1. Buongiorno / Buonasera
Before anything else, the correct greeting sets the tone for an exchange. Buongiorno is used from the morning until lunchtime, roughly 1pm. After that, Buonasera takes over. These two formulas form the absolute foundation of Italian courtesy. Omitting them when entering a shop or addressing a stranger is considered rude.
Unlike English, where “good morning” covers the whole morning and “good afternoon” the rest of the day, Italian distinguishes moments with precision. Using Buongiorno at 6pm or Buonasera at 10am will raise a slight smile. Respecting the time of day is part of the cultural code. For the night, just before sleep, Buonanotte is used. The neutral alternative Salve works at any hour in a semi-formal context.
Examples:
- Buongiorno, vorrei un caffè. (Good morning, I would like a coffee.)
- Buonasera, ha un tavolo per due? (Good evening, do you have a table for two?)
- Buonanotte, a domani. (Good night, see you tomorrow.)
Usage: Any formal interaction or with a stranger.
Key point: It is the first thing to say when entering any establishment.
2. Per favore / Grazie / Prego
These three words form the golden triangle of Italian courtesy. They chain together naturally in every service exchange. Per favore accompanies any request. Grazie closes the receipt of a service. Prego responds to a thank you, but also means “you’re welcome”, “go ahead” or “how can I help you?” depending on the context.
Omitting them does not make a request impossible, but it will sound blunt. Italians pay close attention to forms of courtesy, especially in bars, restaurants and shops. Grazie mille (a thousand thanks) amplifies the gratitude. A simple “Grazie” accompanied by a smile is enough in most cases.
Examples:
- Un cappuccino, per favore. (A cappuccino, please.)
- Grazie mille per l’aiuto! (Thank you so much for your help!)
- Prego, si accomodi. (Please, take a seat.)
Usage: Systematically in every exchange.
Key point: Prego on its own is often the right answer when in doubt about what is polite.
3. Mi chiamo… / Piacere
Introducing yourself is often the first step in a conversation. Mi chiamo means “my name is”. The more direct alternative is simply Sono [name]. Once names have been exchanged, Piacere (pleased to meet you) seals the introduction, usually accompanied by a handshake. This word can be used on its own, right after the name.
In a professional context, the surname is given after the first name. In a friendly context, the first name alone is sufficient. To ask someone’s name, you say Come ti chiami? (informal) or Come si chiama? (formal). This distinction between tu and Lei is fundamental and structures all interactions in Italian.
Examples:
- Mi chiamo Sophie, piacere. (My name is Sophie, pleased to meet you.)
- Sono Marco, e tu? (I’m Marco, and you?)
- Come si chiama? (What is your name? – formal)
Usage: Any first meeting, formal or informal.
Key point: Piacere can be said on its own while extending a hand, without adding anything else.
4. Come stai? / Sto bene, grazie
Asking how someone is doing is an unavoidable social ritual in Italy. Come stai? (informal) and Come sta? (formal) are the two standard forms. The more relaxed version Come va? works in almost any context. These phrases open conversations and show genuine interest in the other person.
The classic response is Sto bene, grazie (I’m fine, thank you). To add nuance, you can say Non c’è male (Not bad) or Così così (So-so). Returning the question with E tu? (And you? – informal) or E Lei? (And you? – formal) is an expected reflex. Not returning the question can come across as indifferent.
Examples:
- Ciao Marco, come stai? (Hey Marco, how are you?)
- Buongiorno, come sta? (Good morning, how are you? – formal)
- Sto bene, grazie! E tu? (I’m fine, thank you! And you?)
Usage: Start of any conversation with someone you know.
Key point: Always return the question to avoid appearing rude.
5. Scusi / Permesso
Two words for two distinct situations. Scusi is the polite form (formal) for addressing a stranger, apologising after an involuntary physical contact, or attracting attention. Scusa is its informal equivalent. Permesso is used to physically ask for passage: in a crowd, to cross a corridor, to enter a room.
Confusing them is a common mistake. Saying Permesso after bumping into someone is incorrect. And using Scusi to squeeze past in a queue is slightly too formal. This precise distinction shows a real mastery of Italian social codes and greatly eases interactions in busy public spaces.
Examples:
- Scusi, sa dov’è il Colosseo? (Excuse me, do you know where the Colosseum is?)
- Scusi, ho sbagliato. (I’m sorry, I made a mistake.)
- Permesso! (Excuse me, coming through!)
Usage: Scusi to address someone or apologise, Permesso to get past.
Key point: Mi dispiace expresses a deeper emotional regret than Scusa.
6. Vorrei…
In restaurants, bars, shops or ticket offices, the polite conditional is the absolute norm. Vorrei means “I would like”. It is the standard formula for placing an order or expressing a wish. Using Voglio (I want) instead is grammatically correct but sounds like a child’s demand. The conditional softens the request and marks good manners.
This construction applies in many situations: ordering food, asking for information, booking a table or expressing a preference. It can be followed directly by a noun or the infinitive of a verb. It is one of the most versatile phrases in this guide, usable at almost any moment of a traveller’s day.
Examples:
- Vorrei un cappuccino e un cornetto. (I would like a cappuccino and a croissant.)
- Vorrei prenotare un tavolo per stasera. (I would like to book a table for this evening.)
- Vorrei provare questa camicia. (I would like to try this shirt.)
Usage: Orders, requests and wishes in all establishments.
Key point: Always prefer Vorrei over Voglio to sound polite.
7. Dov’è…? / Come si va a…?
Finding your way in an unfamiliar city starts with knowing how to ask the right questions. Dov’è (Where is?) is used for a single, specific place. Dove sono applies to plural elements. To ask for directions, Come si va a…? (How do I get to…?) is preferred. These two formulas cover virtually all city navigation situations.
To understand the answers, a few directional words are essential: sinistra (left), destra (right), dritto (straight ahead), vicino (near), lontano (far). Italians usually accompany their explanations with expressive gestures, which aids comprehension even when the language is a barrier.
Examples:
- Scusi, dov’è la stazione? (Excuse me, where is the station?)
- Come si va al centro storico? (How do I get to the historic centre?)
- È vicino o lontano? (Is it near or far?)
Usage: Orientation and getting around the city.
Key point: Always start with Scusi before asking a stranger a question.
8. Quanto costa?
The question of price is unavoidable on any trip. Quanto costa? is used for a single item. For several items, the form is Quanto costano?. At markets, this question can open a negotiation. In formal shops, the displayed price is usually fixed, but the question is still necessary if no price is visible.
To complete this commercial toolkit, È troppo caro (It’s too expensive) is useful at informal markets. Ha qualcosa di meno caro? (Do you have something cheaper?) allows you to look for an alternative. Knowing Italian numbers is essential for understanding the answer, especially for two or three-digit figures.
Examples:
- Quanto costa questo? (How much does this cost?)
- Quanto costano queste scarpe? (How much do these shoes cost?)
- È troppo caro, ha uno sconto? (It’s too expensive, do you have a discount?)
Usage: Shopping in all types of shops and markets.
Key point: Brush up on Italian numbers to understand the answers without having to ask for them to be repeated.
9. Il conto, per favore
In Italy, the waiter never brings the bill on their own initiative. Waiting for it to arrive spontaneously can turn into an endless wait. This is a cultural rule to absorb quickly: it is the customer who must signal that they want to pay. The phrase Il conto, per favore is the standard, clear and expected signal.
In busy or noisy restaurants, the gesture of miming a signature in the air is universally understood. It can replace or accompany the verbal request. It is worth knowing that the coperto (cover charge) is a service fee sometimes added automatically to the bill. It is not a tip: checking the bill before paying avoids surprises.
Examples:
- Cameriere, il conto per favore. (Waiter, the bill please.)
- Possiamo avere il conto? (Could we have the bill?)
- Paghiamo separato. (We’re paying separately.)
Usage: End of a meal in any restaurant or café.
Key point: Never wait for the waiter to bring the bill on their own initiative.
10. Non capisco / Può ripetere?
Admitting that you have not understood something is a linguistic skill in itself. Non capisco (I don’t understand) politely stops a conversation that is moving too fast. Può ripetere più lentamente? (Could you repeat that more slowly?) allows for a reformulation. These phrases prevent you from politely nodding without having understood a thing.
Honesty is always appreciated. A Non parlo molto bene l’italiano (I don’t speak Italian very well) at the start of an exchange prepares the other person to adjust their pace and vocabulary. Most Italians are patient and willing to help when a foreigner makes the effort to communicate in their language.
Examples:
- Non capisco, può ripetere? (I don’t understand, could you repeat that?)
- Più lentamente, per favore. (More slowly, please.)
- Non parlo bene l’italiano. (I don’t speak Italian well.)
Usage: When a response comes too fast or uses unfamiliar vocabulary.
Key point: Better to admit you haven’t understood than to respond completely off topic.
11. Parla francese / inglese?
Sometimes, despite one’s best efforts, the language barrier requires falling back on a common language. Asking whether the other person speaks French or English is a legitimate option, as long as an attempt in Italian has come first. Parla francese? (Do you speak French?) or Parla inglese? (Do you speak English?) are direct and respectful requests.
In major tourist cities such as Rome, Florence or Venice, English is generally spoken in hotels and cultural venues. Outside tourist circuits, the chances diminish. Trying first in Italian shows respect and increases the likelihood of receiving a helpful response.
Examples:
- Scusi, parla inglese? (Excuse me, do you speak English?)
- C’è qualcuno che parla francese? (Is there anyone who speaks French?)
- Capisce il francese? (Do you understand French?)
Usage: Last resort after an attempt in Italian.
Key point: Always try a few words in Italian before switching to another language.
12. Ho una prenotazione
Booking ahead has become essential in Italy, especially during high season. Renowned restaurants, heavily visited museums such as the Uffizi in Florence or the Vatican, hotels: everything needs to be booked. Ho una prenotazione (I have a reservation) is the entry phrase at these establishments. It should be accompanied by the name the booking was made under.
To book on the spot or by phone, the formula is Vorrei prenotare followed by the relevant details. It is important to specify the number of people (per due persone), the date (per stasera, per domani) and the time. In Italy, dinner is eaten late, rarely before 8pm. Booking too early may come as a surprise, as some restaurants do not open until 7:30 or 8pm.
Examples:
- Ho una prenotazione a nome Dupont. (I have a reservation under the name Dupont.)
- Vorrei prenotare un tavolo per domani sera. (I would like to book a table for tomorrow evening.)
- Per due persone, alle otto. (For two people, at eight o’clock.)
Usage: Hotels, restaurants, museums and transport.
Key point: Always spell out the surname slowly, as foreign names can be difficult to catch.
13. Dov’è il bagno?
Simple, direct and universally useful, this question deserves a place in any linguistic survival kit. Dov’è il bagno? (Where is the toilet?) works anywhere. In Italian bars, use of the toilet is in principle reserved for paying customers. Ordering an espresso at the counter before asking grants access.
It is worth knowing that paid public toilets exist in some cities. Access is gained by inserting coins into a turnstile or handing a coin to an attendant. The word toilette is also understood, being a borrowing from French. Outside major cities, signage may be in local dialect: gabinetti or servizi also refer to the toilets.
Examples:
- Scusi, dov’è il bagno? (Excuse me, where is the toilet?)
- C’è un bagno pubblico qui vicino? (Is there a public toilet nearby?)
- Posso usare il bagno? (May I use the toilet?)
Usage: In any establishment open to the public.
Key point: Having a drink at the bar before asking is the unwritten rule.
14. Mi sono perso/a
Getting lost is an almost inevitable experience in Italian cities, with their medieval alleyways and urban labyrinths. Mi sono perso (masculine) or Mi sono persa (feminine) means “I’m lost”. This phrase, accompanied by a slightly bewildered look, usually prompts an immediate and warm response from Italians.
To maximise the chances of being understood, showing the destination name on your phone is usually more effective than a complex verbal description. The expression Può aiutarmi? (Can you help me?) reinforces the request. Italians are known for their hospitality and willingness to help, especially when someone makes the effort to address them in their own language.
Examples:
- Mi sono persa, può aiutarmi? (I’m lost, can you help me?)
- Cerco questo indirizzo. (I’m looking for this address.)
- Come arrivo a piazza Navona? (How do I get to Piazza Navona?)
Usage: When disoriented in an unfamiliar city.
Key point: Showing the destination on your phone always simplifies the explanations.
15. Vorrei un biglietto per…
Italian transport and cultural venues almost all operate on a ticketing system. Vorrei un biglietto per (I would like a ticket for) is the standard formula at the ticket office. It applies to trains, buses, museums, theatres and ferries. The detail that follows, including the destination, type of ticket and date, completes the request.
For very popular museums, tickets are usually booked online in advance. On-site, the useful phrase is Ho già il biglietto (I already have the ticket) to go directly to the entrance. For public transport, tickets are bought at the tabaccheria (tobacconist) or at automatic machines. Failing to validate the ticket in the machine can result in a fine.
Examples:
- Vorrei un biglietto per Roma, per favore. (I would like a ticket to Rome, please.)
- Un biglietto intero o ridotto? (Full price or reduced?)
- A che ora parte il prossimo treno? (What time does the next train leave?)
Usage: Transport, museums, shows and tourist sites.
Key point: Always validate the ticket in the machine before boarding.
16. Sono allergico/a a…
Italian gastronomy is exceptional, but it can contain problematic ingredients for people with allergies. Sono allergico (masculine) or Sono allergica (feminine) followed by a… communicates a food allergy. This is a potentially vital phrase. Italian waiters and cooks usually take such declarations very seriously.
The most common allergens to memorise are: noci (nuts), arachidi (peanuts), glutine (gluten), lattosio (lactose), frutti di mare (seafood), uova (eggs). The phrase Questo piatto contiene…? (Does this dish contain…?) allows you to check before ordering. Italian restaurants often offer senza glutine (gluten-free) options clearly indicated on the menu.
Examples:
- Sono allergico alle noci. (I am allergic to nuts.)
- Questo piatto contiene lattosio? (Does this dish contain lactose?)
- Avete piatti senza glutine? (Do you have gluten-free dishes?)
Usage: Essential in any restaurant or food market.
Key point: Always specify the exact allergen rather than being vague.
17. Ho bisogno di un medico / Aiuto!
In an emergency situation, a few words can make a decisive difference. Ho bisogno di un medico (I need a doctor) is the phrase to say clearly in the event of a health problem. Aiuto! (Help!) is the universal emergency cry. Chiamate il 118 (Call 118) activates the dispatch of medical services, 118 being the medical emergency number in Italy.
For a police emergency, the number is 113. C’è stato un incidente (There has been an accident) and Sono malato/a (I am ill) complete this emergency vocabulary. Knowing these formulas without ever having to use them is the ideal. But mastering them provides real peace of mind during a stay abroad, especially in less touristy areas.
Examples:
- Ho bisogno di un medico urgentemente! (I need a doctor urgently!)
- Chiamate il 118, per favore. (Please call 118.)
- Aiuto! C’è stato un incidente. (Help! There has been an accident.)
Usage: Medical or safety emergencies.
Key point: 118 = medical emergencies / 113 = police / 115 = fire brigade.
18. Buon appetito!
At the table, this phrase is almost compulsory before starting to eat. Buon appetito! is said to everyone present at a meal. Not saying it, or not responding when someone says it, can be perceived as rude. The classic response is Grazie, altrettanto! (Thank you, likewise!).
This expression goes beyond a simple wish for a good meal. It marks the official start of the meal and creates a convivial bond between diners. In restaurants, it is also usually the waiter who says it when setting down the plates. Compliments about the food after eating are greatly appreciated: Era tutto buonissimo! (Everything was delicious!) will always delight the cook or waiter.
Examples:
- Buon appetito a tutti! (Enjoy your meal, everyone!)
- Grazie, altrettanto! (Thank you, likewise!)
- Era tutto buonissimo, complimenti al cuoco! (Everything was delicious, compliments to the chef!)
Usage: Before every meal, whether with family, friends or in a restaurant.
Key point: Never start eating without having said Buon appetito.
19. Salute! / Cin cin!
Toasting is an important social moment in Italy. Salute! (To your health!) is the traditional word for a toast. Cin cin! is its festive and informal equivalent, accompanied by the clinking of glasses. Both are used depending on the context and the degree of familiarity with those present.
Outside of meals, Salute! is also used when someone sneezes, in the same way as “Bless you!” in English. This dual function of the word can come as a surprise. It is polite to respond Grazie when someone says Salute after a sneeze. Knowing this detail avoids moments of confusion during shared meals with Italians.
Examples:
- Cin cin! Alla nostra! (Cheers! To us!)
- Salute a tutti! (To everyone’s health!)
- Salute! — Grazie. (Bless you! — Thank you.)
Usage: Toasting during a meal or responding to a sneeze.
Key point: Make eye contact with each person when clinking glasses — that is the Italian rule.
20. Arrivederci / A presto!
Knowing how to say goodbye gracefully is just as important as knowing how to arrive. Arrivederci is the standard polite formula for saying goodbye, suitable in all formal or semi-formal contexts. Ciao works between friends. A presto (see you soon) anticipates a next meeting. A domani (see you tomorrow) specifies when you will be back.
In shops, it is customary to say goodbye on leaving, even briefly. Leaving without a word after being served can seem rude. A simple Grazie, arrivederci! on the way out is enough to close the interaction properly. Italians attach real importance to farewell rituals, which leave the final impression of an exchange.
Examples:
- Grazie mille, arrivederci! (Thank you very much, goodbye!)
- A presto, è stato un piacere. (See you soon, it has been a pleasure.)
- Ci vediamo domani! (See you tomorrow!)
Usage: End of any interaction, commercial or social.
Key point: Never leave a shop without saying goodbye — it is an unwritten but universal rule.
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