🇮🇹 10 Italian Phrases You’ll Actually Use

So you’re going to Italy!

You’ve got your passport, your stretchy pants, and a camera ready to take amazing espresso pics. But do you have the words to order one without panic-sweating?
Whether you're hopping around Florence or pretending to live in Rome for two weeks, here are ten phrases you’ll actually use and how to say them without butchering the vibe. 

Ciao (chow): “Hi” and “Bye”

This is your all-purpose Italian greeting. Want to sound effortlessly local? Toss out a “Ciao!” as you breeze into a bakery or flirt your way out of a wine bar.

Use it when:
• Entering a café
• Leaving a shop
• Waving at strangers like you live there now

Pro tip: Don’t overthink it. Just smile and “ciao.”

Grazie (GRAHT-see-eh): “Thank you”

A crucial word and a charming one when said right.
Bonus points: Actually pronounce the “eh” at the end. It’s not “gratzi.” Ever.

Use it when:
• Getting your gelato
• Asking for directions
• Every third sentence, Italians love politeness

Per favore (pehr fah-VOH-reh): “Please”

Sweeten your ask with a sprinkle of manners.

Use it when:
• Ordering espresso
• Asking for the check
• Requesting extra parm without sounding like a monster

Un caffè, per favore ( oon kah-FEH pehr fah-VOH-reh): “One coffee, please”

And by “coffee,” we mean espresso. Asking for a “latte” will get you a glass of milk. Asking for a “venti caramel macchiato”? You’re on your own.

Use it when:
• Standing at the bar
• Need a quick caffeine fix between pasta courses
• Always

Dov’è il bagno? (doh-VEH eel BAH-nyo): “Where’s the bathroom?”

Arguably the most important phrase on this list. You’ll need it more than once.

Use it when:
• Obvious. Especially after #4.

Bonus tip: In restaurants, bathrooms are usually tucked away upstairs or down a mysterious hallway that feels like a trap.

Quanto costa? (KWAHN-toh KOH-stah): “How much does it cost?”

When you’ve locked eyes with a pastry, but not the price.

Use it when:
• Buying fruit at a market
• Eyeing that handmade leather bag
• Living your best Nonna life and negotiating like a pro

Mi scusi (mee SKOO-zee): “Excuse me / Sorry”

Polite. Versatile. And your best friend on crowded streets.

Use it when:
• You accidentally bump someone
• Trying to get a waiter’s attention
• Every time you forget how to say something and panic

Va bene (vah BEH-neh): “Okay / All good”

It’s a vibe. Use it to agree, approve, or casually signal you’re going with the flow, even if you’re currently lost.

Use it when:
• Confirming your order
• Agreeing with someone you only half understood
• Pretending you’re not stressed about your train leaving in 3 minutes

Che bello! (keh BEL-lo): “How beautiful!”

Italians say this all the time about everything. It’s equal parts compliment and expression of joy.

Use it when:
• Watching a sunset
• Admiring a view (or a plate of pasta)
• Gushing over someone’s adorable Nonna

Non parlo italiano (non PAR-lo ee-tahl-YAH-no): “I don’t speak Italian”

This one's humble, hopeful, and buys you a lot of grace. Bonus? It lets you show off the few words you do know without overcommitting.

Use it when:
• Starting a convo with a local
• Getting stuck mid-sentence
• Letting them know you’re trying (and they’ll appreciate it!)

You don’t need to be fluent, just willing. Italians love when you try. Mispronounce it with heart, add a smile, and gesture wildly. You’ll be fine.

Bonus tip:
If all else fails, blow them a kiss and say “Ciao.” Works every time.

Headed to Italy? Save this guide and tag us in your travels @dilettosofoods. We want to see every espresso, sunset, and questionable souvenir.