Rome is a city with a huge tourist industry and friendly and professional servitori. Therefore, you can expect to be able to speak English with most people in the city centre. However, taking some time to learn the basics of the local language will enrich your experience. This is especially so if you find yourself stuck off the beaten path, and need to communicate with someone without using English. Despite what people say, you can’t just get away with using wild gesticulations! This guide will suggest a number of useful phrases, for eating out and casual conversation.
Greetings
Ciao! – Hi/Bye!
Salve – Hello (more formal)
Buongiorno – Good morning/day (formal, said in the morning)
Buon Pomeriggio – Good afternoon (formal)
Buonasera – Good evening
Buona notte – Good night (when you believe the person will leave to sleep)
Pronto – Hello (on the telephone only)
Ciao a tutti – Hi everyone (to an informal group)
Benvenuto – Welcome
Conversation Engagement
Sì – Yes
No – No
Forse – Maybe
Non lo so – I’m not sure
Per favore – Please
Grazie – Thank you
Molte grazie – Thank you very much
Prego – You’re welcome
Scusa – Excuse me (informal)
Mi scusi – Excuse me (formal)
Non capisco – I don’t understand
Non parlo Italiano – I don’t speak Italian
Parla Inglese? – Do you speak English?
Parli piano, per favore – Speak slowly, please
Come stai? – How are you? (informal)
Come va? – How are you? (more formal)
Come si chiama? – What is your name?
Mi chiamo… – My name is…
Dove abiti? – Where do you live?
Dove abitate? – Where do you live (plural)?
Abito a… – I live in…
Around and About
Dov’e la toilette? – Where is the toilet?
Dov’e la metro(politana)? – Where’s the metro?
Dov’e il museo? – Where is the museum?
Posso collegarmi con internet? – Can I use the internet?
Quanto costa? – How much does that cost?
Quanto costano? – How much do these cost?
Mi puo aiutare? – Can you help me?
Dove si mangia bene? – Where’s a good restaurant?
Quanti? – How many (diners)?
Che facciamo? – What would you like?
Posso ordinare…? – May I order…?
Da bere? – Drinks?
Un bicchiere di vino bianco/rosso – A glass of white/red wine
Un altro – Another one
E delizioso – It’s delicious
Il conto – The bill
