Finally, there is an expression that, when uttered, indicates that someone has reached their limit. Use it when things get overwhelming and you feel like you're on the verge of exploding. You might say, That's enough now, that's enough! (Stop it now, that's enough). Usually, it occurs after a repeated series of events without the expected outcome.
in conclusion
Now you have some sentences that will make you sound more Italian than before. When used in the right context, these phrases can enhance your communication skills and increase your confidence in conversations. While there are countless sentences from everyday life in Italy, these sentences provide a solid starting point. Give it a try and see how the conversation unfolds –It's worth it! (It's worth it!)




Fabio Guarino is a linguist and language expert who works as a freelance content writer and SEO marketer. He considers himself lucky to be able to combine his passion for his native Italian, English and Spanish with his career.
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