Useful Italian words for your trip to Rome

One of the main problems when visiting a foreign country is the language. If you’re lucky – and usually you are – you will find someone that speaks English, otherwise it would be helpful to know few words.
If you are planning a trip to Rome, there’s no need to speak Italian fluently; it is enough to know few useful Italian words.

 BUONGIORNO – BUON POMERIGGIO – BUONASERA

Probably the most famous Italian word is “Ciao”.
Some good alternatives are “Buongiorno” (Good morning), “Buon pomeriggio” (Good afternoon) and “Buonasera” (Good evening).
Why should it be useful? Well, it is always a nice way to start a conversation. 🙂

 PER FAVORE

As everyone in the world, also Italian people like good manners.
“Per favore” is used exactly like the English “please”, you can say it at the beginning or at the end of the phrase: you can use it freely and, trust me, it is always appreciated!

GRAZIE…

Immediately after ciao, “Grazie” is another most famous Italian word.
As many of you already know, it means thank you and it is usually followed by “prego”.

 … PREGO

It seems that “prego” is the Italian word that confuses you the most. Let’s try to solve this mystery.
Basically, prego is the answer given to grazie (e.g. “Grazie!” / “Prego!”). Sometimes it is used also to invite a person to do something: e.g.
– “Can I get in?” / “Prego!” (=”Please, enter!”)
– “Prego, si accomodi!” (=”Please, have a sit!”)

 

 

Now, these are basic words for normal conversations.
If you are a tourist in Rome, the following phrases will help you getting around the city.

PARLA INGLESE?

In my opinion, this question is one of the first things you need to learn in Italian.
Let’s imagine you are at via del Corso and you would like to know how to get to Spanish Steps. You can ask to someone, but it would be better to start the conversation with “do you speak English?”. In this way your interlocutor will know you don’t speak Italian and he will help you in your language – or at least he will try!

MI SONO PERSO

You can deny it as much as you want, but everyone will get lost sooner or later. In a city like Rome, it happens everyday – Romans themselves get lost in these labyrinth-style streets, but they will never admit it.
In this case, it is enough for you to say to someone “Mi sono perso” (I’m lost) and they will show you the easiest way to get around.

DOV’È IL BAGNO?

It’s a beautiful day and you are visiting the Roman Forum. What an amazing place, the center or life in ancient Rome, but… Suddenly you need a biology break. There is no shame in this.
In this situation, I bet the most useful Italian words you know are “Dov’è il bagno?” (where is the toilet?).

QUANTO COSTA?

Only shopping maniacs can understand the importance of knowing this question.
You are at Campo de Fiori, you see a lovely gift and you are quite sure you will buy it: how much does it cost? Well, now you know how to say it.

POSSO FARE FOTOGRAFIE?

In my opinion, this is the most touristic question, but in its own way it may be extremely useful. How? When visiting the Vatican Museums, for example.
The light is perfect, there is an impressive gallery and you want to take a pic for your Instagram: is it allowed?
“Excuse me, sir. Posso fare fotografie?” (Can I take a picture?) Easy, isn’t it?

ARRIVEDERCI!

As a conclusion, a farewell.
When leaving, don’t forget to say “Arrivederci”, goodbye!

 

 

Hey! It’s not over yet!
Are you planning a night out in Rome, probably at Trastevere, where you can meet boys/girls?
These two useful Italian words will help you!

HAI DEGLI OCCHI BELLISSIMI

My dear boys, is there a most perfect way to conquer a girl’s hearth than the classic “you have beautiful eyes”?

POSSO OFFRIRTI DA BERE?

Honestly, this is a sure hit.
Offer someone to get him/her a drink, no one will ever say no. Well, I wouldn’t refuse a free drink for sure!

 

 

Prego! 😉

 

Hey! This article was helpful, wasn’t it?
Now that you can speak a little bit of Italian, you just need to know few Roman habits and you will be ready for your trip to Rome!