Umbrians are very forgiving when it comes to foreigners trying to speak Italian.  Just a few polite words and phrases—accompanied by pointing to what you want and using hand gestures to show what you mean—should gain you instant approval.

1. Where is the bathroom?: Dov’è il bagno? (doh-VEH eel bah-nyoh)
2. How much does it cost?:  Quanto costa? (KWAHN-toh KOHS-tah)
3. Excuse me:  mi scusi (mee-SKUU-zee).
4. Here it is/here they are:  ecco (EHK-koh).
5. I am sorry:  mi dispiace (mee dis-pee-AH-chey)
6. I don’t understand:  Non capisco (nohn kah-PEES-koh)
7. It’s nothing:  niente (NEE-n-teh).
8. I would like:  vorrei (vor-RAY)
9. Permission? May I come in?: permesso (PAIR-mehs-soh).
10. No:  no (noh).
11. Okay: va bene (va BEH-neh).
12. Please:  per favore (pair fav-OR-eh).
13. Thank you:  grazie (GRAH-tzee-eh)—this must be the most often mispronounced word.
14. Yes:  sì (see).
15. You’re welcome:  prego (PRAY-goh).  Also say prego when you motion someone to go ahead of you in line, for example.

4 Responses to “15 Italian Survival Phrases You Should Know Before Going to Italy”

1. Rosemary Mark says:

   April 18, 2010 at 18:56

   Suzanne – I wish you were sharing this at IACP in Portland next week! I hope you are thrilled with the final copy!! Can’t wait to see it!
2. Suzanne Carreiro says:

   April 20, 2010 at 18:52

   Wow, Rosemary, I wish I were going too. I am spending my money going to Washington DC, Baltimore, and Philly in September, instead, to do book signings. Have a great time at IACP.
3. victoria Roberts says:

   June 28, 2010 at 12:38

   Maybe more people would go to IACP if the meeting was in Umbria!
4. Suzanne Carreiro says:

   June 30, 2010 at 06:57

   Great idea. Funny, when I was here last, I went to an IACP meeting here–local meeting of Italian members. It was fun. Talk to you soon. Suzanne