One of the most asked questions I get from travelers and clients en route to Italy is whether they’ll be able to get by if they don’t speak Italian? The short answer to this is yes, so don’t let your lack of knowledge of the Italian language stop you from exploring all that Italy has to offer. Also, now that we live in an era of Google Translate, there is really no excuse for allowing anxieties of not speaking a foreign language inhibit your travel dreams.
In more popular cities, like Rome, Venice, and Florence, getting by on English alone is doable, but not recommended. Like most non-English speaking countries that you visit, making an effort to speak the language is greatly appreciated. Travel should be a culturally immersive experience, and language plays a major role in this. If you’re planning on visiting less popular towns and regions in Italy like Puglia, Calabria, or other countryside escapes, packing an English-Italian dictionary or downloading an app is not necessarily a bad idea.
The key is to not stress too much over it. Have fun with speaking and learning Italian as a part of the cultural experience. Italians are more than warm and welcoming and will be nothing but appreciative of your efforts to immerse and engage. In return, I can guarantee that utilizing even a few of these Italian words and phrases will result in a much more immersive and local Italian travel experience.
Italian Words to Know
Ciao – Hello/Goodbye
Salve – Hello (formal)
Sì – Yes
No – No
Grazie – Thank you
Per favore – Please
Grazie mille – Thank you so much
Prego – You’re welcome
Buongiorno – Good day/morning
Buonasera – Good evening
Buonanotte – Goodnight (used when you’re actually going to bed)
Salute!/ Cin cin! – Cheers!
Bello (masculine); Bella (feminine) – Beautiful
Buono (masculine); Buona (feminine) – Good
Bene – Well
Amico (masculine); Amica (feminine) – Friend
Il conto – The check/bill
Via/Strada – Street
Vino – Wine
Birra – Beer
Aperitivo – Pre-dinner drinks & snacks (Italian version of happy hour)
Buongiorno is the most common Italian greeting and is appropriate any time of day. It's a great way to start a conversation and is a more polite way than ciao to greet someone when you first meet them.
Buongiorno is the most common Italian greeting and is appropriate any time of day. It's a great way to start a conversation and is a more polite way than ciao to greet someone when you first meet them.
Use Mnemonics to Easily Remember New Italian Words
This is a technique that involves creating a short, simple story or association that helps you memorize a word. Usually it can be related to what the word sounds like. Example: The word Schiena (pronounced Skyeh-nah) means Back – the part of the body.
When you greet a friend informally, you can use the word ciao. You might call out, "Ciao!"and wave as your brother steps off the train at the station. While ciao, pronounced "chow," is a casual Italian salutation that can mean both "hello" and "goodbye," most English speakers understand it as well.
Veni, vidi, vici.(“I came, I saw, I conquered.”) In Italian, it's: Venni, vidi, vinsi. This is probably the oldest and most memorable of all the popular Italian quotes, and it comes from ancient Italian times (and more precisely, from ancient Rome).
When you greet a friend, you can always use the word “ciao,” no matter the time of day, place, or context. On the other hand, with a more formal and business setting, it's better to use terms such as “buongiorno” or “salve” as a greeting.
No one expects you as a tourist to speak Italian fluently, but most Romans will appreciate it if you make an effort to use basic words and phrases. You might even find that you get better service in restaurants or make new friends.
Introduction: My name is Pres. Carey Rath, I am a faithful, funny, vast, joyous, lively, brave, glamorous person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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