Brush Up Before You Go – Simple Italian Phrases for a More Joyful Trip

You don’t need to be fluent to feel at home in Italy—but a little effort goes a long way. A few well-chosen phrases will open doors, spark smiles, and help you connect more deeply with the people and places around you.

🗣️ Start with the essentials

These basics will serve you well in any café, piazza, or boutique:

• Buongiorno – Good morning

• Buonasera – Good evening

• Per favore / Grazie – Please / Thank you

• Scusi / Mi scusi – Excuse me / Sorry

• Ciao – Hi or bye (casual, friendly)

🍷 Useful for dining and exploring

• Un caffè, per favore – A coffee, please

• Un bicchiere di vino rosso, per favore – A glass of red wine, please

• Dov’è il bagno? – Where is the bathroom?

• Quanto costa? – How much does it cost?

• È delizioso! – It’s delicious!

💬 Handy extras

• Parla inglese? – Do you speak English?

• Non parlo molto italiano. – I don’t speak much Italian.

• Va bene. – Okay / It’s fine

• Che bello! – How beautiful! (You’ll say this a lot)

🧡 Why it matters

Speaking even a little Italian is a gesture of connection. It says I’m here with respect and curiosity. And that’s the heart of La Dolca Vita—beauty, culture, and connection, shared joyfully.Write a few words about the run-up