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Basic Italian phrases

Ciao, grazie, non capisco — over 50 phrases you can take to Italy tomorrow, with translations, audio and a label showing when to use the informal tu and when the polite Lei.

  • 54 phrases
  • 7 topics
  • Audio
  • Days, months, colours
  • Quiz
To the phrasesTest yourself

Phrases by topic

Tap a phrase to hear it, or the speaker next to a topic to hear them all. “Formal” and “informal” mark the pairs where it matters.

Speed

Hello and goodbye

The first words of any conversation.

Being polite

Thank you, please, excuse me — you can’t do without them.

Getting to know people

How are you, what’s your name, where are you from.

When you don’t understand

Asking someone to repeat, to slow down or to switch to English.

Around town and travelling

Asking the way, buying a ticket, finding the toilet.

In a café or a shop

Ordering, asking the price, paying.

If you need help

Phrases worth knowing before you need them.

Tu or Lei: informal or polite

Italians use Lei (with a 3rd-person singular verb) with strangers, older people and in formal situations, and tu with friends, family and people their age. In letters Lei is often capitalised.

  • How are you? (polite · informal)

  • What’s your name? (polite · informal)

Days, months and colours

Where both adults and children start. Tap to listen.

Days of the week

Months

Colours

How to learn the phrases faster

  • Listen and repeat aloud: Italian is read as it’s written — just keep the stress in the right place.
  • Start with Ciao, Grazie, Per favore and Scusi — you’ll hear them every day.
  • Prego is a magic word: “you’re welcome”, “please, go ahead” and “come in”.
  • Learn whole phrases: “Vorrei…” opens any order.

Test yourself

Ten phrases a round: understand them by ear, or remember how to say them.

Exercise

FAQ

Didn’t find your answer? Send us a request — we’ll tell you everything.

How do you say hello in Italian?

Ciao is “hi” and “bye” among friends. Politely: Buongiorno (morning), Buonasera (from the afternoon) and the neutral Salve.

How do you say thank you in Italian?

Grazie; Grazie mille is “thanks a lot”. The reply is Prego — “you’re welcome”.

How do you say please in Italian?

Per favore in requests (Un caffè, per favore). Prego as a reply to “thank you” or when offering something.

How do you say goodbye in Italian?

Arrivederci — goodbye, Ciao — bye, A presto — see you soon, A domani — see you tomorrow.

What’s next

Rules in plain words — with tables, examples and a quiz in every topic.

All topics

Next step

Keep learning with a mini-course

Short online courses by Slay School teachers: a 15-minute lesson a day with audio, exercises and dialogues, and the words you forget come back on their own.

  • Day 1 is free
  • 15 minutes a day, at your own pace
  • Every word has audio
  • Lifetime access once paid
Start for freeAll mini-courses

All you need to start is an email or a Google account.