283 Important Italian Phrases You Can’t Converse With out


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

couple in wedding clothes on a terrace in Rome expressing Italian words of love

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.

ItalianEnglish
abbraccio/abbracciarehug/to hug
adorareadore
affettoaffection
amore/amarelove/to like
anima gemellasoulmate
bacio/baciarekiss/to kiss
voler beneto look after
carezza/accarezzarecaress/to caress
coccola/coccolarecuddle/to cuddle
compagno/a (m/f)accomplice
cuorecoronary heart
dolcezzasweetness
felicitàhappiness
fidanzato/a (m/f)fiancé/fiancée
ragazzo/a (m/f)boyfriend/girlfriend
innamorarsito fall in love
innamorato/a (m/f)in love
passioneardour
piacerepleasure or to love
sposo/a (m/f)partner
tenerezzatenderness
tesorodarling/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!).

ItalianEnglish
aceto/aceto balsamicovinegar/balsamic vinegar
acqua frizzante/acqua naturaleglowing water/nonetheless water
affettatichilly cuts
antipastoappetizer
aperitivoaperitif
bruschettatoasted bread with toppings
burrobutter
caffèespresso
carnemeat
cibo veganovegan meals
cibo vegetarianovegetarian meals
dolcificantesweetener
formaggiocheese
fritturafried fish/seafood
fruttafruits
gelatoice cream
lattemilk
mortadella or Bolognamortadella
olio d’olivaolive oil
panebread
parmigianoParmesan cheese
pasta or pastasciuttapasta
pepepepper
pescefish
pizzapizza
polentapolenta
pollohen
pomodorotomato
prosciutto cotto/prosciutto crudocooked ham/cured ham
ragùBolognese sauce
risottorisotto
salamesalami
salesalt
senza glutinegluten-free
sugosauce (often with tomato)
tea
verduravegetable
vino bianco/rosso/rosatowhite/purple/rosé wine
zuccherosugar

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!

ItalianEnglish
aria condizionataair con
armadiowardrobe
bagnolavatory
bicchiereglass
caffettieraespresso maker
calicewine glass
coltelloknife
copertablanket
cucchiainoteaspoon
cucchiaiospoon
cuscinopillow
divano or sofàcouch
forchettafork
frigoriferofridge
lampadalamp
lavandinosink
lavastovigliedishwasher
lavatricewasher
lettomattress
mensolashelf
microondemicrowave
piattoplate
posatecutlery
sediachair
stendinogarments rack
tappetorug
tavolodesk
termosifoneradiator
tovagliatablecloth
tovaglioloserviette

Phrases for members of the family

grandmother and adult grandchildren eating pasta on a terrace

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/babbodad
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 pomeriggiowithin the afternoon
di mattinawithin the morning
di notteat evening
di serawithin the night
in puntoon the dot
meno un quarto1 / 4 to
mezzanottemidnight
mezzo/mezzahalf previous
mezzogiornonoon/midday
un quarto1 / 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
aeroportoairport
ambasciataembassy
ambulatorio medicomedical clinic
autonoleggioautomotive rental
bancafinancial institution
bibliotecalibrary
biglietteriaticket workplace
carabiniericarabinieri (Italian police)
carroattrezzitow truck
centro cittàmetropolis middle
centro commercialeshopping center
discotecadiscotheque
farmaciapharmacy
fermata del taxitaxi cease
fermata dell’autobusbus cease
funiviacable automotive
resort or albergoresort
lungomareseafront
meccanicomechanic
mercatomarket
ospedalehospital
parcopark
piazzasq.
piste da sciski slopes
portoport
ristoranterestaurant
spiaggiaseaside
stadiostadium
stazioneprepare station
poliziapolice
supermercatogrocery store
ufficio postale or postasubmit workplace

Phrases for occupations in Italian

gondolier on a canal in venice

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.

ItalianEnglish
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
arrivedercigoodbye
Bene, grazie.Wonderful, thanks.
buonanottegood evening
buonaseragood night
buongiornogood morning
ciaohowdy/hello
Come stai?/Come sta? How are you? (casual/formal)
grazie mille.thanks very a lot
graziethanks
mi dispiaceI’m sorry
Non c’è di che.It’s nothing./Don’t point out it.
per favoreplease
permessopardon me (when asking to cross by or for permission to enter)
Piacere.Good to satisfy you.
Prego.You’re welcome.
salvehowdy (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
abitogown or swimsuit
ballerineballet flats
boxerboxers
calzesocks
camiciashirt
canottieratank prime
cappellohat
cappottocoat
completoswimsuit
cravattatie
felpasweatshirt
giaccajacket
gonnaskirt
guantigloves
magliettat-shirt
maglionesweater
mutandeunderwear
occhialiglasses
pantaloncinishorts
pantalonipants
(pantaloni) denimsdenims
pigiamapajamas
piuminodown jacket
sandalisandals
scarpesneakers
sciarpascarf
stivaliboots
t-shirtt-shirt
vestitogown

Italian phrases to explain actions

multi-racial couple walking in the streets of Umbria showing the Italian words for walking and passeggiata

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.

ItalianEnglish
amareto like
andareto go
avereto have
baciareto kiss
bereto drink
comprareto purchase
dareto provide
desiderareto want
direto say/to inform
dormireto sleep
dovereto should/should
essereto be
fareto do/to make
imparareto study
lavorareto work
leggereto learn
mangiareto eat
parlareto talk
potereto have the ability to/can
ritornareto return again
salutareto greet
sapereto know (info)
scrivereto write down
sedersito sit down
sognareto dream
studiareto review
tornareto return
uscireto exit
vedereto see
venireto return
viaggiareto journey
vivereto reside
volereto 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
apericenaaperitif-dinner
attaccabrighetroublemaker
bacherozzobug
battiscopabaseboard
bausciasmooch
bazzecolatriviality
chiacchierareto talk
cianfrusagliaknick-knack
fantasminiinvisible ankle socks (lit. little ghosts) 
farabutto/farabutta (m/f)scoundrel
farfallonewomanizer (lit. huge butterfly)
farlocco/farloccafaux
frignonecrybaby
frottolafib
gattabuiajail
gattamortashallow particular person (lit.lifeless cat)
incasinatotousled
manicarettotasty dish
marmocchio/marmocchia (m/f)brat
merendinasnack
paccottigliatat
paffutello/paffutella (m/f)chubby
pasticcione/pasticciona (m/f)bungler
pelandrone/pelandrona (m/f)slacker
pennichellanap
peripeziatroubled journey
pettegolezzogossip
pisolinonap
scansafatichelazybones (lit. fatigue dodger)
scioglilinguatongue 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.

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