Your first words
Essential vocabulary to start communicating in Italian.
Greetings
| Italian | English | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| Ciao | Hi / Bye | Informal |
| Buongiorno | Good morning/day | Until afternoon |
| Buonasera | Good evening | From late afternoon |
| Buonanotte | Good night | When going to bed |
| Arrivederci | Goodbye | Formal |
| A presto | See you soon | — |
| A domani | See you tomorrow | — |
Polite essentials
| Italian | English |
|---|---|
| Per favore | Please |
| Grazie | Thank you |
| Grazie mille | Thanks a lot |
| Prego | You're welcome / Please |
| Scusi | Excuse me (formal) |
| Scusa | Excuse me (informal) |
| Mi dispiace | I'm sorry |
Yes, no, and maybe
| Italian | English |
|---|---|
| Sì | Yes |
| No | No |
| Forse | Maybe |
| Certo | Of course |
| Va bene | OK / All right |
| D'accordo | Agreed |
Asking for help
| Italian | English |
|---|---|
| Parla inglese? | Do you speak English? |
| Non capisco | I don't understand |
| Può ripetere? | Can you repeat? |
| Più lentamente | More slowly |
| Come si dice...? | How do you say...? |
| Cosa significa? | What does it mean? |
Introducing yourself
| Italian | English |
|---|---|
| Mi chiamo... | My name is... |
| Sono... | I am... |
| Piacere | Pleased to meet you |
| Come si chiama? | What's your name? (formal) |
| Di dove sei? | Where are you from? (informal) |
| Vengo da... | I come from... |
| Abito a... | I live in... |
Numbers 1–20
| Number | Italian | Number | Italian |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | uno | 11 | undici |
| 2 | due | 12 | dodici |
| 3 | tre | 13 | tredici |
| 4 | quattro | 14 | quattordici |
| 5 | cinque | 15 | quindici |
| 6 | sei | 16 | sedici |
| 7 | sette | 17 | diciassette |
| 8 | otto | 18 | diciotto |
| 9 | nove | 19 | diciannove |
| 10 | dieci | 20 | venti |
Common expressions
| Italian | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Come stai? | How are you? (informal) |
| Sto bene | I'm fine |
| Così così | So-so |
| Che bello! | How beautiful! |
| Che peccato! | What a pity! |
| Non c'è problema | No problem |
| Salute! | Cheers! / Bless you! |
| Buon appetito! | Enjoy your meal! |
| In bocca al lupo! | Good luck! |