10 Phrases in Italian for your visit to Rome


 

When in Rome and any other major Italian city center, you’ll find most of the locals quite happy to attempt to communicate with you in English wherever possible, especially those working in service.

Even still, English remains a minority language in Italy and it is of great value to familiarize one’s self with at least the basics of Italian. The locals also appreciate the effort on your part, and it can go a long way in ensuring better service or more efficient transport.

Rome – by Nicole Reyes – Unsplash

Here are ten categories of Italian phrases that come up most often. Learn them, live them, love them… you’re trip to Rome relies on it!

Are you ready?

1. Greetings

“Buongiorno” — Good morning
“Buon pomeriggio” — Good afternoon
“Buona notte” — Goodnight
“Arrivederci” — Goodbye

A phrase Chao! has definitely taken over the need for all of the above greetings; it’s a universal word that can be used to say both hello and goodbye, at any time of day.

Just be aware that Chao! is an extremely familiar way of addressing someone, and white it is acceptable most of the time, there are instances where the more formal greetings above are necessary.

If someone is clearly older than you, it is better to use a formal greeting. If you are meeting a person of importance then formal is necessary too. You’ll be able to assess the formality of every situation on the spot and determine what greeting would be best received. 

2. Courtesies 

“Per favore” — Please
“Grazie” — Thank you
“Scusami” — Excuse me
“Mi dispiace” — I’m sorry

Minding your P’s and Q’s when in Rome is a nice way to leave a good impression with the Italians. The locals are by no means a sensitive people, they are wonderfully crude and can take most distaste with a pinch of salt, but if you bump into someone or need to get their attention it’s good to have some formal phrases up your sleeve.

Rome – by Pauline Mae De Leon – Unsplash

3. Introductions   

Mi chiamo… — I call myself…/My name is…
“Piacere di conoscerti” — Pleased to meet you
“Sono di/Vengo da…” — I am from…
“Come ti chiami?” — What is your name?
“Come stai?” — How are you?

It’s important to know how to introduce yourself in Italian if you’ll be visiting Rome. The locals are fabulously friendly and love to make small talk with people who are clearly not from there.

They’ll ask your name, where you’re from, how you like Rome, will you join a guided walking tour

4. Basics

Parla Inglese? — Do you speak English?
“Non parlo Italiano” — I don’t speak Italian
“Mi sono perso” — I am lost
Che ore sono? — What time is it?
“Non lo so” — I don’t know

These basic phrases are of great importance especially if you won’t have access to GPS or internet while roaming the streets.

Rome – by Dylan Freedom – Unsplash

5. Ordering Food   

Vorrei… — I would like…
“Un’acqua per favore” — One water please
“Tavolo per due, per favore” — Table for two please
“Sono vegana” — I am vegan
“Non riesco a mangiare glutine” — I can’t eat gluten
“Il conto, per favore” — The check, please

It’s about a 50/50 ratio between waiters who can speak English and those that can’t. Most of the city center of Rome remains slightly gentrified and so basic English is common for locals , but the outskirts and more authentic Roman areas won’t always know what you’re trying to order.

Write these down if you think you’ll struggle to remember them on the spot.

6. Complimentary Phrases   

È bellissimo — It’s beautiful
“Stupefacente” — Amazing
“Non mi piace” — I don’t like it
“Lo adoro” — I love it

The Italians love feedback on their country and city, especially in Rome. If someone makes an effort to show you a landmark or attraction, it is important to offer feedback to them, and in their own language if possible.

Rome – by Anna Utochkina – Unsplash

7. Transport

Dov’è la metropolitana più vicina — Where is the nearest metro?
“Per favore portami a…” — Please take me to…
“In che modo” — Which way is…
“Come faccio ad arrivare a” — How do I get to…
“Posso comprare un biglietto?” — Can I buy a ticket?

Wherever you travel in Europe, always make sure you are able to ask for the nearest modes of transport in the local language. No one likes to be left stranded. 

Rome – by Mauricio Artieda – Unsplash

8. Shopping

Quanto costa? — How much does it cost?
“Ho bisogno di una taglia diversa” — I need a different size
“Prendo questo” — I’ll take this
“A che ora chiudete” — What time do you close?

As you make your way through Rome and explore all of the thrift stores & boutiques, you’ll find these retail phrases of great value. A lot of store workers, especially in independently owned shops, can’t communicate well in English.

Rome – by Daniele Salutari – Unsplash

9. Flirting

Posso avere il tuo numero? — Can I have your number?
“Sei bello/Sei bella” — You are beautiful (masc/femme)
“Vorresti andare a prendere un caffè?” — Would you like to go for coffee?
“Vieni qui spesso?” — Do you come here often?

Italians are an extremely flirtatious bunch. As a woman especially, walking the streets becomes quite amusing as the locals get more and more constable with your presence.

Should you ever desire to return the flirtation, the above phrases will help you. There probably isn’t a more romantic city in Europe for a first day, so act fast!

Rome – by Jordan Rowland – Unsplash

10. Statements

Questa è la mia prima volta a Roma — This is my first time in Rome
“Non ho soldi con me” — I don’t have money on me
“Per favore, non toccarmi” — Please don’t touch me
“Non mi interessa” — I am not interested
“Sto al…” — I am staying at the…

The above are a few additional phrases that I found incredibly useful during my own first visit to Rome. Some may seem humorous, but when they come up for use you’ll silently thank me in your head.

Viaggi sicuri e benvenuti a Roma!

 

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