Moving to Italy? Start with these 30 words
The 30 Italian words and short phrases that cover your first weeks, from the café and the supermarket to paperwork and neighbours.
By Mathias C.
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Your first weeks in Italy are not about grammar (our page for people moving abroad covers the rest of the preparation). They're about getting through the café, the supermarket, the pharmacy and the town hall with a smile. These 30 words and phrases cover most of it.
Italian politeness words you need from day one
| Italian | English |
|---|---|
| Buongiorno / Buonasera | Good morning / Good evening |
| Ciao | Hi / Bye (informal) |
| Per favore | Please |
| Grazie / Grazie mille | Thank you / Thanks a lot |
| Prego | You're welcome / Go ahead |
| Scusi | Excuse me (formal) |
| Permesso | May I? (when entering or squeezing past) |
Buongiorno when you walk into a shop is expected. Ciao is for friends and people your age who use it first.
Italian words for the café and the supermarket
| Italian | English |
|---|---|
| Un caffè, per favore | An espresso, please |
| Il conto, per favore | The bill, please |
| Quanto costa? | How much is it? |
| Posso pagare con la carta? | Can I pay by card? |
| Il sacchetto | The (shopping) bag |
| Lo scontrino | The receipt |
In many Italian cafés, un caffè means an espresso. If you want something bigger, ask for un caffè lungo or un cappuccino.
Italian words for paperwork and renting in Italy
| Italian | English |
|---|---|
| Il comune | The town hall |
| La residenza | Official registration of residence |
| Il codice fiscale | Tax code (you'll need it everywhere) |
| L'affitto | The rent |
| Il contratto | The contract |
| La bolletta | The (utility) bill |
| Il condominio | The apartment building / its management |
The codice fiscale comes up constantly: phone contracts, rent, the doctor. Rules change, so check the official requirements for your situation. If you are applying for citizenship, the language certificate matters too: see the Italian exams on our Italian page.
Italian words for health and emergencies
| Italian | English |
|---|---|
| La farmacia | The pharmacy |
| Mi sento male | I feel ill |
| Il medico di base | The family doctor (GP) |
| Aiuto! | Help! |
Italian phrases to meet your neighbours
| Italian | English |
|---|---|
| Piacere! | Nice to meet you! |
| Sono nuovo / nuova qui | I'm new here (m / f) |
| Come si dice…? | How do you say…? |
"Come si dice…?" is your secret weapon. Italians are usually delighted to help someone trying their language.
How to go from 30 Italian words to real conversations
Word lists get you through transactions. Conversations with neighbours and colleagues need practice out loud. A tutor (here is how to pick one quickly) can role-play the town hall appointment or the chat with your landlord before it happens, which is when it matters most.
Three role plays worth rehearsing with a tutor before you move:
- the appointment at the comune to register your residence
- a call with your landlord about a repair or the bolletta
- your first visit to the medico di base
Warm up with the five flip cards on our Italian page.
Questions about Italian for expats
What is the codice fiscale?
It is the Italian tax identification code. Foreign residents need it for many everyday steps, such as renting, signing a phone contract or registering with a doctor.
When should I say “Ciao” instead of “Buongiorno”?
“Ciao” is informal, for friends and people your age who use it first. With shopkeepers, officials and older people, start with “Buongiorno” or “Buonasera”.
What does “Permesso” mean?
It means “May I?”. Italians say it when entering a home or an office, or when squeezing past someone.
How do I order a regular coffee in Italy?
“Un caffè” gets you an espresso. For a longer drink, ask for “un caffè lungo” or “un caffè americano”.
How long does it take to hold a basic conversation in Italian?
It depends on how often you practise. Regular speaking sessions with a tutor or neighbours help far more than word lists alone.
