Are you planning your dream vacation to Italy but nervous about the language? Don’t worry, there’s a little survival kit for your trip!
Traveling to a country where your native language is not spoken can be challenging. Learning some simple Italian travel phrases can make your trip that much more enjoyable. Because let’s face it, a dream vacation can easily turn into a nightmare if you can’t communicate, if you get lost and can’t ask for directions. Just a few words can help you become more confident. Not to mention that the locals will genuinely appreciate your efforts, even if you can only utter a few words.
So, here are my top 25 must-have Italian phrases for travel, divided by topic, with some real-life examples. You can memorize or save them on your phone so you can take them with you in a pinch.
A Quick Note on Italian Formal/Informal Tone
In Italy we distinguish between formal/informal tone based on the familiarity of the person you are speaking with.
As a basic rule:
- The formal tone is used in business, in shops, with unfamiliar people, and when talking to older people.
- Use an informal tone when talking to friends, family and children
In this guide, you’ll find two tones for each phrase.
Part 1 – Understanding
Raising your hand is especially important when you don’t know what other people are saying. After all, it’s not your language, and it’s okay if you don’t understand it.
I’m sorry, I don’t understand (informal) / I’m sorry, I don’t understand (formal)
English: Sorry, I do not understand
If you don’t understand what someone is saying, use this simple Italian phrase.You can also make it longer by saying Sorry, I don’t understand, I don’t speak Italian very well (Sorry, I don’t understand, I don’t speak Italian very well).
Can you repeat that? (informal) / Could you repeat (formal)
English: Can you repeat that?
Sometimes the other person may speak too quickly or use words that you are not sure about. This phrase allows you to ask someone to repeat themselves so you can understand what they are saying.
Can you speak English? (informal) / her speak English? (formal)
English: Can you speak English?
When you don’t feel comfortable speaking Italian, you can use this phrase to ask if the person speaks your language. There are three possible answers: Yes (Yes) / yes a little’ (yes a little) / not sorry (Not sorry).
Part 2 – Asking for directions
Who needs directions when there’s Google Maps? I know, but hey, we all make mistakes at some point, even with Google Maps on our side. Also, your phone’s battery may die, leaving you wondering where to go. These are some basic Italian phrases tourists can use when they get lost.
Where…?
English: where… ?
If you can’t find your way, get the attention of strangers (excuse me! – excuse me) and ask “Where…?” The point can be anything – Trevi Fountain (Where is the Trevi Fountain?), subway(where is the subway), bathroom(Where is the restroom?) you can expect simple answers like To the right (To the right), To the left (To the left), straight (direct), ETC.
How do you go……?
English: How do I get to…?
This is a great phrase to use if you don’t know where to go, especially if you have a map and the person can give you directions. Grab their attention again and ask questions: Excuse me, how do you get to the station? (Excuse me, how do I get to the train station?)
how far… ?
English: how far… ?
Imagine you’re on the side of the road, don’t have a map, and don’t know how to get to a subway station. You can say something like: Excuse me, how far is the nearest subway? (Excuse me, how far is the nearest subway station?).
Part 3 – Transportation and Tickets
No list of Italian phrases for tourists is complete without some key expressions for getting around. Whether you’re traveling by train, bus, taxi or rental car, you need to be able to ask basic questions to more easily reach your sightseeing destination.
What time does the train arrive/depart?
English: What time does the train arrive/depart?
This question is useful to keep in mind if you plan to travel across the country by public transport.
a ticket to
English: a ticket to
When purchasing train/bus tickets, please be sure to indicate whether you need One Way (One Way) or round trip (round trip). For example: Please give me a ticket to Milan, one way (Please give me a one-way ticket to Milan).
Can you park here?
English: Can I park here?
This is a very important question whenever you are driving and need a parking spot. Parking spaces in Italy are colored differently (blue for paid on-street parking, yellow for disabled and residents, etc.), so it’s best to double check to avoid fines.
Is this a stop for…?
English: Is this the correct stop for…?
There is not always an announcement with the name of the next stop on a bus, train or tram, so this quote will save you from getting off in the wrong place: Excuse me, is this the stop to Colosseum? (Excuse me, is this the correct stop to go to the Colosseum?).
Part 4 – Shopping
At some point during the holidays, you’ll need to buy something, whether it’s food, souvenirs, or something else. Get out there and enjoy shopping with these easy Italian phrases.
how much does it cost?
English: How much?
Whenever you’re shopping or buying tickets, you can use this phrase to find out how much something will cost. If you are referring to more than one thing, use the plural form: How much do they charge? (how much are they worth).
can i try it
English: can i try this
Have you spotted a brand new top but aren’t sure if it fits?just ask Excuse me, can I try it? Then you will see the fitting room. If you mean feminine words (can i try it) or multiple things (can i try it)
Can it be shipped? / Can it be shipped?
can you send this / Can you ship these?
What if you want to buy delicious wine from the small family winery you just visited, but your luggage is already full? You ask if the bottle can be shipped!
Can I pay by credit card?
Can I pay by credit card?
Never assume you can pay with a credit card, as small businesses like market stalls, eateries and coffee shops often don’t have (or want to use) credit card machines. Make sure you have cash with you.
SECTION 5 – ACCOMMODATION
While hotel staff often speak different languages, knowing some basic Italian phrases can be a game-changer when you’re staying in B&Bs and hotels where the owners don’t always speak perfect English.
Can we store our luggage here?
English: Can we store our luggage here?
If you arrive early or leave late, use this phrase to ensure you can leave your luggage at the accommodation.
What time is breakfast?
English: What time do you have breakfast?
If breakfast is included in your rate, this is a key issue – you don’t want to miss out on your cornet and cappuccino, do you?
No hot water/AC/WiFi
English: Hot water/AC/WiFi not working
Use this phrase when speaking to management if you have a problem with your room. you can say: it doesn’t work there‘Hot water, can you help me? (The hot water is broken, can you help me?)
Part 6 – In the Bar/Restaurant
Food is an important part of any trip to Italy, and adding a little Italian flavor to your dining experience makes it even more fun!
i would like a cup of coffee/a pizza
English: i would like a cup of coffee/a pizza
This is what you say when you want to place an order.If you’re not sure what a project is called, you can say I think and points to a menu item, followed by Thanks.
What are the local specialties?
English: What are the local specialties?
I strongly encourage you to ask this, as each region of Italy has its own unique local specialties. So, let the waiter guide you, it will make your trip more memorable.
I’m allergic to / I’m vegan / I’m vegan
English: I am allergic to / I am vegetarian
These phrases are perfect for travelers who cannot eat certain types of food due to dietary restrictions.To express an allergy, you can say i am allergic to dairy (dairy) / Walnut (nut) / gluten (gluten). And if You have stopped eating meat, you can also say i don’t eat meat (i don’t eat meat).
How much?
English: How much?
This expression is usually used when you are asking for the total amount that needs to be paid.Here’s the phrase to use, for example, if you’re at a bar and paying for drinks for your group (make sure you know italian numerals! )
bill please
Bill/cheque, please
bill method Cheque and please method please in italian. As long as you say this you are ready to leave, your check will be delivered directly to your table.I often see Italians say bill please Use a sign-like gesture (you know how to we love gestures here! ).
SECTION 6 – EMERGENCIES
As anywhere else in the world, dangers can arise. You may find these phrases helpful in an emergency (hopefully unlikely), so keep them in mind just in case.
help!
English: help!
easy to understand. Scream if someone is trying to hurt or rob you. You can also say: Help, police! (Help, police!).
They stole my wallet/passport
English: They stole my wallet/my passport
If someone steals something from you, use this phrase to report it.
I lost my wallet/passport
English: I lost my wallet/passport
Say this to get help if you lose something.
Did you like these super easy Italian travel phrases?let us know when you plan to italy In the comments below!
