Hey! So, you’ve decided to start learning Italian? That’s awesome! 🇮🇹 Whether you’re planning a trip to Italy, want to impress someone special, or simply love the way Italian sounds — this guide is just for you.
I know how confusing it can feel at the beginning — so many new words, phrases, and that beautiful accent! But don’t worry, we’ll take it step by step, just like two friends chatting over coffee.
In this article, I’ll share some simple yet super useful Italian phrases for beginners — the kind that’ll actually help you in real-life conversations. By the end, you’ll feel confident saying hello, ordering food, asking for directions, and sounding a little more like a local.
Ready to dive in?
Why It Matters 💬
Knowing key Italian phrases for beginners can make your Italian journey smoother and more enjoyable. Imagine landing in Rome and confidently saying “Ciao!” or “Grazie mille!” to locals — you’ll instantly make a positive impression.
Learning beginner Italian phrases also helps you:
- Break the ice with native speakers.
- Navigate real-life situations like ordering at restaurants or asking for directions.
- Understand Italian culture through its everyday expressions.
- Boost your confidence to keep learning more advanced Italian later.
Let’s dive into these phrases by category so you can use them naturally and easily.
Basic Greetings and Introductions
Start your Italian learning journey with greetings. Italians value politeness, so knowing how to say hello, goodbye, or introduce yourself is essential.
Ciao!
Meaning: Hello / Hi / Goodbye
Use When: Greeting friends or saying goodbye casually.
Example: Ciao, come stai? — Hi, how are you?
Buongiorno
Meaning: Good morning / Good day
Use When: Greeting someone during the daytime or in formal situations.
Example: Buongiorno, signora Rossi! — Good morning, Mrs. Rossi!
Buonasera
Meaning: Good evening
Use When: Greeting someone in the evening or entering a restaurant after sunset.
Example: Buonasera, vorrei un tavolo per due. — Good evening, I’d like a table for two.
Mi chiamo…
Meaning: My name is…
Use When: Introducing yourself to someone new.
Example: Mi chiamo Sara. — My name is Sara.
Piacere di conoscerti
Meaning: Nice to meet you
Use When: Meeting someone for the first time.
Example: Ciao, piacere di conoscerti! — Hi, nice to meet you!
Common Courtesy and Politeness
Politeness goes a long way in Italy! These phrases help you sound respectful and kind.
Per favore
Meaning: Please
Use When: Making any polite request.
Example: Un caffè, per favore. — A coffee, please.
Grazie / Grazie mille
Meaning: Thank you / Thank you very much
Use When: Expressing gratitude.
Example: Grazie mille per l’aiuto! — Thank you very much for your help!
Prego
Meaning: You’re welcome / Please go ahead
Use When: Responding to thanks or offering something.
Example: – Grazie! – Prego! — Thank you! — You’re welcome!
Mi scusi / Scusa
Meaning: Excuse me / Sorry
Use When: Apologizing or getting someone’s attention.
Example: Mi scusi, dov’è la stazione? — Excuse me, where is the station?
Va bene
Meaning: Okay / That’s fine
Use When: Agreeing or confirming something.
Example: Va bene, ci vediamo domani. — Okay, see you tomorrow.
Travel and Directions
Perfect for travelers exploring Italy! Use these Italian beginner phrases when navigating cities, stations, or airports.
Dov’è…?
Meaning: Where is…?
Use When: Asking for directions.
Example: Dov’è il bagno? — Where is the bathroom?
Quanto costa?
Meaning: How much does it cost?
Use When: Shopping or asking about prices.
Example: Quanto costa questo libro? — How much is this book?
A destra / A sinistra
Meaning: To the right / To the left
Use When: Following or giving directions.
Example: Gira a destra dopo la banca. — Turn right after the bank.
Vicino / Lontano
Meaning: Near / Far
Use When: Asking about distance.
Example: È vicino al centro? — Is it near the city center?
Può aiutarmi?
Meaning: Can you help me?
Use When: Asking for assistance politely.
Example: Può aiutarmi con la valigia? — Can you help me with the suitcase?
Food and Dining
Eating out is a big part of Italian culture. Use these phrases at restaurants or cafés.
Vorrei…
Meaning: I would like…
Use When: Ordering food or drinks politely.
Example: Vorrei una pizza margherita, per favore. — I’d like a margherita pizza, please.
Il conto, per favore
Meaning: The bill, please
Use When: Asking to pay at a restaurant.
Example: Il conto, per favore. — The bill, please.
Un tavolo per due, per favore
Meaning: A table for two, please
Use When: Requesting a table.
Example: Buonasera, un tavolo per due, per favore. — Good evening, a table for two, please.
Che cosa mi consiglia?
Meaning: What do you recommend?
Use When: Asking the waiter for a suggestion.
Example: Che cosa mi consiglia oggi? — What do you recommend today?
È delizioso!
Meaning: It’s delicious!
Use When: Complimenting the food.
Example: Questo tiramisù è delizioso! — This tiramisu is delicious!
Everyday Conversation
Use these simple Italian beginner phrases to make daily small talk and connect with locals.
Come stai?
Meaning: How are you?
Use When: Starting a friendly conversation.
Example: Ciao! Come stai oggi? — Hi! How are you today?
Sto bene, grazie. E tu?
Meaning: I’m fine, thank you. And you?
Use When: Responding politely.
Example: Sto bene, grazie. E tu? — I’m fine, thanks. And you?
Che fai?
Meaning: What are you doing?
Use When: Asking casually about someone’s activity.
Example: Che fai stasera? — What are you doing tonight?
Non capisco
Meaning: I don’t understand
Use When: You don’t understand what someone said.
Example: Mi dispiace, non capisco. — Sorry, I don’t understand.
Parla inglese?
Meaning: Do you speak English?
Use When: You need help in English.
Example: Mi scusi, parla inglese? — Excuse me, do you speak English?
Shopping and Money
Whether you’re buying clothes or souvenirs, these Italian phrases for beginners will help you communicate clearly.
Posso provarlo?
Meaning: Can I try it on?
Use When: Trying on clothes.
Example: Posso provarlo in cabina? — Can I try it on in the fitting room?
Avete una taglia più grande?
Meaning: Do you have a bigger size?
Use When: Asking about sizes.
Example: Avete una taglia più grande di questa? — Do you have this in a larger size?
È in saldo?
Meaning: Is it on sale?
Use When: Asking about discounts.
Example: È in saldo questo vestito? — Is this dress on sale?
Accettate carte di credito?
Meaning: Do you accept credit cards?
Use When: Checking payment options.
Example: Accettate carte di credito? — Do you accept credit cards?
Solo guardo, grazie
Meaning: I’m just looking, thank you
Use When: Politely declining assistance.
Example: Solo guardo, grazie. — I’m just looking, thanks.
Emergencies and Help
It’s always smart to know basic emergency phrases. These can be life-saving in stressful moments.
Aiuto!
Meaning: Help!
Use When: You need urgent help.
Example: Aiuto! C’è un incendio! — Help! There’s a fire!
Chiamate un dottore!
Meaning: Call a doctor!
Use When: Medical emergency.
Example: Chiamate un dottore, per favore! — Call a doctor, please!
Ho perso il mio portafoglio
Meaning: I lost my wallet
Use When: Reporting a loss.
Example: Ho perso il mio portafoglio alla stazione. — I lost my wallet at the station.
Mi sono perso
Meaning: I’m lost
Use When: You can’t find your way.
Example: Mi sono perso, può aiutarmi? — I’m lost, can you help me?
Chiami la polizia!
Meaning: Call the police!
Use When: In an emergency.
Example: Chiami la polizia subito! — Call the police right away!
Cultural and Social Expressions
These Italian beginner phrases help you sound natural and connect with people beyond basic communication.
Buon appetito!
Meaning: Enjoy your meal!
Use When: Before eating or wishing others a good meal.
Example: Buon appetito a tutti! — Enjoy your meal, everyone!
Buona fortuna!
Meaning: Good luck!
Use When: Encouraging someone.
Example: Buona fortuna per l’esame! — Good luck for the exam!
Tanti auguri!
Meaning: Best wishes / Happy birthday
Use When: Celebrating an event.
Example: Tanti auguri di buon compleanno! — Best wishes for your birthday!
Salute!
Meaning: Cheers / Bless you
Use When: Toasting or after someone sneezes.
Example: Cin cin! Salute! — Cheers!
Benvenuto / Benvenuta
Meaning: Welcome (male/female)
Use When: Greeting guests.
Example: Benvenuto in Italia! — Welcome to Italy!
🪄 Final Thoughts
Learning Italian phrases for beginners isn’t just about memorizing words — it’s about connecting with people and enjoying new experiences.
With these essential phrases, you’ll be able to greet locals, order delicious pasta, ask for directions, and express yourself confidently in everyday situations.
Start small, practice daily, and don’t worry about making mistakes — Italians appreciate your effort and enthusiasm.
Use these phrases on your next trip or in your language-learning routine, and you’ll soon find that speaking Italian feels natural and fun.
📘 Bonus Recap Table
| Category | Key Phrases | Meaning / Example |
|---|---|---|
| Greetings | Ciao, Buongiorno, Piacere | “Ciao! Come stai?” – Hi! How are you? |
| Courtesy | Grazie, Prego, Scusa | “Grazie mille!” – Thank you very much! |
| Travel | Dov’è, Quanto costa | “Dov’è la stazione?” – Where is the station? |
| Dining | Vorrei, Il conto, È delizioso | “Vorrei una pizza.” – I’d like a pizza. |
| Conversation | Come stai, Non capisco | “Non capisco.” – I don’t understand. |
| Shopping | Posso provarlo, È in saldo | “È in saldo questo?” – Is this on sale? |
| Emergencies | Aiuto, Mi sono perso | “Aiuto!” – Help! |
| Culture | Buon appetito, Salute | “Salute!” – Cheers! |
QuicklyReply helps you master real-life communication with ready-to-use English phrases for work, travel, and daily life—perfect for teachers, learners, and professionals seeking quick, natural expressions.
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