How to Learn Key Phrases in Italian

Even if you don't speak a word of Italian, it will only take a few minutes to learn some basic phrases that will help you communicate. Italians will appreciate even the most rudimentary attempts to speak their language.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Travel Guides

1. Use "ciao" (pronounced "CHOW") for both "hello" and "goodbye" - it's a handy multipurpose word that's easy to remember.

2. Introduce yourself by saying "Mi chiamo" (mee key-AHM-oh) and then your name.

3. Make copious use of "per favore" (pehr fa-VORE-ay) and "grazie" (GRATS-ee-ay) to say "please" and "thank you."

4. Say "sì" (SEE) for "yes," and "no" (NOH) for "no." Nodding or shaking your head will work, too.

5. Say "dove" (DOH-vay), which means "where," if you're looking for something.

6. Use "vorrei" (vohr-RAY), which means "I would like," in many situations. Just point to whatever you want, remembering to tack on a "per favore" at the end.

7. If all of the above fails, ask "Parla inglese?" (PAHR-lay een-GLAY-say), or "Do you speak English?" If your new Italian friend doesn't, he or she can probably find someone who does.

Tips & Warnings

• If you carry around a small phrase book or dictionary, you can look up words you don't know - and even point to them if you can't pronounce them.
• Be aware of the power of body language: Pointing, drawing, gesturing and pantomiming will all help you get your point across.

[poetthom]

on 7/5/2009 Print out on small index cards the addresses of places you want to go. Look up the address on the Net, before leaving, along with phone numbers. You're ready for the taxis and the people whom you'll meet on the streets!

[larrysez]

on 1/22/2009 "Ciao" is only proper between people who are close, not strangers or casual acquaintances. Safer to use "buongiorno" (good day), "buonasera" (good evening) and "arrivederci" (goodbye), even with the added burden of learning two extra words.