Basic Italian phrases for travel

Excuse me

SKOO-zee

The universal opener, great for getting a waiter’s attention, stopping a stranger for directions, or squeezing past someone on the metro. Lead with it and everything after goes smoother.

The polite form for strangers. With friends it becomes “scusa”.

• Casual Scusa SKOO-zah ▶

Please

pehr fah-VOH-reh

Attach it to almost any request. It softens everything, and locals notice when visitors use it.

Thank you

GRAH-tsyeh

You can never say it too often. Use it for every small service such as handing over change, bringing a dish, giving directions.

Thank you very much

GRAH-tsyeh MEEL-leh

For when someone has gone out of their way and to show that extra bit of gratitude.

Literally “a thousand thanks” - the standard strong thank-you in Italy.

You’re welcome

PREH-goh

The universal response to thank you.

“Prego” is a Swiss Army word: you’re welcome, after you, come in, how can I help. You’ll hear it everywhere.

I’m sorry

mee dees-PYAH-cheh

For bumping into someone, knocking over a glass, or any small offence.

Yes

see

Everyone knows when to say yes, and being able to say it in the local language can be a really helpful way to navigate social interactions.

No

noh

Similar to yes, everyone knows when to use it and being able to say it in the local language can help across all sorts of situations.

Okay

vah BEH-neh

An all-purpose acknowledgement whether you’re confirming a price, a meeting point, a plan. Generally used the same way across languages.

Perfect

pehr-FET-toh

Warmer than a plain “okay”, and a great way to show you’re happy with a suggestion, a price, or a plan.

That works for me

pehr meh vah BEH-neh

Accepting a suggestion — a later table, a different room, an earlier train. Signals easy-going agreement.

No problem

nes-SOON proh-BLEH-mah

Reassuring someone who apologises, or waving off a small inconvenience. Keeps the mood light on both sides.

One moment, please

oon AHT-tee-moh pehr fah-VOH-reh

Buying yourself a few seconds when digging for your wallet, checking your phone, or holding a shop queue while you decide. Locals will be more patient when you can ask it in the local language

Could you help me, please?

mee pwoh ah-yoo-TAH-reh pehr fah-VOH-reh

The polite way to open any request for assistance. Locals will be even more enthused to help when you ask it in their language.

Hello

SAHL-veh

A must know in every language. A “hello” in the local language tends to get smiles, open doors, and has locals more eager to help.

The polite, any-time greeting when you’re unsure. In practice locals mostly say “buongiorno” or “buonasera”.

Hi

chow

The casual “hello” for friends, colleagues, and anyone you know well. A friendly opener that works in most situations.

Hello and goodbye in one — but it’s informal. With staff and strangers, “salve” or “buongiorno” is safer.

Good morning

bwon-JOR-noh

Use it until around midday. A warm way to greet hotel staff, waiters and shopkeepers at the start of the day.

Good afternoon

bwoh-nah-SEH-rah

For the stretch between lunch and sunset, in languages that use it. If you’re unsure of the cutoff, locals will forgive you either way.

Italian skips “good afternoon” — in many regions locals switch straight to “buonasera” from early afternoon.

Good evening

bwoh-nah-SEH-rah

The greeting for later in the day — walking into a restaurant for dinner, or checking in after dark.

Goodbye

ah-ree-veh-DEHR-chee

Leaving a shop, ending a chat, stepping out of a taxi. Locals will notice when you say it in their language, and it’s a nice way to close any encounter.

The polite farewell. “Ciao” works with anyone you’d call a friend.

See you later

ah DOH-poh

The friendly farewell for people you’ll cross paths with again such as hotel staff, your regular barista, new acquaintances.

Have a good day

BWOH-nah jor-NAH-tah

A warm sign-off after any small exchange. A great one to know in any language because locals will always appreciate it after an interaction.

My name is [name]

mee KYAH-moh [NOH-meh]

It’s always useful being able to introduce yourself in the local language. A great way to build friends in your travels.

How are you?

KOH-meh STAH

The polite version for strangers and staff. In a lot of countries it’s seen as a genuine question, so be ready for a real answer.

• Casual Come va? KOH-meh VAH ▶

I’m well, thank you

BEH-neh GRAH-tsyeh

The standard reply to “How are you?”. Bounce the question back with a smile and you’ve just had your first conversation!

Nice to meet you

pyah-CHEH-reh

Always a great one to say when meeting someone new on your travels. Knowing it in the local language is a nice touch that locals will appreciate.

One word, no gender endings, always right. Italian makes this one easy.