10 Italian Phrases Every Expat Needs in Their First Week in Italy

You've arrived. The apartment is beautiful, the coffee is incredible — and you have absolutely no idea what the lady at the market just said to you. These 10 phrases won't make you fluent overnight, but they will make you feel less like a tourist and more like someone who belongs.

1. Mi scusi, parla inglese?

Before anything else, know how to ask. Most Italians in cities will appreciate the effort, even if they answer in Italian anyway. The key is the mi scusi at the beginning — it's polite and disarming.

2. Vorrei… — I would like…

This one carries you through coffee bars, bakeries, restaurants, and shops. Vorrei un caffè. Vorrei questo. Vorrei il conto. Learn it, love it, use it constantly.

3. Dov'è…? — Where is…?

Dov'è il bagno? Dov'è la fermata dell'autobus? Dov'è il supermercato più vicino? This two-word question unlocks a huge part of daily navigation.

4. Quanto costa? — How much does it cost?

At the market, at the hardware shop, at the tabaccheria. Italians love a good price conversation, and this phrase starts it.

5. Posso avere il conto? — Can I have the bill?

In Italy, waiters don't bring the bill until you ask. This is cultural, not rude — it means you can sit as long as you like. But when you're ready to leave, this is your phrase.

6. Mi chiamo… / Sono di… — My name is… / I'm from…

Italians are warm and curious. Neighbours, shopkeepers, the man at the bar — everyone will ask your name and where you're from within the first five minutes. Have this ready.

7. Non ho capito, può ripetere più lentamente? — I didn't understand, can you repeat more slowly?

This is the expat's secret weapon. Native speakers slow down when they hear it, and they genuinely want to help. Don't be embarrassed to use it — use it every single day.

8. Che bello! / Che bella! — How beautiful!

Italians express appreciation constantly. Learning to respond in kind — to the food, the view, someone's dog, their garden — builds warmth and connection faster than any grammar lesson.

9. A dopo / A presto — See you later / See you soon

Arrivederci is formal and a little stiff for everyday use. A dopo (see you later today) and a presto (see you soon) are what neighbours and shopkeepers actually say to each other.

10. Piano piano — Slowly, slowly

This is less a phrase and more a philosophy. Italians say it when things are taking time, when life is moving at its own pace, when you just need to breathe. It's also what you'll want to say to yourself as you learn the language. Piano piano. You'll get there.

What comes next?

Memorising phrases is a start, but it's not enough to feel truly at home in Italy. The difference between surviving in Italian and actually connecting with people comes down to one thing: understanding how the language thinks — not just what it says.

Ready to go beyond survival Italian? I offer online Italian lessons designed specifically for expats living in Italy. Book a free 20-minute discovery call — no commitment, just a conversation about where you are and where you want to go.

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