Frasario da Viaggio · Full Phrasebook

Italian phrases for real conversations, not just menus

A working phrasebook for the situations that actually come up on a trip to Italy: restaurants, hotels, directions, shopping and the small talk in between. Each phrase includes the English translation and a tip on when and how Italians actually use it.

Al Ristorante e al Bar

At the Restaurant and Bar

The phrases that turn a transaction into a conversation, and help you order like a local rather than a tourist.

Asking for a recommendation

"Cosa ci consiglia?"

What would you recommend?

Using "Lei" (formal "you") instead of "tu" signals respect. Waiters do notice!

Asking for the bill

"Il conto, per favore."

The bill, please.

Italian waiters rarely bring the bill unasked. Waiting for it to appear on its own can mean a very long wait.

Ordering coffee like a local

"Un caffè al banco, grazie."

A coffee at the counter, please.

Drinking "al banco" (standing at the bar) is often cheaper than sitting at a table, sometimes by a large margin.

In Albergo

At the Hotel

Checking in, asking after breakfast, and getting what you need without switching straight into English.

Checking in

"Ho una prenotazione a nome..."

I have a reservation under the name...

Front-desk staff often shift into Italian once they hear you start correctly, so it's worth practising the whole sentence, not just the first few words.

Asking about breakfast

"A che ora è la colazione?"

What time is breakfast?

Requesting something extra

"Potrei avere un'altra coperta, per favore?"

Could I have another blanket, please?

"Potrei avere...?" (Could I have...?) is a softer, more polite request than "Voglio..." (I want...), which can come across as blunt.

Chiedere Indicazioni

Asking for Directions

Getting lost gracefully, and understanding the answer once you've asked the question.

Admitting you're lost

"Mi sono perso/a, può aiutarmi?"

I'm lost, can you help me?

"Perso" if you're male, "persa" if you're female. Italians tend to respond warmly to a direct, honest admission rather than a hesitant question.

Checking the distance

"È lontano da qui?"

Is it far from here?

Understanding the reply

"Sempre dritto, poi a destra."

Straight ahead, then right.

Worth learning to recognise even before you can say it. "Dritto" (straight), "destra" (right), and "sinistra" (left) come up in almost every answer.

Fare Shopping e al Mercato

Shopping and the Market

From browsing without pressure to paying without a fumble.

Asking the price

"Quanto costa?"

How much does it cost?

Paying by card

"Posso pagare con la carta?"

Can I pay by card?

Smaller market stalls and family-run shops sometimes prefer cash, so it's worth having some on hand as a backup.

Browsing without being rushed

"Sto solo guardando, grazie."

I'm just looking, thanks.

Piccole Conversazioni

Small Talk and Everyday Politeness

The small phrases that carry a lot of goodwill, especially when you use them unprompted.

Meeting someone new

"Piacere di conoscerla."

Pleased to meet you.

The formal version, appropriate for most first meetings with adults you don't know well.

Asking for a word

"Come si dice... in italiano?"

How do you say... in Italian?

One of the most useful sentences you can learn. It turns every gap in your vocabulary into a small, welcome lesson.

Asking someone to repeat

"Mi scusi, non ho capito."

Excuse me, I didn't understand.

In Caso di Emergenza

In an Emergency

Phrases worth knowing even if you never need them, which is exactly the point.

Needing a doctor

"Ho bisogno di un medico."

I need a doctor.

Calling for help

"Può chiamare un'ambulanza?"

Can you call an ambulance?

Finding a pharmacy

"Dov'è la farmacia più vicina?"

Where's the nearest pharmacy?

Pharmacies in Italy are marked with a green cross, and at least one in every area stays open on a rotating overnight schedule.

This is just a starting point.A trial lesson will tell you exactly where your Italian stands, and which of these situations to focus on first.

Book a free trial lesson