The 50 Must-Know words when traveling in ItalyBy Scott Soptick

Good day! Boungiorno (Good Day) turns to

Buonasera (Good Evening) in the late afternoon

No capisco If you don’t understand something, just

say!

Do you speak English? Parla inglese? (par-lah een-glay-zay)

This is a question you’ll find yourself asking frequently- when you’re in a hurry and just need a piece of information.

Remember Manners! Per favore = Please Grazie = Thank you Prego = You’re welcome Mi dispiace (dee-speeah-chay)= I’m sorry Mi scusi = Excuse me

I would like____Vorrei…

This is a more polite way of saying “I need…”

Che ore sono? Italian for, “What time is it?”

This is an important question to ask if you are trying to catch a train, plane, or bus!

Numbers count! One = Uno (oo-noh)

Two = Due (doo-ay)

Three = Tre (tray)

Four = Quattro (kwah-troh)

Five = Cinque (cheeng-kway)

Six = Sei (sehee)

Seven = Sette (seht-tay)

Eight = Otto (oh-toh)

What Direction? Nord

Sud

Ovest (west)

Est (east)

Days of the week Monday = lunedi Tuesday = martedi Wednesday = mercoledi Thursday = giovedi Friday = venerdi Saturday = sabato Sunday = domenica

When does this open / close?“A che ora apre / chuide?”

In Italy, places are open at odd times and only remain open for 5-6 hours per day.

A ticketun biglietto (oon beel-yay-toh)

In Italy, it is likely that you will ride many trains and busses, so buying tickets will happen often.

Enough!Basta!

Italians will continue to feed you until you tell them you’ve had enough! So when you’re full, just say “basta”

I like that!Mi piace! (mee peeah-chay)

Italians take great pride in their food and drink. So if you like something, just tell them “Mi piace”!

How much is it?Quanto costa?

Italy is an expensive country, so you’ll want to know how much you’re spending on something before you buy it!

The bill, pleaseil conto, por favore

Eating out in Italy is a great experience, but can be expensive. When you’ve ordered enough food, politely ask for “il conto”

Where is the restroom?Dov’e la toilette? (doh-veh lah twah-leht-tay)

Restrooms are not as large or accessible in Italy as they are in the U.S., so get used to asking this question.

Bless you!Salute!

This is a fun word to say when someone sneezes!

Which terminal?Quale terminal?

If you plan to travel throughout Europe, you’ll have the chance to see many airports, but seeing so many new airports can be confusing.

Arrival & DepartureArrivo & Partenza

These are very common words in airports, train stations, and bus stops.

Introduce Yourself!My Name is ____. = Mi chiamo _____.

Don’t be a stranger in Italy…The people are very friendly!