80 Italian phrases for beginners: the most useful to start communicating

Are you ready to learn Italian but not sure where to begin? Don’t worry! Starting with a few essential Italian phrases for beginners is the easiest way to dive into the language.

Whether it’s introducing yourself, ordering at a restaurant, or asking for directions, having the right phrases in your pocket will make you feel more confident and ready to tackle any situation.

Let’s get started! Here’s everything you need to know to kick off your Italian language journey.

Why should you start with useful Italian phrases?

When it comes to learning a new language, practice is much more important than theory. By focusing on useful Italian phrases, you’ll be able to communicate immediately, even if you don’t know all the grammar rules yet.

Here’s why starting with phrases is so effective:

• you’ll feel confident right away: knowing what to say in everyday situations helps you speak without hesitation.
• These phrases are practical: you’ll actually use them while traveling, making friends, or simply asking for help.
• You’ll see instant results: even a few simple words can open up opportunities to connect, motivating you to keep learning.

By starting with these essential phrases, you’re building a solid foundation for improving your Italian step by step. All it takes is a few minutes of practice each day!

Italian expressions to use in everyday situations

Here are 80 essential Italian phrases that will help you navigate daily situations. They’re easy to learn, and with a little practice, they’ll quickly become part of your basic vocabulary.

Greetings and introductions

1. Hi! → Ciao!
2. Good morning! → Buongiorno!
3. Good evening! → Buonasera!
4. How are you? → Come stai?
5. My name is… → Mi chiamo…
6. Nice to meet you! → Piacere di conoscerti!
7. How old are you? → Quanti anni hai?
8. I’m from… → Sono di…
9. Do you speak English? → Parli inglese?
10. Can I help you? → Posso aiutarti?

Tips: in Italy, greetings like “Buongiorno” (good morning) and “Buonasera” (good evening) are essential and vary depending on the time of day. Using them makes a great first impression!

Asking for information

11. Where is the toilet? → Dov’è il bagno?
12. How do I get to…? → Come arrivo a…?
13. Is there a pharmacy nearby? → C’è una farmacia qui vicino?
14. What time does the train leave? → A che ora parte il treno?
15. How much does it cost? → Quanto costa?
16. What time is it? → Che ore sono?
17. Can you help me, please? → Mi può aiutare, per favore?
18. Can I ask a question? → Posso fare una domanda?
19. Where can I buy a ticket? → Dove posso comprare un biglietto?
20. Is it far? → È lontano?

Ordering at a bar or restaurant

21. I’d like a coffee, please. → Vorrei un caffè, per favore.
22. Could I have the menu, please? → Posso avere il menù, per favore?
23. What would you recommend? → Che cosa consiglia?
24. The bill, please! → Il conto, grazie!
25. Could I have a glass of water, please? → Posso avere un bicchiere d’acqua, per favore?
26. Is there something for vegetarians? → C’è qualcosa per vegetariani?
27. Can I order now? → Posso ordinare adesso?
28. I’d like a small portion. → Vorrei una porzione piccola.
29. Is there a special of the day? → C’è una specialità del giorno?
30. Does this dish contain gluten? → Questo piatto contiene glutine?

Emergency situations

31. Help! → Aiuto!
32. Call a doctor! → Chiamate un dottore!
33. There is a problem. → C’è un problema.
34. I need a doctor. → Ho bisogno di un medico.
35. Is there anyone who speaks English? → C’è qualcuno che parla inglese?
36. I’ve lost my wallet. → Ho perso il mio portafoglio.
37. I hurt myself. → Mi sono fatto male.
38. It’s an emergency. → È un’emergenza.
39. Where is the hospital? → Dov’è l’ospedale?
40. Can I use the phone? → Posso usare il telefono?

Shopping and directions

41. How much is this? → Quanto costa questo?
42. Do you have this in another size? → Avete questo in un’altra taglia?
43. Can I try it on? → Posso provarlo?
44. Where is the changing room? → Dov’è il camerino?
45. Do you take card payments? → Accettate pagamenti con carta?
46. I’m looking for… → Sto cercando…
47. Can you show me the way? → Può indicarmi la strada?
48. Where is the nearest bus stop? → Dov’è la fermata dell’autobus più vicina?
49. How far is it? → Quanto dista?
50. Can I get there on foot? → Posso arrivarci a piedi?

Socialisation and interaction

51. What’s your name? → Come ti chiami?
52. Where are you from? → Da dove vieni?
53. What do you do? → Che lavoro fai?
54. Would you like to join us? → Vuoi unirti a noi?
55. How can I contact you? → Come posso contattarti?
56. This is for you. → Questo è per te.
57. Can I take a photo? → Posso fare una foto?
58. Let’s meet later. → Vediamoci più tardi.
59. That’s very kind of you. → È molto gentile da parte tua.
60. See you tomorrow! → Ci vediamo domani!

Wildcard phrases for every occasion

61. I don’t know. → Non lo so.
62. Can you repeat that? → Puoi ripetere, per favore?
63. I’m sorry, I don’t understand. → Mi dispiace, non ho capito.
64. What does this mean? → Cosa significa questo?
65. Can you speak slowly? → Puoi parlare lentamente?
66. Excuse me, where can I find…? → Mi scusi, dove posso trovare…?
67. Can I help you with that? → Posso aiutarti con questo?
68. It’s okay, no problem. → Va bene, nessun problema.
69. How do you say this in Italian? → Come si dice questo in italiano?
70. Thank you for your help. → Grazie per il tuo aiuto.

Common expressions and courtesy phrases

71. Please. → Per favore.
72. Thank you. → Grazie.
73. You’re welcome. → Prego.
74. I’m sorry. → Mi dispiace.
75. No worries. → Non ti preoccupare.
76. That’s great! → È fantastico!
77. I need some advice. → Ho bisogno di un consiglio.
78. Can I ask for your opinion? → Posso chiederti un’opinione?
79. That’s exactly what I was looking for. → È esattamente quello che cercavo.
80. Have a great day! → Buona giornata!

Tips to quickly memorise Italian phrases

Learning new phrases can seem tricky at first, but with the right strategies, it’s much easier (and more fun!). Here are some tips to help you memorise faster:

1. repeat phrases throughout the day: Say them in the morning, during lunch, or before going to bed. Repetition is the key to making them stick!
2. Link phrases to real-life situations: Imagine asking “Dov’è il bagno?” while picturing yourself in a restaurant. Visualization helps memory.
3. Write them down: Use a notebook or stick post-it notes around your house with useful phrases like “Buongiorno!” and “Quanto costa?”
4. Speak out loud: Practice saying phrases to get used to their rhythm. Don’t be shy—even talking to yourself helps!
5. Use flashcard apps: Quizlet and Anki are great for creating digital flashcards and reviewing them daily.

Practical exercises to start using Italian phrases

Knowing phrases is one thing, but using them is what truly helps you learn. Try these exercises to put your new Italian skills into practice:

1. rehearse imaginary dialogues: Pretend you’re ordering a coffee or asking for directions.
2. Record your voice: Listen to your pronunciation and improve as needed.
3. Role-play with a friend: One can play the tourist, the other the waiter.
4. Timed challenges: Set a timer and see how many phrases you can say in two minutes.
5. Practice in real life: Use simple phrases like “Ciao!” or “Buongiorno!” when speaking to someone.

Now it’s your turn!

With these 80 essential Italian phrases, you’re ready to take your first steps into the Italian language. They’re perfect for building a solid foundation and improving your understanding in everyday situations.

But don’t stop here! If you’re ready to bring your skills to the next level, Sì Studiare Italiano is here to help. Learn not only phrases and vocabulary but also Italian culture and everyday life, so you can communicate naturally with Italians.

Check out our courses today and start your journey to speaking Italian with confidence!

Good luck and happy practicing!