italian essay phrases

• Vocabulary and Expressions

50 Helpful Italian Essay Phrases to Make Writing a Breeze

March 13, 2019 10:00 am

Writing an essay can be nerve-racking. But doing it in a foreign language like Italian? Well, hello anxiety! But you don’t need to worry too much because here in this article, we’ve compiled some of the most useful Italian essay phrases to help you. Try sprucing up your essays with these phrases and take it from there.

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Advanced Italian Words to Spice Up Your Vocabulary

So, you’ve passed the intermediate level in Italian. You have all the basics and then some, but you want to go the extra mile and learn more advanced Italian words and sentences. 

Are you applying for an Advanced Italian certificate [ CILS ], corresponding to the C1 or C2 level? Or are you enrolled in an Italian university? Maybe you just need to write an essay, compose the perfect cover letter, or take part in more formal and complex discussions with your Italian friends and colleagues. 

According to the Common European Framework Reference for Languages (known in Italian as QCER, Quadro Comune Europeo di Riferimento delle Lingue ), advanced learners of a language are able to effortlessly understand virtually everything, whether it’s written or oral. They can also use the language effectively for social, academic, and professional purposes, as well as produce well-structured and articulated text on complex topics.

Do you think you’re getting there? 

Here, we’ll present you with a great list of advanced Italian vocabulary words, including verbs, nouns, connectors, and example sentences and phrases. This list will help you sort out any complex linguistic situation for any professional environment you might find yourself in. But, if you still want more by the time you reach the end, check out our wide array of vocabulary lists with audio recordings. 

• Advanced Academic Words
• Advanced Business Words
• Advanced Medical Words
• Advanced Legal Words
• Advanced Words for Acing Italian Writing/Essays

1. Advanced Academic Words

Let’s start with some vocabulary you’ll need to feel at ease in any academic context.

Are you ready for some serious academic work?

For more words and phrases about school , school subjects , or even life on a school campus , make sure to refer to our free vocabulary lists !

2. Advanced Business Words

Many people travel for business reasons, and there’s no better way to conduct business than through effective communication. The business terms on this advanced Italian vocabulary list will help you avoid any misunderstandings when doing business with Italians. 

Are the accounts correct?

→ Want to learn more vocabulary for doing business successfully? You’ll find it here!

3. Advanced Medical Words

Whether you’re planning to study medicine in Italy or you need medical attention while traveling, being able to discuss medical issues requires a somewhat advanced vocabulary. To give you a head start, we’ve compiled this list of several advanced words in Italian related to the medical field. And if you really want a full immersion experience, check out the ten (10!!!) seasons of the historic TV series Un medico in famiglia ( A Doctor in the Family ) from the Raiplay platform. 

Does it look okay to you?

→ Check out our vocabulary list to practice talking about medicines and medical treatments .

4. Advanced Legal Words

Are you a fan of detective and crime stories? If so, you might love to watch the entire series of Il commissario Montalbano ( Detective Montalbano ), set in wonderful Sicily. You’ll need to study and practice a few advanced legal words first, but these words could be useful in many other situations as well. You never know…

I love detective stories!

5. Advanced Words for Acing Italian Writing/Essays

Writing essays, whether for language certification or a student thesis, is definitely an art! But you’ll do well as long as you choose your vocabulary carefully, selecting less common words to deliver key concepts in the best possible way.

Here is a selection of verbs, adjectives, adverbs, and conjunctions that will immediately increase your score on an essay or paper. 

1 – Alternative Verbs

Sometimes, the trick is to substitute a common verb with a more sophisticated one that has the same meaning. Here are some examples. Note that the first word is the common version, while the second one is the more advanced Italian verb. 

2 – Conjunctions

3 – adverbs.

He stubbornly refused to listen…

4 – Adjectives

You seem like a reasonable person…

6. Conclusion

In this guide, you have learned a large collection of both general and specialized advanced Italian words, from medical vocabulary to legal terms and business phrases. If we forgot any important topic or if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to let us know in the comments below.

Make sure to explore ItalianPod101 , as we have plenty of free resources to help you practice your grammar and learn new words. Our vocabulary lists are also a great way to review new words and learn their pronunciation. Not sure where to start? Then we recommend checking out our advanced Italian course ! 

Remember that you can also use our Premium PLUS service, MyTeacher , to get personal 1-on-1 coaching. Your own private teacher will help you practice advanced words and phrases, provide you with assignments and personalized exercises, and record audio samples just for you. Your teacher will also review your work and help you improve your pronunciation.

Keep learning and having fun with ItalianPod101 !

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Useful Italian Phrases to Discuss in Italian (For Advanced Learners)

Many of you have certainly experienced more than once that it is rather difficult to be entirely fluent in a foreign language. And even after years and years of studying a language, exercising conversation, reading novels and newspaper articles to improve your vocabulary, when it comes to discussing (discutere, argomentare) important issues or writing an essay, you may feel like you’re wresting with words. We suggest not being frustrated as even for native speakers it is not easy

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6 Tips To Help You Write An Essay In Italian

Writing an essay in Italian can seem like a daunting prospect. However, it also marks a significant achievement, in that you have secured the basic grammar rules of the language and have sufficiently developed your Italian vocabulary to be able to write an essay.

For many people, however, it can be easy to get too focused on the grammar and spelling and forget how to make the essay creative and interesting. Here are 6 simple tips to help you write an essay in Italian .

1. Understand The Purpose And Target Audience Of The Essay

Begin by identifying what the essay is asking you to do and who it is you are writing for. This will help you to establish the type of language you will need to use and the style of essay you will be writing (for example, narrative , persuasive or descriptive ).

When doing your research, try to look for sources and references in Italian.

3. structure your essay.

You can use the basic five-paragraph format to ensure that your essay is well structured, including when writing in Italian . This will include an introduction, in which you outline your thesis statement. The main body or arguments of the essay will usually be divided into three paragraphs, each consisting of a point, explanation and example. Finally, provide your readers with a conclusion in which you restate the thesis statement and wrap up all loose ends.

2. Research In Italian

Once you are clear about what it is you are writing, brainstorm your ideas for the essay. Begin by listing all the things you already know about the topic and what areas you need to research further. Try to make your notes in Italian , as this will help you practice and develop your writing skills further.

“When doing your research, try to look for sources and references in Italian ,” suggests Diane Silver, an educator at Paper Writing Service and Boomessays . “Make sure that you make notes in Italian and that you keep a detailed record of your references to use in your essay.”

You can use the basic five-paragraph format to ensure that your essay is well structured, including when writing in Italian.

4. useful phrases to help your essay flow.

Even though you might be more conscious of your grammar and spelling because you are writing in Italian , instead of your native language, try to allow your own voice and expression to come through in your writing. If you’re unsure how to properly use a complex sentence, break it up into two simple sentences instead.

You might also want to use some Italian useful phrases or sentence starters to give your essay more individuality and flair. For example:

First of all – Prima di tutto Firstly – In primo luogo Moreover – Inoltre Likewise – Allo stesso modo Similarly – In modo simile As well as – Come pure However – Tuttavia Instead – Invece On the other hand – D’altra parte For example – Ad esempio To conclude – In conclusione

5. Edit And Proofread The Essay

Once you have written your essay, it’s important to spend some time editing and proofreading it. Read through your entire essay and see if you have successfully conveyed your main point and cited all your sources. Read it again a second time, this time focusing on the grammar and spelling. If you’re struggling with proofreading, consider using a service like OXEssays , Bigassignments , Eliteassignmenthelp or Best Writing Services to help you improve your essay.

6. Keep Writing And Reading

The best way to improve your essay writing skills in Italian is to keep practicing. Learn from your mistakes and view these as learning opportunities, instead of being disappointed. Try to read in Italian , as this will help to develop your vocabulary and improve your writing skills.

“If you can, try to write something in Italian each day . It can be as simple as keeping a diary or writing a short paragraph of your opinion on a news topic. Crucially, daily writing will help you to develop your confidence and overall writing ability,” says David Monroe, an essay writer at Paper Fellows and Essayroo .

Try to read in Italian, as this will help to develop your vocabulary and improve your writing skills.

Writing an essay can be daunting in any language, but even more so when it’s in a foreign language. When writing an essay in Italian , remember to identify who it is you’re writing for and try to conduct all of your research and planning in Italian. Use helpful phrases to add more fluency to your essay and remember to proofread it at the end.

Emily Henry

About the author: Emily Henry is an experienced writer at Personal Statement Help , where she regularly writes about essay writing. She also offers tips on how to improve essay structure and the correct use of references at Stateofwriting . Emily is passionate about writing and enjoys sharing tips and advice with others to help them improve their writing and she is also a tutor at Book Report Writing . When not writing, Emily enjoys spending time reading and learning new foreign languages.

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Useful Italian phrases

A collection of useful phrases in Italian.

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See these phrases in any combination of two languages in the Phrase Finder . If you can provide recordings, corrections or additional translations, please contact me .

Key to abbreviations: sg = singular (said to one person), pl = plural (said to more than one person, inf = informal, frm = formal, m = male (said by males), f = female (said by females), >m = said to males, >f said to females.

Italian audio, translations and corrections by Andrea Pollett, Chiara Maggi, Gonzalo Drinot and Riccardo Cristiani

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StoryLearning

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84 Incredible Italian Idioms For Every Occasion

Everyone knows popular idioms in their own language — they are a dime a dozen – and as you learn Italian , you'll see that Italian idioms are no exception . But what idioms really are, exactly, is a little more difficult to say. 

The word idiom comes from the latin idioma (which itself, in turn,  comes from ancient Greek) and means “ a peculiarity, property, a peculiar phraseology.” (It’s the same word in Italian, by the way)

So basically, idioms can help in expressing something specific you want to say easily and simply, without beating around the bush. You can use idioms by themselves, or as part of a sentence.

“It’s raining cats and dogs,” for instance, works fine by itself, while “the best of both worlds” or for something to “get out of hand” needs words around it to make sense. Like in English, this is also the case for Italian. So far, so good.

So what are Italian idioms like? They can’t just be a translated version of the English ones, you must be thinking. But there are actually a large number of Italian idioms that are just that, and then of course there are a whole lot of language-specific ones.

This article is all about showing you the most popular, frequently used idioms in Italy, so you can incorporate them into your language learning and speech. 

By the way, if you want to learn Italian fast and have fun, my top recommendation for language learners is my Uncovered courses, which teach you through StoryLearning®.  Click here  to find out more about Italian Uncovered and try out the method for free.

Get Ready To Discover 84 Common Italian Idioms

All Italian idioms listed below will have short explanation, an example sentence in which the idiom is translated literally, and another sentence, in brackets, meant to explain the meaning if it’s unclear, often with a similar English idiom.

This is so you know how to use these Italian idioms, but also what they really mean word for word. Here goes nothing. 

1. In Bocca Al Lupo

Literally meaning in the mouth of the wolf, this translates to “good luck” in Italian. You use it by itself, when you want to tell someone you’re rooting for them. 

• Oggi devo fare l’esame di matematica.
• In bocca al lupo!  
• – I have to take a maths exam today. 
• In the mouth of the wolf! 
• [Good Luck!]

2. Costa Un'occhio Della Testa

This is a great one for when you want to say something is too expensive. Literally meaning “an eye off of the head,” it is not clear from where else one would be able to take an eye, but it makes a great visual point. 

• Quella macchina ti costerà un occhio della testa.
• That car is going to cost you an eye from the head. 
• [That car is going to cost you an arm and a leg.]

3. Buono Come Il Pane

This one is cute — it means “good like bread,” and is most often used in connection to a person. Some people are as great as bread, really. 

• Matteo è buono come il pane. 
• Matteo is good like bread. 
• [Matteo is a great guy.] 

4. A Mali Estremi, Estremi Rimedi 

There is a similar saying in English which goes “desperate times call for desperate measures” and means the same thing. 

• Ho chiuso la macchina con le chiavi dentro! A mali estremi, estremi rimedi… sono costretta a rompere il finestrino.
• I closed the car with the keys inside! To bad extremes, extreme remedies… I am forced to break the window.
• [I closed the car with the keys inside! Desperate times require desperate measures… I am forced to break the window.]

5. Perdersi In Un Bicchier d’Acqua

Literally “to lose yourself in a glass of water”, this Italian idiom means to make a big deal out of a rather small problem, or to panic unnecessarily. 

• Vedrai che risolveremo tutto, non perderti in un bicchier d’aqua!
• You’ll see we will solve everything, don’t lose yourself in a glass of water!
• [You’ll see we will solve everything, don’t make a mountain out of a molehill.]

6. Conosco I Miei Polli 

A very popular idiom, this is often transliterated by Italians to the English “I know my chicken” as a joke. This means that you know about something, or someone, so well that you know what is going to happen or what they will do. 

• Ti faccio una pasta perché avrai sicuramente fame. 
• Ma come lo sapevi? 
• Conosco i miei polli!
• I’ll make you some pasta because I’m sure you’ll be hungry.
• How did you know? 
• I know my chickens! 
• [I know you like the back of my hand.]

7. Non Avere Peli Sulla Lingua

”To not have hair on one’s tongue” is said about people who don’t beat around the bush and always say exactly what they mean. 

• Carla non ha peli sulla lingua — dice quello che pensa. 
• Carla doesn’t have hairs on her tongue — she says what she thinks. 
• [Carla speaks her mind.]

8. Tra L’incudine E Il Martello 

The Italian version of “being stuck between a rock and a hard place,” it can be used in any place you’d use the English idiom, like this:

• Non so cosa fare, mi trovo tra l ’ incudine e il martello.  
• I don’t know what to do, I find myself between the anvil and the hammer. 
• [I don’t know what to do, I find myself between the devil and the deep sea.]

9. Hai Voluto La Bicicletta? Allora, Pedala! 

Great to tell someone to both “be careful what they wish for” and “sleep in the bed they made”, this expression is sort of a playful chastisement. 

• Sei stato tu a voler venire qui. Hai voluto la bicicletta? Allora, pedala! 
• You were the one who wanted to come here. You wanted a bike? So now, pedal! 
• [You were the one who wanted to come here. You made your bed, now lie in it.]

10. Pane Al Pane E Vino Al Vino

Wonderfully intuitive and easy to understand, this often used idiom means to see, and say, things as they are. 

• Luciana non ha nessun problema a dire pane al pane e vino al vino.
• Luciana  doesn’t have any problems with saying bread to bread and wine to wine. 
• [Luciana doesn’t have any problems with being candid.]

11. Avere Il Sale In Zucca

“To have salt in a pumpkin” is a strange idiom from Roman times, when people used to conserve their valuable, expensive salt inside everyone’s favourite autumn vegetable. Today as back then, not to have it in there means to have little common sense. 

• Hai fatto una stupidaggine, tu non hai sale in zucca. 
• You did a stupid thing, you don’t have much salt in (the) pumpkin. 
• [You did a stupid thing, you’re not the brightest bulb in the box.]

12. Ti Sta A Pennello

…means that something “suits someone like a glove”, or looks very good on them. 

• Che bello quel vestito, ti sta a pennello! 
• What a pretty dress, it suits you to a (paint) brush! 
• [What a pretty dress, it suits you to a t.] 

13. Rompere Il Ghiaccio 

Translated as “to break the ice” it means the same exact thing and is used the same as the English idiom. 

• Ho detto una barzelletta perché volevo rompere il ghiaccio. 
• I told a joke because I wanted to break the ice. 

14. Sputa Il Rospo!

To spit the rospo , or “ toad ” in English, is something like “to spill the beans,” but it’s mostly used when the thing about to be said is unpleasant, embarrassing or otherwise negative. 

• Devo dirti un segreto, ma ti prego, non arrabbiarti. 
• Dai, sputa il rospo!
• I have to tell you a secret, but please don’t get angry. 
• Come on, spit the toad! 
• [Come on, spit it out!]

15. Con Le Mani Nel Sacco

When you catch someone with their hands in the proverbial cookie jar, you’d say this in Italian: 

• Digli la verità, ti ho colto con le mani nel sacco! 
• Tell her the truth, I caught you with your hands in the sack! 
• [Tell her the truth, I caught you with your hands in the cookie jar!] 

16. Come Viene Viene

Very similar to the English “let’s see how it goes,” this idiom is quite iconic for the Italian style of leaving things be as they are, or improvising. 

• La mia focaccia non ha una ricetta – come viene viene. 
• My focaccia doesn’t have a recipe — however it comes (out), it comes (out). 
• [My focaccia doesn’t have a recipe — let’s see how it turns out.]

17. Morto Un Papa Se Ne Fa Un Altro 

Some Italian sayings are so uniquely Italian that you can’t really find a corresponding one in English. Like this next one, which is about the pope and has nothing to do with a father, or papá in Italian, and means that absolutely no one is irreplaceable: 

• Non lavora più con noi. Va bene, morto un papa se ne fa un altro. 
• She doesn’t work with us any more. Fine, (if) one pope dies you make another. 
• [She doesn’t work with us any more. Fine, if one door closes, another one opens.]

18. L’Abito Non Fa Il Monaco

In English, a perhaps lesser-known translation of this saying also means that “it’s not the clothes that make a man”, i.e. that appearances are not what’s important. 

• L’abito non fa il monaco. 
• It’s not the cowl that makes a monk. 
• [Clothes do not make the man.]

19. Cadere Dalle Nuvole 

Everyone has had the feeling — you think everything is going swell, only to suddenly see or understand something only you didn’t, up to that point. This is also an existing expression in English: 

• Laura mi ha lasciato. Dice che non mi ama più…sono caduto dalle nuvole. 
• Laura has left me. She says she no longer loves me…I have fallen from the clouds. 
• [Laura has left me. She says she no longer loves me…what a slap in the face.] 

20. Ogni Morte Di Papa 

Another saying that mentions the pope — there seems to be something about the highest office of the catholic church to make Italians creative with their Italian idioms. This one means “once in a blue moon,” since being pope ordinarily a lifetime position that changes pretty rarely — a blue moon happens a lot more often, in fact. 

• Quante volte viene a trovarti?  
• Ogni morte di papa. 
• How often does she come visit you? Every death of the pope.
• [Once in a blue moon.] 

21. Ogni Due Per Tre

Reportedly of Spanish origin, this one is the opposite of the previous entry, meaning something happens very often. 

• Dice bugie ogni due per tre. 
• He tells lies every two for three. 
• [Two out of three things he says are untrue.]

22. Tale Madre/Padre Tale Figlio/a

If you want to say that the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree to an Italian person, you’d say: 

• Francesco ha i tuoi stessi occhi. Tale padre, tale figlio. 
• Francesco has your same eyes. Like father, like son. 

23. Tutto Fa Brodo 

Food related Italian idioms abound in Italy, and this one is no exception. You would use it anytime you’d want to say “might as well” or “what’s the harm.” 

• Posso invitarti a cena? 
• Tutto fa brodo, a questo punto. 
• Can I invite you to dinner? 
• Everything makes broth, at this point. 
• [Sure, why not.]

24. Un Pezzo Grosso 

“A big chunk” is a big chunk whether it comes to pie, money, or change. But in Italian, it means something a little different: a big shot. 

• Non so se è vero, però ho sentito che si è fidanzata con un pezzo grosso. 
• I don’t know if it’s true, but I heard she got engaged to (/is dating a) big shot. 

25. Cervello Di Gallina 

It’s a known fact that chickens aren’t very smart. So in Italian as well as in English, saying that someone is “chicken-brained” isn’t too flattering.  This entry does just that, with the small difference that gallina actually means “hen.”

• Ho dimenticato il mio cellulare di nuovo. Che cervello di gallina che ho!
• I forgot my cell phone again. What a hen-brain I’ve got! 
• [I forgot my cell phone again. What a scatterbrain I am!]

26. Avere Il Braccio Corto

No use denying it: nobody likes a cheapskate. In Italy, those people are recognized by a telling and strange bit of anatomy: 

• Sicuramente non chiedo a Francesco, che ha il braccino corto .
• Surely I won’t ask Francesco, who has a short [little] arm.
• [Surely I won’t ask Francesco, who is a cheapskate.]

27. Non Vedo L’Ora!

When you haven’t seen an Italian friend in a while and are on the phone with them discussing when to meet, this is what you’d tell them to let them know you're looking forward to it: 

• Sarà bellissimo rivederti, non vedo l’ora! 
• It will be great to see you again, I can’t see the hour! 
• [It will be great to see you again, I can't wait!]

28. Che Palle!

Charming and not entirely safe for work, this idiom is one of the funnier, less serious ones. Strangely, an idiom that references testicles is not really taboo to use in a work environment, for instance. 

• Dobbiamo stare qui per tutto il giorno.
• We have to stay here the whole day. 
• What balls! 
• [What a pain (in the backside)!]

29. Stare Con Le Mani In Mano

One of the simple Italian idioms that are quite literal in their meaning, this one is for those times you’re standing around doing absolutely nothing, or want to complain about someone else being the opposite of useful:

• Ma guarda questo, sta con le mani in mano a far niente.
• Well look at that one, standing with his hands in his hand doing nothing.  
• [Well look at that guy, standing there not lifting a finger.]

30. Non Ci Piove

What an expression to say that there’s no doubt has to do with rain, we don’t know, but it is charming and funny to say. When you want to say that there are no two ways about something, try this: 

• Hai commesso un errore gravissimo, su questo non ci piove.
• You have made a big mistake, on this it doesn’t rain. 
• [You have made a big mistake, that’s for sure.]

31. Piove Sul Bagnato

Another idiom with a rain theme, this one is more logical and self explanatory, with a very similar version in English, “when it rains it pours,” meaning that bad things seldom come alone: 

• Mi hanno ritirato la patente, e poi qualcuno mi ha rubato la macchina… piove sul bagnato. 
• I had my drivers license taken away and then someone stole my car…it’s raining on wet [things]. 
• [I had my drivers license taken away and then someone stole my car… bad things come in threes.]

32. Acqua In Bocca!

Staying on the larger topic of Italian idioms about water, to have “water in (your) mouth” in Italy means to keep something to yourself. This would be easier to do with a mouthful of water to hold on to, you’ll have to agree. 

• Devo dirti una cosa, ma per favore, acqua in bocca! 
• I have to tell you something, but please, water in the mouth! 
• [I have to tell you something, but please, keep it to yourself.]

33. Avere Un Diavolo Per Capello

In stressful, difficult times, there is no better Italian idiom to use than this one, which illustrates perfectly what it feels like to be beside yourself with anger. 

• Sono arrabbiatissima, ho un diavolo per capello.
• I am very angry, I have one devil for each hair. 
• [I am so angry, I’m seeing red.]

34. Cavallo Di Battaglia

This one is pretty easy: you use it anytime you want to say about something that it is your area of expertise, or more specifically that something is your best work. You can say this about someone else too, of course. 

• Quel film è il cavallo di battaglia del regista.  
• That movie is the director’s battle horse. 

35. Tirare Un Pacco/Dare Buca

…is what flakes do in Italy. When you get stood up, this is a great way to make the story sound funnier than it feels. 

• Mi sa che Laura mi ha tirato un pacco.
• Ti ha dato buca? Mi dispiace. 
• I feel like Laura threw me a parcel.
• She gave you a hole? I’m sorry. 
• [I feel like Laura has stood me up. 
• She flaked out? I’m sorry.] 

36. Rompere Le Scatole

An old, tongue-in-cheek expression that is the child-friendly origin of a number of more popular, adult Italian idioms, intended to show how much someone is annoying you. 

• Mamma, non voglio andare a casa! 
• Piertro, non rompermi le scatole. 
• Mum I don’t want to go home!
• Pietro, don’t break my boxes. 
• [Pietro, don’t get on my nerves.] 

37. Prendere Lucciole Per Lanterne 

This idiom can be used when you feel like someone is trying to pull the wool over your eyes or if you think someone is just not getting something, misunderstanding you. 

• Non sarò un gran genio, ma non sono neanche il tipo che prende lucciole per lanterne.
• I may not be a great genius, but I’m also not the type to take candles for lanterns. 
• [I may not be a great genius, but I’m also not the type to be clueless/easily tricked.]

38. Mani In Pasta

An idiom that has a similar corresponding phrase in English: “to have ones fingers in the pie,” this can also be used to say that you're busy with something else at a given moment. 

• Quella donna ha le mani in pasta ovunque. 
• That woman has her hands in the dough everywhere.
• [That woman always intervenes in other people’s matters.]

39. Cadere L’Occhio

In its literal translation the meaning seems obvious, since there is a similar expression in English – use it when something “catches your eye.” 

• Visto che mi ci cade l’occhio, uno di voi due potrebbe spiegarmi cosa fa qui questo cane? 
• Seeing as my eye is falling on it, could one of you two explain to me what this dog is doing here? 
• [Since it has caught my eye, could one of you two explain to me what this dog is doing here?]

40. Fare (Qualcuno) A Polpette

“To make meatballs of someone” is as self-explanatory as it sounds like a retro mafia threat. Great one to use if you’re looking for a not-so-subtle effect. 

• Se mai ti vedrò parlare con mia figlia, ti faccio a polpette. 
• If I ever see you talking to my daughter, I will make you into meatballs. 
• [If I ever see you talking to my daughter, I’ll make mincemeat out of you.]

41. Mettere Lo Zampino

This one is all about meddling in other people’s affairs, or putting your nose where it doesn’t belong, even if the image is cuter somehow. 

• E' qualcosa che non ti riguarda, non mettere lo zampino.
• This is something that doesn’t concern you, don’t put your [little ] paw [in it]. 
• [This is something that doesn’t concern you, don’t put your nose into other people’s business.]

42.Carta Canta

This is an idiom that emphasizes the importance of setting things down on paper, because like Lenin said, trust is good but control is better. An antique version of the idiom below is verba volant, scripta manent — words fly, scripture stays. 

• Non ci serve un contratto, sai che puoi fidarti di me! 
• Lo so, ma carta canta. 
• We don’t need a contract, you know you can trust me!
• I know, but paper sings. 
• [I know, but it's better to write things down.] 

43. Sei Un Coniglio 

While bunnies are cute, being one in the eyes of another person usually doesn’t mean anything too flattering. When someone tells you this in Italy, what they really mean is that you are a chicken.

• Patrizia, per certe cose, ha molto coraggio, per altre è un coniglio.
• In certain situations, Patrizia has a lot of courage, in others she is a rabbit. 
• [In certain situations, Patrizia has a lot of courage, in others she is a wallflower.] 

44. Mandare All’aria

Intuitive in its meaning, this idiom sounds somewhat like “throwing caution to the wind”, but the meaning is not quite that. Instead, it’s about messing something up, squandering it, or throwing it away. 

• Cara, non puoi mandare all'aria tutta la tua vita per lui. 
• Darling, you can’t throw your whole life away because of him. 

45. Da Che Pulpito Viene La Predica! 

Remember this one for when people want to give you unwanted advice they themselves couldn’t follow. Much like saying “you’re a fine one to talk,” but somehow more dramatic. 

• Secondo me devi lasciarlo immediatamente. 
• Senti da che pulpito viene la predica! 
• I think you have to leave him immediately. 
• Listen from which pulpit the lecture is coming from!
• [Look at that, the pot calling the kettle black.] 

46. Fare Le Ore Piccole 

Those familiar with the Sinatra record In the Wee Small Hours of the Morning will understand the point of this idiom, which is to stay up late. 

• Sono stanchissimo perché ieri ho fatto le ore piccole.
• I am very tired because yesterday, I made small hours. 
• [I am very tired because yesterday, I painted the town (red).]

47. Un Ago In Un Pagliaio 

Another one of those Italian idioms with a literal English translation, you’ll recognise this one if you’ve ever searched for something you were unlikely to find. 

• Trovare Maria sarà come cercare un ago in un pagliaio, ma forse saremo fortunati.
• To find Maria will be like looking for a needle in a haystack, but maybe we will have some luck. 

48. Cavare Un Ragno Dal Buco

Similar to the previous item on this list, this idiom is closer in meaning to “squeezing blood from a stone”, as in something that is not only difficult, but seems impossible — especially used to say you can’t get someone to tell you what you want to know. 

• Mi sa che non caveremo un ragno dal buco con Giulia.
• It seems to me like we won’t dig a spider out of the hole with Giulia. 
• [It seems to me like we won’t squeeze blood from a stone with Giulia.]

49. Buio Pesto 

Unusual, just as “pitch black” is an unusual way to refer to darkness if you really think about it. Note that pesto in this context has nothing to do with the green, basil pasta sauce. 

• Io non vado nella cantina, è buio pesto laggiù!
• I’m not going to the cellar, it’s pitch black down there! 

50. Piovere A Catinelle 

A great way to describe heavy rain, this is the equivalent of: “it’s raining cats and dogs” — another great, nonsensical idiom. Catinelle are shallow basins, and it’s not clear why those things would be used to describe heavy rain, since you can’t fit much water in them. Oh well. 

• Non posso uscire, sta piovendo a catinelle!
• I can’t come out, it’s raining basins! 
• [I can’t come out, its coming down in buckets!]

51.Dai Tempo Al Tempo 

A wise thing to say when faced with a problem of bleak outlook, to tell someone to “wait and see” is almost never the wrong advice.

• Non mi ha richiamato, sto disperando. 
• Dai tempo al tempo, e vedrai che le cose si sistemeranno. 
• He didn’t call back, I am getting desperate. 
• Give time to time and you will see, things will work themselves out. 
• [Let it be for a while and you will see, things will work themselves out.]

52. Ho Fatto Tombola

While the word tombola literally means “raffle,” it is used in the context of getting a good deal, or hitting the jackpot. 

• Direi che hai fatto tombola, allora! 
• I would say you’ve made raffles, then! 
• [I’d say you’ve made a bargain, then!]

53. Vai A Farti Benedire!

Benediction is serious business in Italy, a strongly religious nation. Still, it’s hardly blasphemous to tell someone to get one if you want them to get out of your sight. 

• Non voglio vederti più. Vai a farti benedire! 
• I don’t want to see you any more. Go get yourself blessed!
• [I don’t want to see you any more. Beat it!]

54. Stare Sullo Stomaco 

According to Italians, when someone gets on your nerves, it feels like a meal that’s heavy in your stomach. So about that bothersome guy at work you’d say: 

• Bruno è cosi fastidioso… mi sta sullo stomaco. 
• Bruno is so annoying… he gets on my stomach. 
• [Bruno is so annoying…he rubs me the wrong way.]

55. Morire Dal Ridere, Morire Di Sonno, Morire Di Fame, Morire Dal Caldo/Freddo

There are many things you can figuratively die from according to Italian idioms. If something is too funny, a place too cold or a day too long, you can always add some drama by saying it is killing you. For added effect, say you’re dying of it right now, like this: 

• Sto morendo di fame!
• I am dying of hunger. 

or like this:

• Lei è divertente da morire. 
• She is funny, to die for.

56. Matto Da Legare/Matto Come Un Cavallo 

Italians think nutty people ought to be tied down — figuratively, of course. So if you’re talking about someone who is mad as a hatter, that’s what you should say. Alternatively, you can compare them to a horse, which is strange because horses are not really known to be crazy. 

• Quel tipo è matto da legare.
• That guy is fit to be tied.
• [That guy is nuts.]
• Ma sei matto come un cavallo, tu. 
• You are mad as a horse. 
• [You are mad as a hare.]

57. Farfalle Nello Stomaco 

Another one of those Italian idioms that's just a literal translation of the English one about being in love, it still sounds so much better like this, just because it’s Italian. 

• Ieri ho incontrato il mio nuovo vicino… ho le farfalle nello stomaco. 
• Yesterday I met my new neighbour… I’ve got butterflies in my stomach. 

58. Ridotto All’Osso 

Down to the bone is similar to ridotto all’osso , in that it means that something is reduced to the bare minimum. 

• Il mio stipendio è stato ridotto all’osso. 
• My salary has been reduced down to the bone. 

59. Arrampicarsi Sugli Specchi 

This is an interesting idiom because it has several, related but distinct meanings. You can use it to say you are trying something that seems impossible, like the “spider in the hole” example above.

Or to say that someone has opinions that are not based on fact or truth, or that someone is trying to justify a wrong argument to defend a bad thing. A little like “clutching at straws.”

• Questo non è vero, adesso non cercare ad arrampicarti sugli specchi. 
• That is not true, now don’t try to climb up on mirrors.
• [That is not true, you're grasping at straws.]

60. Stare Sulle Spine

An almost literal translation of the English “on pins and needles,” this idiom means the exact same thing, as well, meaning that you can’t wait for something — usually it’s to be told information, rather than looking forward to a holiday. 

• Dai, non farmi stare sulle spine. 
• Come on, don’t make me stand on needles. 
• [Come on, I’m on pins and needles.]

61. Lacrime Di Coccodrillo 

Like quite a few of the Italian idioms in this list, including the previous one, this idiom has an English equivalent, too. 

• Non devi fidarti delle sue lacrime di coccodrillo. 
• You can’t trust her crocodile tears.  

62. Leccarsi I Baffi

When something is finger-licking-good, Italians lick their mustaches. Men, but also women and children. It’s just something to say.  

• Questa è una cena da leccarsi i baffi!
• This is a dinner to lick your mustache over! 
• [This is a dinner to lick your fingers over.]

63. A Quattro Palmenti 

This idiom is mostly used in connection with eating, meaning that someone is really stuffing their face, getting a massive amount of food down: 

• Ieri da Mario ho mangiato a quattro palmenti. 
• Yesterday at Mario’s, I ate to four millstones. 
• [Yesterday at Mario’s, I ate like a pig.]

64. (Essere) Un Asino

To be a donkey requires no explanation — unless you’re a donkey. 

• Vincenzo, sei veramente un asino. 
• Vincenzo, you really are a donkey. 
• [Vincenzo, you really are a fool.]

65. A Perdifiato

This is what you say when something takes your breath away, literally. Like running a marathon, say, or running around like a headless chicken, as they say, to meet a deadline. 

• La maratona è domani.
• Allora corri a perdifiato!
• The marathon is tomorrow. 
• So run until you lose your breath!

66. Buon Viso A Cattivo Gioco

A close English translation of this idiom would be to “grin and bear it,” meaning that you’ve got to smile even though you may not feel like you have reason to. 

• Sapevo che era una bugia, però ho dovuto far buon viso a cattivo gioco.
• I knew it was a lie, but I had to make a nice face to a mean game. 
• [I knew it was a lie, but I had to sit there and pretend it wasn’t.] 

67. Non (Essere) Tutto Un Chilo

Similar to calling someone un asino, a donkey, this idiom is a not-all-too-nice way of letting someone know you think they may have a screw loose. Theories abound as to why not being “one whole kilogram” would suggest that, but no definitive conclusion has been reached. 

• Federica, non vorrei offenderti, ma tu proprio non sei tutta un chilo. 
• Federica, I wouldn’t want to offend you, but you really are not all of a kilo. 
• [Federica, I wound’t want to offend you, but you really have a screw loose.]

68. O La Va O La Spacca!

Near-impossible to translate literally, this idiom is for those hail Mary moments, those times you feel like it's now or never. It’s also the name of a famous Italian TV show .

• Senti, lo devi fare per forza, qua o la va o la spacca. 
• Listen, you have got to do it, here it’s make or break. 

69. Pieno Come Un Uovo

Eggs are pretty full, if you think about it. Sure, if it weren’t for this idiom, you probably wouldn’t, but that may kind of be the point. Use this idiom when you want to say a place is packed, or that something else (like your stomach) is totally full. 

• Sono tornata, il posto era pieno come un uovo.
• I came back, the place was full like an egg. 

70. Ad Occhi Chiusi

You’d use this figure of speech the same way you do its English sibling: when you want to say that you can do something “in your sleep,” or with your “right hand tied behind your back.”

• Potrei guidare questa macchina anche con gli occhi chiusi.
• I could drive this car with [my] eyes closed. 

71. Piangere Sul Latte Versato 

Another of those Italian idioms present the same exact way in the English language, this one is often said wrongly as “crying over spoiled milk,” which can be excused since in both ways, the meaning stays the same, which is: what’s done is done. Still, correctly, it looks like this: 

• La cena era stata un disastro, ma non volevamo pensarci. Era inutile piangere sul latte versato.
• The dinner had been a disaster, but we didn’t want to think about. It was useless crying over spilled milk. 

72. All’Impazzata 

Everyone knows what it’s like when your heart starts racing, whether it’s over something exciting or nerve-racking. Turns out Italians do, too. 

• Ogni volta che la vedo, il cuore mi batte all’impazzata. 
• Sarai inamorato.. 
• Each time I see her, my heart beats like crazy. 
• You must be in love. 

73. Liscio Come L’Olio

Italians love olive oil, so it’s only expected that there should be an idiom related to it. Well, it’s actually related to oil more generally, but hey. In this case, it means something went well, without a hitch. 

• Sorprendentemente, il matrimonio è andato tutto liscio come l’olio.
• Surprisingly, the wedding went off sleek like oil. 
• [Surprisingly, the wedding went as planned.]

74. A Gonfie Vele 

And we will stay on track with this next idiom, of similarly positive meaning: full speed ahead. 

• Mi aspetto che l'appuntamento stasera vada a gonfie vele.
• I expect that the date tonight will go with inflated sails. 
• [I expect that the date tonight will go swimmingly.] 

75. Due Pesi E Due Misure

This is a handy phrase for when you want to tell someone they are unfairly using a double standard. 

• Lei può fare tutto mentre a me non permette niente… questi sono due pesi e due misure.
• She can do everything while she doesn't allow me to do anything… this is a double standard/double yardstick. 

76. Prendere Due Piccioni Con Una Fava

“To kill two birds with one stone” surely sounds familiar. This is basically that saying, but a little more specific in terms of the bird and the tool.  

• Come mai sei venuto a portarmi queste cose personalmente?
• Ero vicino e pensavo di prendere due piccioni con una fava.
• How come you came to bring me these things personally? 
• I was nearby and thought I’d take two pigeons with one (fava) bean. 

77. Ho Il Cuore In Gola!

This is a familiar feeling to most people: you’re about to do something exciting or scary, your ears get hot and your heart rises up into your throat.  

• Ieri ho dovuto parlare di fronte a tantissima gente, avevo il cuore in gola.
• Yesterday I had to speak in front of a lot of people, I had my heart in my throat. 

78. Testa Di Legno 

This idiom is to be used when you are frustrated with someone’s stubbornness, their inability or unwillingness to understand your point. 

• Ma perché non capisci quello che ti dico, testa di legno! 
• Why don’t you understand what I am telling you, head of wood! 
• [Why don’t you understand what I am telling you, you’re stubborn as a mule!]

79. A Gambe Levate

Sometimes there are situations in which you can do nothing but run like hell. This is an idiom for those times. 

• Ci hanno visto, dobbiamo correre a gambe levate! 
• They saw us, we have to run with legs up! 
• [They saw us, we have to run like hell.]

80. Fare Il Punto Della Situazione

Occasionally, you’ve got to take stock of a given situation and look at what you’ve got. To suggest doing so, you’d say: 

• Questo mi sembra il momento giusto per fare il punto della situazione.
• This seems to me to be the right moment to make a point of the situation. 
• [This seems to me to be the right moment to sum things up.]

81. Che Ne So

Mostly used in situations where you’d like to make a point of not knowing something, “what do I know” often has an element of “what do I care.” Use it sparingly, in situations like this: 

• A che ora arriverà tua madre? 
• What time will your mother arrive?
• What do I know… 

82. Un Colpo Grosso 

Un colpo grosso mostly has a positive connotation, as in some major good thing that happens, a big deal. 

• Lo so che sarebbe veramente stato un colpo grosso per te.
• I know it would really have been a big deal for you. 

83. Metterci Una Vita!

To take a lifetime to do something is mostly too long, but sometimes, this idiom can be used in a way that says “I’ll do something even if it takes me a lifetime.” Otherwise, you’d use it like this: 

• Dai, siamo già in ritardo, adesso non metterci una vita! 
• Come on, we’re already late, now don’t take a life[time]! 

84. Avere Una Cotta

Just like having a crush, but in a more Italian sort of way. This isn’t an Italian idiom that can be translated word for word, so we used the word “crush” in the example below, even if the word isn’t the same. 

• A quanto pare, mi sembra che sei tu ad avere una cotta per lui. 
• For what it’s worth, it seems to me like it’s you who has a crush on him. 

Italian Idioms For Every Occasion

So there you have it: 84 Italian idioms to sprinkle into your Italian conversations to impress your Italian friends or family.

While a list of Italian idioms like this one is a great starting point, to really start learning and using these idioms, you'll need to immerse yourself in italian.

Try to spot these Italian idioms and others when you're in daily contact with the language, whether that's by reading Italian blogs , watching Italian movies and YouTubers or listening to Italian podcasts .

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Italian Essay Phrases

Subject: Italian

Age range: 16+

Resource type: Worksheet/Activity

Last updated

7 February 2014

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Very useful for Discursive Writing and also for Higher Assignment preparation.

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Language students always want interesting sentence starters. Grazie mille!!

Quite a few errors in this sheet - gli svantaggi /lo svantaggio- dall'altra parte/ mi sembra/ and a few others so have your teacher check before you use x

Grazie mille!

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50+ Common Italian Phrases: A Painless Guide

• , June 22, 2022

Ever heard someone say  Buon Giorno,  and you do not know how to respond? When it comes to traveling to Italy, learning the most common  Italian  phrases will give you the chance to authentically express who you are, connect with the locals, and ask for help when needed. In today’s post, we will you through the basic Italian phrases you need to master so that you won’t ever feel overwhelmed during your travel.

If you have ever been to another country before, then we bet that you understand how scary it feels when someone comes up to you and talks in their native language. Now, imagine if someone suddenly tells you  In bocca al lupo  and pats your back while you are in Italy… what could that mean, right?

A quick trip to Italy is perhaps one of the highlights in everyone’s bucket lists. Aside from the rich Italian culture, the country is best known for its fashion, cuisine, and  World Heritage Sites , making it an ideal travel destination. One way you can truly understand the country, connect with the locals (since not everyone speaks English), and show respect is by making an effort to learn at least a little Italian language.

Luckily, learning how to speak Italian proves to be easy, especially if your first language is English. Moreover, since it is a Romance language, it is also related to other similar languages in the family (like Spanish and French). In fact, the FSI notes Italian as a category one language which means that you only need less than 800 class hours to master it alone!

Get started in the language learning journey today by focusing on the basic phrases and words in this post.

25 Most Basic Italian Phrases

If there is one important set of phrases that you must learn in Italian, that would be the greetings. Aside from speaking the basic ones, you also have to take note that the locals love giving hugs or kisses on both cheeks regardless of gender. So speak Italian like a pro by using the phrases below.

Now that you know the essential Italian phrases let’s focus on the more specific aspects you need to learn. You can also check out our guide regarding  the most common Italian insults , which you might hear the locals say casually.

25 Common Italian Phrases For Traveling

Learning at least the basic common Italian phrases and words allows you to have an easier time navigating Italian streets. Check out the expressions that you can use to get around and avoid being branded as “the lost tourist.”

16 Essential Italian Phrases For Emergencies

In order to ask for help in case of an emergency, it is better if you try to communicate using the local language since not all Italians know (and are comfortable) in speaking English.

25 Must-know Italian Phrases For Shopping And Dining

As part of the travel adventure, it is wise to check out the local Italian markets (also known as  mercato ) and purchase locally-made items. Some of the top things you should not miss are bags, accessories, shoes, and local snacks. Read on below to find out more about the common Italian phrases for shopping and for ordering food.

Ready To Learn Italian?

Planning a trip to Italy or to say  I love you  with your special someone? Well, worry no more because speaking Italian is not as hard as it seems! Get your language learning journey started on the right foot by using  Ling App to learn Italian  today! By using this FREE platform, you’d be able to unlock comprehensive lessons for over 60+ languages from across the world! Aside from teaching the essential vocabulary words and phrases, it also gives you the chance to master Italian expressions as well as grammatical structure.

Download it today and discover a new type of learning that is motivating and fun!

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Common Italian Phrases Series

This Common Italian Phrases Series is aimed at  learners who are already a bit familiar with Italian  (at least level A2) and like to learn languages by context. See it as a  traveler’s guide .

So, what will you find in every common Italian phrases lesson?

Each lesson features a number of common Italian phrases and questions with native audio recordings on a specific topic. Let’s say you want to know what Italian people are more likely to say in a restaurant, or at a bar. Or when making small talk. Anything, really.

Pick up a lesson and start learning the most common Italian phrases today!

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Learn Italian

101 basic italian phrases for travel you need to know for your trip to italy.

This article may contain compensated links. See our full disclosure here

If you’re planning on visiting Italy then it’s a good idea to learn some key Italian phrases, words and sentences. In this guide to basic Italian phrases for travel, we step you through the most useful ways to communicate on your trip to Italy. After all, language is a big part of Italian culture and you want to experience it all, am I right?

Making an effort to understand and speak Italian on your trip is not simply a matter of respect – although we think this is very important too. When you talk to people in their language they appreciate it and experiences open up to you that would not have been possible if you had been speaking English.

Article contents

So let’s get started with the common Italian phrases and words that will be most useful to you on your travels.

Basic Italian phrases

When you visit Italy, these are the most common words and phrases that will demonstrate you have made some effort to speak the local language. Learning these useful Italian words will help you talk to all manner of people during your trip.

Note – We’ve provided a phonetic pronunciation guide after the Italian translation for each word. If you really want to get the accent right a little extra study is recommended. We’ve provided some useful resources at the end of this article to help you learn Italian travel phrases useful for your trip.

Yes – Si – See

No – No – Noh

Please – Per favore – Pehr fah- voh -reh

Thank you – Grazie – Grah -tsee-eh

You’re welcome – Prego – Preh -goh

Cheers! (To your health) – Salute! – Sah -loo-tay

Excuse me (for attention) – Scusi – S kooh – zee

Excuse me (to pass by) – Permesso – Pehr- mehs -soh

Do you speak English? – Parla Inglese? – Parh-la een-glay-zeh

I don’t understand – Non capisco – Non kah -pee-skoh

I’m sorry – Mi dispiace – Mee dees- pyah -cheh

Common greetings in Italian

One thing we really love about visiting Italy is the cultural differences and norms. In Italy, saying “good morning” is not simply a throwaway line. You should always greet people wherever you go – when entering a shop or restaurant, to hotel staff, on the bus or at a cultural sight. It’s the expected thing to do.

A friendly “buon giorno!” with a smile will go a long way. So here are the most common Italian greetings and their context so you get it right! Generally you use the formal with people you don’t know, especially older people. The informal is used between friends.

Good morning (formal) – Buon giorno – Bwohn- johr -noh

Good afternoon (formal) – Buona sera – Bwoh -nah- seh -rah

Good night (formal) – Buona notte – B woh – nah – noh – teh

Hi / Bye (informal) – Ciao! – C how 

Good bye (formal) – Arrivederci – A hr -ree-veh- dehr -chee

My name is … – Mi chiamo – Mee kyah -moh

What is your name? – Come si chiama? – Koh -meh see kyah -mah?

Pleased to meet you – Piacere – Pyah- cheh -reh

How are you? (formal) – Come sta? – Koh -meh stah?

Good thank you – Bene grazie – B eh -neh  grah -tsee-eh

How to say numbers in Italian

While you don’t need to be able to count to 100, a good grasp of numbers up to 12 at least (for the hours of the day) will stand you in good stead. After all, you need numbers when you’re at a restaurant – una pizza per favore! (a pizza please!)

One – Uno – Oo -noh

Two – Due – Doo -eh

Three – Tre – Treh

Four – Quattro – Kwah -troh  

Five – Cinque – Cheen -kweh

Six – Sei  – Say

Seven – Sette – Seht -tey

Eight – Otto – Oh -toh

Nine – Nove – Noh -veh

Ten – Dieci – Dee- EH -chee  

Eleven – Undici – Oon – dee-chee

Twelve – Dodici – Doh -dee-chee

To learn more about counting in Italian click here

Telling the time and days of the week

Here are the basics of telling time in Italian, plus days of the week and other useful sentences for making reservations and plans. Italians generally use a 24 hour clock but also understand the 12 hour clock if you specify morning and afternoon.

In the morning – Di M attina  – Dee mah- teen -ah

In the afternoon – Di p omeriggio – Dee poh-meh- reed -joh

In the evening – Di Sera – Dee se h – rah

Noon – Mezzogiorno – Mehd-dzoh- johr -noh  

At what time? – A che ora? – Ah kay oar-ah?  

Nine o’clock in the morning – Le nove – Le noh-vay

Eight o’clock in the evening – Le otto di sera /  – Le ot-to dee seh-rah 

Monday – Lunedì  – Loo-neh- dee

Tuesday – Martedì – Mahr-teh- dee  

Wednesday – Mercoledì – Mehr-koh-leh- dee

Thursday – Giovedì – Joh-veh- dee

Friday – Venerdì – Veh-nehr- dee  

Saturday – Sabato – Sah -bah-toh

Sunday – Domenica – Doh- meh -nee-kah

Today – Oggi – Ohd -jee

Yesterday – Ieri – Yeh -ree

Tomorrow – Domani – Doh- mah -nee

Want to speak more Italian?

Check out our review of Rocket Italian , one of the best online courses for learning Italian.

Useful phrases at restaurants

No doubt your Italy trip includes a plan to enjoy a few meals at restaurants. And we’re sure ordering a gelato or two is also high on your list. Let’s get you ready with these essential Italian phrases you need for ordering food or at restaurants. These may be the times that you interact with Italians the most so practice your greetings too!

Can I see the menu please? – Il menu, per favore – Eel men-oo, pehr fah- voh -reh

What do you recommend? – Che cosa ci consiglia? – Kay koh-za chee kon-seel-ya?

I’m allergic to… – Sono allergica/o a.. . – Son -oh ah -ler-gee-koh / kah ah

Gluten / Dairy / Fish – Glutine / Lattecini / Pesce  – Gloo-teen-ay /  Lah-tay-cheen-ee / Pesh-ay  

House wine – Vino della casa – Vee -noh del-lah car-sah

Red / white wine – Vino rosso / bianco – Vee – n oh ross-oh /  bee-ahn-koh

A glass / bottle – Una bicchiere / una bottiglia – OO -nah beek- kyeh -reh / boht- tee -lyah

Appetizer – Antipasto  – Ahn -tee-pah-stoh

First course – Primo – Pree -moh

Second course – Secondo – Sek -kon-doh

Dessert – Dolci – Doll -chee

Two flavors please – Due gusti, per favore  – Doo -eh goo-stee, pehr fah- voh -reh

Where’s the bathroom? – Dov’è il bagno?  – Doh- veh eel bahn -yoh?

The check (bill) please – Il conto, per favore – Eel kon-toh, pehr fah- voh -reh

Can I pay by card? – Posso pagare con la carta? – Pohs -soh pah- gah -reh kon la cahr-tah?

Words to know when you are visiting museums

Visiting museums and attractions is a big part of many Italian itineraries. In this section, we’ve given you some useful phrases in Italian to help you buy tickets and ask common questions.

When does it open / close? – Quando si apri / chiude?  – Kwahn -doh see ah-pree / chee-oo-deh?

Two adults / one child – Due adulti / un bambino  – Doo -eh ah-dool-tee / oon  bahm-bee-noh

One / two ticket/s – Un / due biglietto/i  – Oon  beel-yet-toh / tee

One senior – Un pensionato  – Oon pen-seyoh-nah-toh

One student – Uno studente – Ooh -noh stoo-den-teh

Where is the bag store / cloak room? – Dov’è la guardaroba? – Doh-veh lah gard-ah-robe-ah?

Asking for directions in Italian

If you get lost or need help with directions, these helpful words in Italian will come in handy.

Where is… ? – Dov’è…? – Doh-veh … ?

Entrance – Entrata  – En -trah-tah

Exit – Uscita  – Ooh -shee-tah

Left – Sinistra  – See – nee-stra

Right – Destra – Deh -stra

Straight ahead – Dritto – Dree-toh

Forward – Avanti  – Ah -vahn-tee

Back – Dietro – Dee-et-roh

Useful words for transport and getting around

Most visitors to Italy will need to take a train or bus, or ride in a taxi. These phrases will be useful in these situations when it is likely you may need to ask for help to reach the right platform or bus stop.

Where is the train station? – Dov’è la stazione? – Doh-veh lah stah-tzee-oh-neh?

Where is the bus stop? – Dov’è la fermata – Doh-veh lah fur-mah-tah?

One way – Andata  – Ahn – dah-tah

Return – Ritorno – Ree -torn-oh

What platform for Rome? – Da quale binario per Roma? – Dah kwah-lay bin-ah-rio pehr Roh-mah?

Newstand (for bus tickets) – Tabacchi  – Tah-back-kee

Shopping words in Italian

Time to go shopping! Make sure you’re ready with these key phrases.

I would like… – Vorrei…  – Vor-ray…

How much is this? – Quanto costa questo?   –   Kwahn -toh kohs -tah kwehs -toh??

OK I’ll take it – Va bene, lo prendo – V ah beh -neh , loh prehn- doh 

I don’t want it – Non lo voglio – N ohn loh voh- lyoh

Can you ship to…? – Puoi spedire a?   –   Pwoy   sped -ear-eh ah?

What to say if you need help in Italian

We hope you never need to use these phrases but it’s a good idea to know them “just in case”.

Help! – Aiuto! – Ay-oo-toh!

I need a doctor – Ho bisogno di un dottore   – Ho biz-ohn-nyo dee oon dot-tor-reh

Call the police – Chiami la polizia  – Kee-ya-mee la po-lee-zee-ah

Look out! – Attento!  – At – ten-toh

Go away! – Vai via! – Vy vee-ah!

Want to get beyond basic Italian phrases for travel?

These days there are a wealth of resources to help you learn Italian. You can use handy apps, books and podcasts to get started and we outlined some of the best of these in this article .

But, if you want to construct your own basic Italian sentences and perfect your accent, a systematic approach with a proven method will help you make progress quickly. After much trial and error, we enjoy using Rocket Italian . This online course combines verbal cultural situation lessons with grammar and vocabulary to get you speaking Italian quickly. My accent also improved significantly thanks to the voice recognition tasks.

Another option for travelers wanting a quick start to learning Italian for their trip is the fast track method developed by our friends at Intrepid Italian. Designed to get you speaking the key phrases you need for your trip, this short course aims to get you speaking travel ready Italian in 2 weeks > more info .

Planning a trip to Italy?

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