283 Important Italian Phrases You Can’t Converse With out
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You don’t understand what number of phrases you utilize each day till you begin itemizing them. Constructing a powerful basis of primary Italian phrases and phrases is the neatest first step when you’re starting your journey to study Italian.
To make it simpler for you, we’ve compiled over 280 Italian phrases which can be indispensable for studying to talk Italian. Begin now, and also you’ll create a robust vocabulary for on a regular basis conversations very quickly!
Italian phrases for love and expressing emotions

Should you’re a film buff, you’ll absolutely keep in mind the long-lasting Buongiorno, principessa! (Good morning, princess!) yelled by Roberto Benigni in his Oscar-winning movie Life is Lovely. This straightforward greeting is a pure expression of affection. And that’s the factor—you’ll be able to’t converse Italian with out talking about love as a result of the language is stuffed with phrases to precise your emotions, whether or not for individuals or issues.
Italian | English |
abbraccio/abbracciare | hug/to hug |
adorare | adore |
affetto | affection |
amore/amare | love/to like |
anima gemella | soulmate |
bacio/baciare | kiss/to kiss |
voler bene | to look after |
carezza/accarezzare | caress/to caress |
coccola/coccolare | cuddle/to cuddle |
compagno/a (m/f) | accomplice |
cuore | coronary heart |
dolcezza | sweetness |
felicità | happiness |
fidanzato/a (m/f) | fiancé/fiancée |
ragazzo/a (m/f) | boyfriend/girlfriend |
innamorarsi | to fall in love |
innamorato/a (m/f) | in love |
passione | ardour |
piacere | pleasure or to love |
sposo/a (m/f) | partner |
tenerezza | tenderness |
tesoro | darling/treasure |
In relation to expressing emotions, Italian phrases are very particular. They point out how deep a sense is and the kind of relationship. Preserve this distinction in thoughts to make use of the perfect Italian expression in each scenario:
- Ti amo (I really like you): It’s used just for deep romantic love.
- Ti adoro (I like you): It conveys sturdy affection or admiration however is much less intense than ti amo and may be playful or informal.
- Ti voglio bene (I care about you): Use it for members of the family, shut mates, or individuals in a non-romantic context. It expresses affection, not a romantic feeling.
- Piacere (to love): That is probably the most versatile amongst Italian phrases for love. Mi piaci (I such as you) expresses romantic curiosity in somebody within the early levels of a relationship. Along with being a verb, piacere can be a noun that interprets to “pleasure.” You should utilize it in lots of frequent Italian phrases:
- piacere = the pleasure (in a sexual context)
- Mi fa piacere. = I’m glad/I’m happy.
- Per piacere, potrebbe… = Please, may you…
- Piacere di conoscerla. = Happy to satisfy you.
- Il piacere è mio. = It’s my pleasure. (Replying to “Happy to satisfy you.”)
- Ma per piacere! = Oh, please!
Important phrases in Italian for meals and consuming out
The listing of Italian phrases for meals is in depth. This primary choice consists of the commonest dishes, condiments, and chilly cuts—excellent for making important requests, like asking for sugar or sweetener in your Italian espresso or studying order meals in Italian.
As you immerse your self extra, you’ll be able to develop your vocabulary by attempting new Italian dishes at eating places, watching Italian cooking exhibits, and even recreating genuine Italian recipes at dwelling. Sarà un modo delizioso per imparare! (Will probably be a scrumptious option to study!).
Italian | English |
aceto/aceto balsamico | vinegar/balsamic vinegar |
acqua frizzante/acqua naturale | glowing water/nonetheless water |
affettati | chilly cuts |
antipasto | appetizer |
aperitivo | aperitif |
bruschetta | toasted bread with toppings |
burro | butter |
caffè | espresso |
carne | meat |
cibo vegano | vegan meals |
cibo vegetariano | vegetarian meals |
dolcificante | sweetener |
formaggio | cheese |
frittura | fried fish/seafood |
frutta | fruits |
gelato | ice cream |
latte | milk |
mortadella or Bologna | mortadella |
olio d’oliva | olive oil |
pane | bread |
parmigiano | Parmesan cheese |
pasta or pastasciutta | pasta |
pepe | pepper |
pesce | fish |
pizza | pizza |
polenta | polenta |
pollo | hen |
pomodoro | tomato |
prosciutto cotto/prosciutto crudo | cooked ham/cured ham |
ragù | Bolognese sauce |
risotto | risotto |
salame | salami |
sale | salt |
senza glutine | gluten-free |
sugo | sauce (often with tomato) |
tè | tea |
verdura | vegetable |
vino bianco/rosso/rosato | white/purple/rosé wine |
zucchero | sugar |
Amongst all these culinary phrases, the aperitivo is Italians’ beloved one. It may be only a drink with olives or chips whereas ready to sit down in a restaurant. But when an Italian invitations you to prendere un aperitivo (take an aperitif), it often includes a variety of meals, and it could even turn out to be an apericena (aperitif dinner). Be taught extra concerning the aperitivo that means to completely embrace this vital custom.
Keep in mind: Not like in English, colours in Italian should all the time be written and pronounced after the noun they confer with. In poetry, this rule may be damaged, however in spoken language, such inversion sounds overly formal and compelled. Subsequently, you’ll all the time say: il vino rosso (purple wine), not il rosso vino.
Italian phrases for home items
When studying a language, the phrases we use in our on a regular basis surroundings are a number of the most helpful to grasp. These phrases will make it simpler to speak concerning the areas you reside in—and possibly even assist you throughout an Italian procuring spree for dwelling items!
Italian | English |
aria condizionata | air con |
armadio | wardrobe |
bagno | lavatory |
bicchiere | glass |
caffettiera | espresso maker |
calice | wine glass |
coltello | knife |
coperta | blanket |
cucchiaino | teaspoon |
cucchiaio | spoon |
cuscino | pillow |
divano or sofà | couch |
forchetta | fork |
frigorifero | fridge |
lampada | lamp |
lavandino | sink |
lavastoviglie | dishwasher |
lavatrice | washer |
letto | mattress |
mensola | shelf |
microonde | microwave |
piatto | plate |
posate | cutlery |
sedia | chair |
stendino | garments rack |
tappeto | rug |
tavolo | desk |
termosifone | radiator |
tovaglia | tablecloth |
tovagliolo | serviette |
Phrases for members of the family

Mamma (mother) is among the first phrases everybody learns, and it’s comparable in lots of languages. However if you wish to identify different members of the family in a second language, issues can get tough. For instance, the Italian phrase for “grandma” is nonna. So, let’s have a look at what you name your loved ones members in Italian!
Italian | English |
cognato/cognata (m/f) | brother-in-law/sister-in-law |
cugino/cugina (m/f) | cousin |
famiglia | household |
figlio/figlia (m/f) | son/daughter |
fratello (m) | brother |
genitori (pl) | mother and father |
mamma/madre (f) | mother |
marito (m) | husband |
moglie (f) | spouse |
nipote (m or f) | grandson/granddaughter or nephew/niece |
nonno/nonna (m/f) | grandpa/grandma |
papà/padre/babbo | dad |
parenti (pl) | family members |
sorella (f) | sister |
suocero/suocera (m/f) | father-in-law/mother-in-law |
zio/zia (m/f) | uncle/aunt |
Key Italian phrases for telling the time
Studying numbers in Italian is crucial. You’ll must rely a minimum of as much as twenty-four to precise hours appropriately, and much more, when you’re giving an tackle or discussing weights at an Italian farmers market.
However numbers alone aren’t sufficient to explain time! There are particular Italian phrases and phrases that you need to use to make clear what a part of the day you might be speaking about.
Italian | English |
del pomeriggio | within the afternoon |
di mattina | within the morning |
di notte | at evening |
di sera | within the night |
in punto | on the dot |
meno un quarto | 1 / 4 to |
mezzanotte | midnight |
mezzo/mezza | half previous |
mezzogiorno | noon/midday |
un quarto | 1 / 4 previous |
Italians divide the 4 elements of the day this fashion:
- mattina (morning): From round 5:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
- pomeriggio (afternoon): From 12:00 p.m. to round 6:00 p.m.
- sera (night): From 6:00 p.m. to round 11:00 p.m.
- notte (evening): From 11:00 p.m. to five:00 a.m.
These divisions can differ barely relying on the area and season, as they’re influenced by daylight and native habits.
Italian phrases for helpful locations when travelling
When touring, you’ll need to know navigate the necessities and discover your option to vital locations. Really feel assured wherever you go along with these and different Italian phrases helpful for touring to Tuscany or the Amalfi Coast.
Italian | English |
aeroporto | airport |
ambasciata | embassy |
ambulatorio medico | medical clinic |
autonoleggio | automotive rental |
banca | financial institution |
biblioteca | library |
biglietteria | ticket workplace |
carabinieri | carabinieri (Italian police) |
carroattrezzi | tow truck |
centro città | metropolis middle |
centro commerciale | shopping center |
discoteca | discotheque |
farmacia | pharmacy |
fermata del taxi | taxi cease |
fermata dell’autobus | bus cease |
funivia | cable automotive |
resort or albergo | resort |
lungomare | seafront |
meccanico | mechanic |
mercato | market |
ospedale | hospital |
parco | park |
piazza | sq. |
piste da sci | ski slopes |
porto | port |
ristorante | restaurant |
spiaggia | seaside |
stadio | stadium |
stazione | prepare station |
polizia | police |
supermercato | grocery store |
ufficio postale or posta | submit workplace |
Phrases for occupations in Italian

Italian phrases for professions are important—whether or not you’re speaking about your job, asking somebody what they do for a residing, or searching for one of the best meccanico (mechanic) on the town in your automotive.
Italian | English |
architetto (m or f) | architect |
artista (m or f) | artist |
autista (m or f) | driver |
avvocato/avvocatessa (m/f) | lawyer |
cameriere/cameriera (m/f) | waiter/waitress |
camionista (m or f) | truck driver |
commesso/commessa (m/f) | store assistant |
contabile (m or f) | accountant |
cuoco/cuoca (m/f) | chef/prepare dinner |
dottore/dottoressa (m/f) | physician |
farmacista (m or f) | pharmacist |
giornalista (m or f) | journalist |
infermiere/infermiera (m/f) | nurse |
ingegnere (m or f) | engineer |
insegnante (m or f) | instructor |
macellaio/macellaia (m/f) | butcher |
meccanico (m or f) | mechanic |
muratore (m or f) | bricklayer |
musicista (m or f) | musician |
parrucchiere/parrucchiera (m/f) | hairdresser |
poliziotto/poliziotta (m/f) | police officer |
pompiere (m or f) | firefighter |
tassista (m or f) | taxi driver |
verduriere/verduriera (m/f) | vegetable grocer |
Italian phrases for greetings and well mannered conversations
In Italy, being well mannered is taken into account a synonym for good manners. The primary phrases and phrases it is advisable study to navigate any Italian dialog are the Italian greetings, say “thanks” in Italian, and prego (you’re welcome).
With these easy Italian phrases and expressions, you’ll all the time give one of the best impression.
Italian | English |
arrivederci | goodbye |
Bene, grazie. | Wonderful, thanks. |
buonanotte | good evening |
buonasera | good night |
buongiorno | good morning |
ciao | howdy/hello |
Come stai?/Come sta? | How are you? (casual/formal) |
grazie mille. | thanks very a lot |
grazie | thanks |
mi dispiace | I’m sorry |
Non c’è di che. | It’s nothing./Don’t point out it. |
per favore | please |
permesso | pardon me (when asking to cross by or for permission to enter) |
Piacere. | Good to satisfy you. |
Prego. | You’re welcome. |
salve | howdy (semi-formal) |
scusa/mi scusi | excuse me (casual/formal) |
Tutto bene? | Is every part advantageous? |
Phrases to explain clothes
You know the way vital it’s to immerse your self in Italian tradition when you really need to grasp the language. Even when you’re at dwelling and exploring the greatest wineries in Tuscany isn’t in your quick plans, you’ll be able to nonetheless embrace small Italian traditions like practising the passeggiata. These leisurely, pleasant walks after meals or on weekends are an ideal option to loosen up and see your environment—even your individual neighborhood—in a brand new gentle.
As you put together to go out, ask your self: Oggi cosa mi metto? (What ought to I put on as we speak?). Problem your self to call every merchandise of clothes in Italian. This enjoyable and fascinating train will assist you reinforce your vocabulary.
Italian | English |
abito | gown or swimsuit |
ballerine | ballet flats |
boxer | boxers |
calze | socks |
camicia | shirt |
canottiera | tank prime |
cappello | hat |
cappotto | coat |
completo | swimsuit |
cravatta | tie |
felpa | sweatshirt |
giacca | jacket |
gonna | skirt |
guanti | gloves |
maglietta | t-shirt |
maglione | sweater |
mutande | underwear |
occhiali | glasses |
pantaloncini | shorts |
pantaloni | pants |
(pantaloni) denims | denims |
pigiama | pajamas |
piumino | down jacket |
sandali | sandals |
scarpe | sneakers |
sciarpa | scarf |
stivali | boots |
t-shirt | t-shirt |
vestito | gown |
Italian phrases to explain actions

Now it’s time to dive into the phrases that type the core of each sentence: verbs. Actions, emotions, ideas, and intentions all come to life by means of Italian verbs, shaping sentences and giving them that means.
Italian | English |
amare | to like |
andare | to go |
avere | to have |
baciare | to kiss |
bere | to drink |
comprare | to purchase |
dare | to provide |
desiderare | to want |
dire | to say/to inform |
dormire | to sleep |
dovere | to should/should |
essere | to be |
fare | to do/to make |
imparare | to study |
lavorare | to work |
leggere | to learn |
mangiare | to eat |
parlare | to talk |
potere | to have the ability to/can |
ritornare | to return again |
salutare | to greet |
sapere | to know (info) |
scrivere | to write down |
sedersi | to sit down |
sognare | to dream |
studiare | to review |
tornare | to return |
uscire | to exit |
vedere | to see |
venire | to return |
viaggiare | to journey |
vivere | to reside |
volere | to need |
Fast tricks to perceive Italian verbs
The chart exhibits the infinitive type of verbs, which corresponds to the “to+verb” construction in English. All Italian verbs finish with particular suffixes that group them into three essential conjugations:
These three teams decide how common verbs are conjugated. Common verbs comply with predictable patterns the place the suffix adjustments primarily based on the verb’s temper, tense, and the particular person performing.
Conjugations additionally embrace irregular verbs, which don’t comply with these patterns and, generally, change the foundation. The primary conjugation has only some irregular verbs, however the quantity will increase within the different two conjugations.
The verbs essere (to be) and avere (to have) are among the many most important irregular verbs to study. Like in English, they’re essential when used as standalone and auxiliary verbs to type compound tenses. For instance:
- Loro sono bravi. = They’re good.
- Sono (auxiliar) uscito di casa presto. = I left the home early.
Humorous Italian phrases
Some Italian phrases are so distinctive that they even sound humorous to native Italian audio system. Studying them might be a incredible addition to your each day conversations in Italian and an effective way to problem your pronunciation abilities.
Italian | English |
apericena | aperitif-dinner |
attaccabrighe | troublemaker |
bacherozzo | bug |
battiscopa | baseboard |
bauscia | smooch |
bazzecola | triviality |
chiacchierare | to talk |
cianfrusaglia | knick-knack |
fantasmini | invisible ankle socks (lit. little ghosts) |
farabutto/farabutta (m/f) | scoundrel |
farfallone | womanizer (lit. huge butterfly) |
farlocco/farlocca | faux |
frignone | crybaby |
frottola | fib |
gattabuia | jail |
gattamorta | shallow particular person (lit.lifeless cat) |
incasinato | tousled |
manicaretto | tasty dish |
marmocchio/marmocchia (m/f) | brat |
merendina | snack |
paccottiglia | tat |
paffutello/paffutella (m/f) | chubby |
pasticcione/pasticciona (m/f) | bungler |
pelandrone/pelandrona (m/f) | slacker |
pennichella | nap |
peripezia | troubled journey |
pettegolezzo | gossip |
pisolino | nap |
scansafatiche | lazybones (lit. fatigue dodger) |
scioglilingua | tongue tornado |
Realizing plenty of Italian phrases isn’t sufficient to actually talk. Mastering Italian grammar guidelines is crucial to make use of these phrases precisely, as many play totally different roles in sentences, and so they can act as Italian nouns, Italian verbs, or adjectives.
Select a confirmed technique that guides you thru each step of your studying journey. Rosetta Stone gives a dynamic Immersion technique with classes that take simply 10 minutes, serving to you begin talking Italian proper from the primary session.
It additionally options the TruAccent speech recognition engine, a robust device for perfecting your Italian pronunciation. It is a nice assist for making progress and avoiding attorcigliarsi la lingua (tongue-twisting) when saying these enjoyable however tough phrases.