I’ve found that no matter where I go, it helps to be acquainted with a few words and phrases used by locals. Even if you can only say “please” and “thank you,” Italians will be happy to know that you are making an effort to communicate. You most likely will get friendlier service and have a better chance of meeting loquacious locals who will open the door to a new, more authentic Italy.

A Little Bit of History Behind the Language

You’ll enjoy listening to the melodic murmurs and the sweeping intonations of the Italian language. Of all the romance languages, Italian most closely resembles Latin, the language spoken by the early Romans. The long evolution of the many Italian words and dialects took hundreds of years, and people spoke different versions of Italian throughout the whole of Italy, Sicily, Sardinia, Corsica, and parts of Switzerland. As the language changed, each region had its own dialects and Italian phrases.

Because of that, as you travel throughout Italy, keep in mind that each region has its own way of speaking. Italian words and phrases vary from place to place. In Florence, the dialect is quite conservative and similar to the national language because the official national Italian language came from Florence. One major difference, though, is the peculiar "gorgia Toscana,” dialect, a rough, raspy respirations in the throat that create a gruff, gargling sound similar to the German “ch.” In Florence you’ll hear the Italian words, chasa instead of casa (house) and ficho instead of fico (fig).

Italian phrases for Greetings, Gratitude, and Goodbye

By simply being able to “hello,” “thank you,” “please,” and “goodbye,” you’ll speak better Italian that 90% of tourists. To greet someone, simply say, “Ciao” (Chahow). If you’re ready for something a little more difficult, try saying, “Buongiorno” (Bwonjornoh) instead. “Per favore” (Payr fahvohray) means “please” and “Grazie” (Grahtzeeay) means “thank you”. To say goodbye, you can also use “Ciao” (Chahow) or, for more of a challenge, try pronouncing, “Arrivederci” (Ahrreevaydayrchee). Practice these simple Italian words and phrases on your way to Italy; it’s a great way to pass time and you’ll be happy that you know some Italian phrases!

Necessary Italian Words For Every Visitor

If you find yourself totally lost, just learn the ones that will let people know you need help and don’t speak Italian. To say “I don’t speak Italian,” use the phrase, “Non parlo l'italiano” (Nohn pahrloh leetahleeahnoh). It may sound long but it should roll well off your tongue. The Italian word for “sorry” is Scusa (Skoohzah), a word that I find very helpful when I bump into people in markets and in tight, congested areas of town. If you really need someone to speak English, ask him first if he can with “Tu parla inglese?” (Too pahrlah eenglaysay?). These Italian phrases and words will help if you’re confused. If you find yourself is a serious emergency, yell, “Aiuto” (Ayootoh) for help!

Speak-to-Impress Italian

If you’re ready to really knock the socks off of someone, try ordering in Italian. To say, “I would like….” use the phrase, “Vorrei...” (Vohrrayee). For example, “Vorrei del Vino, per favore” means “I want the wine, please.” You can also say “Vorrei “and just point to something on the menu. After you’ve ordered, you can say, “Che meraviglia” (Kay mayrahveellyah), meaning “great!”

Locals will appreciate your effort learning Italian words and phrases so don’t be afraid to pronounce something wrong. Just practice a bit, and you’ll get the message across loud and clear.