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25 essential Italian words and phrases for speaking naturally

Speaking Italian isn’t just about conjugating verbs. Real conversations are built with those little words, those interjections and formulas that bring the language to life. A well-placed “Magari” or a “Boh” with the right shoulder shrug changes everything.

This list brings together 25 expressions you need to communicate naturally in Italy. From survival vocabulary to typical speech habits, you’ll have the tools to hold a real conversation on your next trip.

1. Ciao (Hi / Bye)

Impossible to start without the pillar of informal greetings. This short, sing-song word works for both arrivals and departures. Its universality makes it the first word learned, but using it requires some judgment.

It’s used exclusively with friends, family, or people your own age. Using it with an older stranger or in a professional context could be seen as disrespectful.

Examples:

Ciao Marco, come stai? (Hi Marco, how are you?)

Devo andare, ciao! (I have to go, bye!)

Ciao a tutti! (Hi everyone!)

2. Buongiorno / Buonasera (Good morning / Good evening)

Italian politeness rests on these two time-based pillars. “Buongiorno” is used in the morning and throughout the day while it’s light out. It’s the standard greeting for entering a shop, greeting a neighbor, or starting a meeting.

As soon as the afternoon progresses (generally after 4 or 5 PM), you switch to “Buonasera”. This distinction is important to show you know the social codes.

Examples:

Buongiorno, vorrei un caffè. (Good morning, I’d like a coffee.)

Buonasera signora Rossi. (Good evening Mrs. Rossi.)

Buongiorno a lei. (Good morning to you – formal)

3. Boh (I don’t know)

Here’s an Italian phrase that fits in three letters and sums up a whole attitude. “Boh” is a purely vocal interjection used to express total ignorance or uncertainty.

This word never comes alone: it almost always comes with a shoulder shrug and a dubious face. It’s the quickest and most native way to say you have no idea about the answer.

Examples:

A che ora arriva il treno? Boh! (What time does the train arrive? Dunno!)

Dove sono le chiavi? Boh, non le vedo. (Where are the keys? No clue, I don’t see them.)

Chi ha vinto? Boh! (Who won? No idea!)

4. Come stai? (How are you?)

Taking interest in your conversation partner is the basis of any social interaction. This Italian phrase has an important formal variant: “Come sta?”. The expected response is often positive out of politeness, before getting into the real details.

To respond, you generally use “Bene, grazie” (Fine, thanks) or “Tutto bene” (Everything’s good). It’s the classic opening for a phone conversation or a street encounter.

Examples:

Ciao Luigi, come stai? (Hi Luigi, how are you?)

Buongiorno Dottore, come sta? (Good morning Doctor, how are you?)

Non c’è male, e tu? (Not bad, and you?)

5. Che figata! (That’s awesome!)

This very casual expression shows overflowing enthusiasm. It’s the perfect equivalent of “That’s so cool!” or “That’s amazing!”. It’s mainly used among young people or in a very relaxed setting to react to good news.

Watch out for its register: although very popular, it’s still slang. In a more careful context, you’d prefer terms like “Che bello” (How nice) or “Fantastico”.

Examples:

Andiamo al concerto stasera. Che figata! (We’re going to the concert tonight. Awesome!)

Ho comprato una moto nuova. Che figata! (I bought a new motorcycle. That’s awesome!)

Guarda questa vista, che figata. (Look at this view, it’s amazing.)

6. Grazie mille (Thanks a lot)

Gratitude is expressed with emphasis in Italy. While “Grazie” is often enough, “Grazie mille” (literally “a thousand thanks”) is the norm to show real appreciation. It’s a smooth formula that works everywhere.

The automatic response to this phrase is “Prego”. This little word is a real linguistic Swiss Army knife meaning “you’re welcome”, but also “please” or “after you”.

Examples:

Ecco il tuo resto. Grazie mille! (Here’s your change. Thanks a lot!)

Grazie mille per l’aiuto. (Thanks a million for the help.)

Grazie di tutto. (Thanks for everything.)

7. Mi raccomando (I’m counting on you)

This expression is untranslatable word-for-word but omnipresent. It’s used to insist on a recommendation, ask someone to be careful, or emphasize the importance of an action. It often carries an affectionate nuance, almost maternal.

You often hear it at the end of a sentence, like punctuation meaning “don’t forget” or “do it well”. It’s the favorite expression of Italian parents, but also of well-meaning friends.

Examples:

Guidate piano, mi raccomando! (Drive slowly, I’m counting on you/be careful!)

Non fare tardi, mi raccomando. (Don’t be late, okay!)

Studia per l’esame, mi raccomando. (Study for the exam, it’s important.)

8. Vorrei… (I would like…)

To order at a restaurant or buy something, politeness requires using the conditional. “Vorrei” is the soft form of “Voglio” (I want). It’s the key to getting good service with a smile.

This Italian phrase is often followed by a noun (an object, a dish) or an infinitive verb. It’s one of the most useful grammatical structures for travelers.

Examples:

Vorrei un gelato al cioccolato. (I’d like a chocolate ice cream.)

Vorrei prenotare un tavolo. (I’d like to book a table.)

Vorrei pagare, per favore. (I’d like to pay, please.)

9. Magari (If only / Maybe)

Here’s one of the richest words in the Italian language. Depending on intonation and position in the sentence, “Magari” completely changes meaning. It expresses either probability (“maybe”), or an intense and nostalgic wish (“if only”).

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Used as an exclamatory response “Magari!”, it means you ardently desire something that seems impossible or hard to get. It’s the word of dreams and hope.

Examples:

Vieni al cinema? Magari, devo lavorare. (Are you coming to the movies? I wish I could, I have to work.)

Magari arrivo un po’ in ritardo. (I might arrive a bit late.)

Hai vinto alla lotteria? Magari! (Did you win the lottery? I wish!)

10. Scusa / Scusi (Excuse me / Pardon)

To get attention, apologize for bumping into someone, or ask them to repeat, these words are indispensable. The distinction is grammatical: “Scusa” for informal, “Scusi” for formal.

It’s often the first word said before asking a stranger a question on the street. Forgetting it can make your request seem abrupt or rude.

Examples:

Scusa, mi passi l’acqua? (Excuse me, can you pass me the water?)

Scusi, dov’è la stazione? (Excuse me, where’s the station?)

Scusa, non ho capito. (Sorry, I didn’t understand.)

11. Dai! (Come on!)

Short and punchy, “Dai” is a multifaceted interjection. It can be used to encourage someone (“Come on, you can do it!”), hurry things along (“Come on, hurry up!”), or express disbelief and annoyance (“Come on, stop talking nonsense!”).

Intonation plays a key role here. A drawn-out “Dai” often marks pleading (“But come on, please…”), while a sharp “Dai” marks impatience.

Examples:

Dai, andiamo! (Come on, let’s go!)

Ma dai! Non è vero! (Come on! That’s not true!)

Dai, mangia ancora un po’. (Come on, eat a little more.)

12. Non capisco (I don’t understand)

Honesty is the best strategy when learning. Saying “Non capisco” lets you immediately signal to your conversation partner that they need to slow down or rephrase. It’s an essential safety phrase.

You can complete it with “Puoi ripetere?” (Can you repeat?) or “Parli più piano?” (Speak slower) to facilitate communication without blocking the exchange.

Examples:

Scusa, non capisco l’italiano bene. (Sorry, I don’t understand Italian well.)

Non capisco cosa dici. (I don’t understand what you’re saying.)

Parli troppo veloce, non capisco. (You’re speaking too fast, I don’t understand.)

13. Ma che dici? (What are you talking about?)

This Italian phrase marks a sharp reaction to a statement deemed false, absurd, or exaggerated. It’s the expression of skepticism or total surprise. It’s often used when someone puts themselves down or tells an unbelievable story.

It’s casual and direct. In a friendly context, it shows you’re engaged in the conversation and reacting emotionally to what the other person is saying.

Examples:

La pizza costa 50 euro. Ma che dici?! (The pizza costs 50 euros. What are you talking about?!)

Sono troppo vecchio per questo. Ma che dici! (I’m too old for this. Don’t be silly!)

Ma che dici, non è colpa tua. (What are you saying, it’s not your fault.)

14. Piacere (Nice to meet you)

During introductions, as soon as you shake someone’s hand or exchange names, you say “Piacere”. It’s short for “Piacere di conoscerti” (Pleasure to meet you). It’s simple, effective, and polite.

This single word is enough to establish a courteous first contact. It works in both formal and informal contexts, making it a safe bet in social vocabulary.

Examples:

Io sono Riccardo. Piacere. (I’m Riccardo. Nice to meet you.)

Piacere di vederti. (Pleasure to see you.)

Molto piacere. (Very pleased – reinforced version)

15. Non ci posso credere! (I can’t believe it!)

Faced with stunning news or an unexpected event, this is the reflex phrase. It expresses intense surprise, whether positive (winning the lottery) or negative (sudden bad news).

It literally translates as “I can’t believe it”. Tonal accent and facial expression are crucial to convey the intensity of your emotion.

Examples:

Hanno annullato il volo? Non ci posso credere! (They cancelled the flight? I can’t believe it!)

Marco si sposa. Non ci posso credere. (Marco’s getting married. That’s unbelievable.)

Non ci posso credere, sei qui! (I can’t believe it, you’re here!)

16. Quanto costa? (How much does it cost?)

Essential for shopping, markets, or services. Knowing how to ask the price is a basic skill. This phrase is invariable and works for one or several objects.

Preparing your ear for Italian numbers is the logical follow-up to this question, because the answer will often be quick and numeric.

Examples:

Quanto costa questo vestito? (How much does this dress cost?)

Scusi, quanto costa il biglietto? (Excuse me, how much is the ticket?)

È bello, ma quanto costa? (It’s nice, but how much does it cost?)

17. Quindi? (So? / Then?)

This little logical connector becomes a complete phrase in Italians’ mouths. Used alone with a questioning intonation, it serves to restart a story (“And then?”) or ask for a conclusion (“What’s your point?”).

It can also express a certain arrogance or indifference (“Quindi?” meaning “So what?”), hence the importance of context and tone used.

Examples:

Ho visto la tua ex ieri. Quindi? (I saw your ex yesterday. So?)

Quindi, cosa facciamo? (So, what do we do?)

Hai finito il lavoro, quindi possiamo andare. (You finished the work, so we can go.)

18. Dov’è il bagno? (Where’s the bathroom?)

A purely practical but vital question on any trip. It uses the structure “Dov’è” (Where is) which can apply to any place (the station, the hotel, the museum).

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Note that “il bagno” is the generic term. In public places, you’ll often see “Toilette” or “Servizi” written, but in speech, “bagno” remains the most common and understood.

Examples:

Scusi, dov’è il bagno? (Excuse me, where’s the bathroom?)

Dov’è l’uscita? (Where’s the exit?)

Sai dov’è la fermata dell’autobus? (Do you know where the bus stop is?)

19. Ma va! (No way! / Come on!)

This is the expression of rejecting information deemed false or minimizing a compliment. It’s the “You’re kidding!” or “Whatever!” It’s used to express that you don’t believe a word of what was just said, often with a touch of irony.

It can also be used to tell someone not to worry, meaning “No, it’s nothing, don’t worry about it”.

Examples:

Dicono che domani nevica. Ma va! È agosto! (They say it’ll snow tomorrow. No way! It’s August!)

Ti ho disturbato? Ma va! (Did I disturb you? Not at all!)

Sei bravissimo. Ma va, ho solo avuto fortuna. (You’re excellent. Come on, I just got lucky.)

20. Ci mancherebbe! (Of course! / No problem!)

An expression of supreme and warm politeness. It’s often used to respond to thanks (“Don’t mention it, it’s normal”) or to enthusiastically agree to do a favor (“Of course, with pleasure!”).

Literally, it means “It would be missing [that]”, implying it would be unthinkable not to do it. It’s a very Italian way of showing availability and kindness.

Examples:

Posso usare il tuo telefono? Ci mancherebbe! (Can I use your phone? Of course/Obviously!)

Grazie per il passaggio. Ma figurati, ci mancherebbe! (Thanks for the ride. Don’t mention it, it’s nothing!)

Scusa il ritardo. Ci mancherebbe. (Sorry for being late. No worries.)

21. Andiamo! (Let’s go!)

Derived from the verb “andare”, this first-person plural imperative is a call to action. It’s used to motivate a group, signal departure, or change location.

It’s an energetic phrase that marks movement. You use it both to say “Let’s go” physically and to say “Here we go” figuratively before starting a task.

Examples:

È tardi, andiamo! (It’s late, let’s go!)

Andiamo a mangiare una pizza. (Let’s go eat a pizza.)

Andiamo al mare domani. (We’re going to the sea tomorrow – indicative)

22. Tutto bene? (Everything okay?)

This short question is very versatile. It’s used to ask for general news, but also to check there’s no problem after a suspicious noise, a fall, or simply to make sure your guests are comfortable.

It’s also used as a statement: “Tutto bene” (Everything’s fine) to reassure or close a topic of concern.

Examples:

Ho sentito un rumore, tutto bene? (I heard a noise, everything okay?)

Allora, tutto bene a scuola? (So, everything okay at school?)

Sì, sì, tutto bene. (Yes, yes, everything’s fine.)

23. A dopo (See you later)

For a temporary goodbye, this is the ideal formula. It implies you’ll see each other again the same day, a bit later. It’s less final than “Ciao” or “Arrivederci”.

If the next meeting is planned for the next day, you’d use “A domani” (See you tomorrow). These time-based formulas structure social separations.

Examples:

Vado a fare la spesa, a dopo. (I’m going grocery shopping, see you later.)

Ci vediamo in ufficio, a dopo. (See you at the office, see you soon.)

A domani mattina! (See you tomorrow morning!)

24. Basta (That’s enough / Stop)

A short and powerful word to mark a limit. “Basta” stops an action, expresses saturation, or signals you’ve reached a threshold. It’s used alone or at the start of a sentence to cut short a situation.

It’s the word of controlled exasperation, the one that firmly sets a boundary without excessive aggression. Parents use it constantly with children, but it works in all contexts.

Examples:

Basta parlare, lavoriamo! (Enough talking, let’s work!)

Ne ho abbastanza, basta. (I’ve had enough, stop.)

Basta così, grazie. (That’s enough, thanks.)

25. Che ne pensi? (What do you think?)

An essential question to ask for an opinion. It shows you value your conversation partner’s opinion and opens discussion. It’s a natural way to involve someone in a decision.

The form “Cosa ne pensi?” also exists, but “Che ne pensi?” remains more common in speech. For formal address, you’d say “Che ne pensa?”.

Examples:

Ho comprato questa giacca, che ne pensi? (I bought this jacket, what do you think?)

Andiamo al ristorante giapponese, che ne pensi? (We’re going to the Japanese restaurant, what do you think?)

Che ne pensa di questa proposta? (What do you think of this proposal? – formal)

To wrap up

There you have these 25 essential expressions! If you had to remember just 5, it would be: Ciao, Grazie, Scusa, Vorrei, and Boh. With those five, you already survive pretty well in Italy.

The secret is to use them. Don’t just read them – repeat them out loud, with the intonation. Because yes, in Italian, intonation matters enormously. A sharp “Dai!” doesn’t mean the same thing at all as a drawn-out “Daaai…”.

And above all, don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Italians love it when you make the effort to speak their language. A well-placed “Magari” with the right gesture will make you seem like someone who really gets the culture, even if your grammar is shaky.

Last tip: listen to Italians speak. Watch movies, series, listen to podcasts. You’ll hear these expressions everywhere. And little by little, you’ll start using them naturally, without thinking. That’s how you really learn a language.