Essential Italian Phrases for Travel: 24 Phrases You'll Actually Use
Italy is one of the most visited countries in the world, but outside big tourist spots many people speak little English. A few Italian phrases help you order, find the train and ask for help — and Italians really appreciate the effort.
Updated October 2026
Basics and greetings
| English | Italian |
|---|---|
| Hello | Buongiorno / Ciao |
| Goodbye | Arrivederci |
| Please | Per favore |
| Thank you | Grazie |
| Yes | Sì |
| No | No |
| Excuse me / Sorry | Mi scusi |
| I don't understand | Non capisco |
| Do you speak English? | Parla inglese? |
At the restaurant
| English | Italian |
|---|---|
| A table for two, please | Un tavolo per due, per favore |
| The menu, please | Il menù, per favore |
| Water, please | Dell'acqua, per favore |
| The bill, please | Il conto, per favore |
| It's delicious | È buonissimo |
Getting around and shopping
| English | Italian |
|---|---|
| Where is the toilet? | Dov'è il bagno? |
| Where is the station? | Dov'è la stazione? |
| How much is it? | Quanto costa? |
| Can you write it down? | Può scriverlo? |
Emergencies and health
| English | Italian |
|---|---|
| Help! | Aiuto! |
| I need a doctor | Ho bisogno di un medico |
| Where is the pharmacy? | Dov'è la farmacia? |
| Call the police! | Chiami la polizia! |
| I'm lost | Mi sono perso / persa |
Practical tips
- "Buongiorno" is used until the afternoon; after that say "Buonasera".
- Coffee culture: a "caffè" is an espresso. Cappuccino is traditionally a morning drink.
- Many restaurants add a "coperto" (cover charge) per person. It is normal, not a scam.
- Train tickets bought at the counter must often be validated in the small machines on the platform before boarding.
Too many phrases to remember?
With OIEM Translator you can simply talk. Choose English and Italian, tap the microphone once and speak normally: the translation appears in about half a second and is spoken out loud in Italian. When the other person answers, OIEM detects their language automatically and translates back — no need to tap again.
- Hands-free two-way conversation
- Text translation also works offline
- Photo translation for menus and signs
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Frequently asked questions
Do Italians speak English?
In big cities and hotels, often yes. In small towns, restaurants and with older people, much less — that is where these phrases help most.
Can my phone speak Italian for me?
Yes. With a voice translator like OIEM Translator you speak in English and your iPhone says it out loud in Italian, then translates the answer back. It is useful when a phrase list is not enough.
Do these phrases work offline?
This page works offline if you save it or take screenshots before your trip. In OIEM Translator, text translation works offline; voice translation needs an internet connection.