Top Italian Words you need to know

The Italian Peninsula located in Southern Europe is full of magic places to visit and admire. You must tour it during summer because the hot weather and the sea will leave you breathless. But also during winter times while the snow covers the mountains and tourist are few! Don’t miss it! If you are staying for a weekend or more, you must learn the top Italian words to help you feel at home. In this way, you will enjoy your time and have fun. You will also meet new friends!

Something about the Italian Language

Italian flag by Unknown – Pixabay 

Italian Langue is not difficult to learn. But you must know that every single region in Italy has its own slang. From the north to the south of Italy you will find different words with the same meaning. And the Italian Grandmothers are the keepers of the Italian slang language! But once in Italy, you’ll want to learn basic Italian phrases or words that are helpful and of a different sort.

Common Italian Words

Words by Wokandapix – Pixabay

Here you will find common Italian words that will help. You can mix them together with other words as the Italians do. Thanks to these words you will understand and join everyday conversations with Italians:

 Boh

“Boh” means “I don’t know” but in a short way like “dunno” and is usually used when Italians don’t know something. Italians like to use their body when they talk and in this case, they lift their shoulder while using the word “boh”.

Va bene

“Va bene” is often used to confirm something. If you have plans or an appointment with someone you can use this word. But “va bene” is also used to say that something you are doing is going well or if you are doing fine. You can use it to fill your gaps in a conversation or when you are on the phone for example “Va bene, ci vediamo dopo”.

Magari

Magari is often used in Rome. You will hear people saying “See..Magari!” in the middle of the street especially when they wish for something to happen. For example:

– C’è il sole?

– Magari!

In general, people like to used to stress how much they want something!

– Vorrei essere ricco!

– Magari!

Buongiorno and Buonasera 

The word “Buongiorno” is always used in the morning until 12 o’clock pm. Italians like to use it to great people even when they meet you around the streets or when they enter a shop.Is a way to communicate with people and to be gentle. It means “Good day” or “Have a good day”.  The word “Buonsera” instead is used when you are entering or leaving a place after 6.00 pm and is the equivalent of “Good Evening”. 

Comunque

Comunque is a word that you will hear a lot here in Italy and means “anyway”.

The words “Comunque” is used in different ways such as:

– Non sai dove si trova? Grazie comunque!

– You don’t know where it is? Thanks anyway!

If you prefer “comunque” means also ‘but still‘ or “nevertheless“, “however” or “no matter how“.

A presto

“A presto” is often used when you are closing a conversation with someone even on the phone. It means “see you soon” or “see you later“. 

-E’ stato un piacere conoscerti. A presto allora!

-It was nice to meet you. See you soon then!

Scusa – Mi scusi 

In Italian, the word “scusa” is used to say “I’m sorry” for something. Italians often use it when they enter somewhere or in the middle of the street if there are too many people and they need to walk around in the crowd. “Scusa” is a polite word and the version “mi scusi” is used if you are referring to people you don’t know event the oldest grandmas!

Grazie and Grazie mille

The word “Grazie”  and the “Grazie mille” version of this word is the equivalent of “thank you” and “thank you very much”. Italians use it to thank people for their help or for their kindness. Especially if someone is serving them at the restaurant or if they help doing something like putting the shopping in the bag at the store! Kindness and respect are a very important thing for italians! 

Cavolo 

The word “Cavolo” in Italy is used for stressing a lot of things and for different kinds of situations. Cavolo is a vegetable but also can become a rude word or an exclamation. But most Italians use it if something unpredictable happens.

– Hai rotto il bicchiere! E che cavolo!

-You broke the glass!What the hell!

Si and No

Si and No are very simple to learn. Are the equivalent of “yes” and “no”. You can use them to accept or decline an appointment or if you like something or maybe not. They are very useful, especially when travelling around Italy where you will find people who want to sell objects or products to you, especially during summer at the seaside!

Oppure

The Italian word “Oppure” is the equivalent of “or” and Italians use it when choosing between two things or more.

-Questo qui oppure quello? 

-This one or that one?

Forse 

The Italian word “Forse” is used when incertain about something. People use it when they don’t know what to do. And sometimes is paired with “si” or ” no”.

-Ci sei domani? Forse si o forse no.

-Are you there tomorrow? Maybe yes or maybe not

If you prefer “forse” also means “ perhaps” or “probably“, “maybe“, “hopefully“. 

Arrivederci – Arrivederci a presto

Arrivederci is another way to say Goodbye in Italian. The “Arrivederci” word means also: see you soon, see you later, bye or bye-bye. Is usually used when leaving a place or when ending a conversation with someone you know or someone you have just met in a polite way. You can use it even to end a phone conversation with someone. Sometimes is used together with the words “a presto” for example:

-E’ stato un piacere vederti. Arrivederci a presto

– Is been a pleasure to see you. Goodbye, see you soon