Basic Words

1. Sì

   Yes

   Usage

   The shortest affirmative reply; use it to confirm anything

2. No

   Usage

   The basic negative reply; also works to decline an offer

3. Per favore

   Please

   Usage

   Add it to any request or order; it also stands alone

   Grammar Note

   Added to any request; "per piacere" means the same

4. Grazie

   Thank you

   Usage

   Use it everywhere: after paying, after getting directions

5. Scusi

   Excuse me

   Usage

   The opening word when you need a stranger's attention

   Grammar Note

   The polite "Lei" form; use "scusa" with friends

6. Mi dispiace

   Sorry

   Usage

   An apology after bumping into someone or making a mistake

   Grammar Note

   Expresses regret; a heavier apology than "Scusi"

7. Va bene

   It's OK / I'm fine

   Usage

   Reply to an apology, or politely wave off offered help

   Grammar Note

   Covers "that's fine" and "OK, agreed"

8. Non capisco

   I don't understand

   Usage

   Say it as soon as you lose the thread; people will rephrase

9. Capisco

   I understand

   Usage

   Confirms you followed an explanation

10. Ho finito

    I'm finished / Done

    Usage

    Tell staff you have finished a meal or a procedure

    Grammar Note

    Passato prossimo; tells staff you have finished

11. Aspetti, per favore

    Please wait

    Usage

    Use it when you need the other person to hold on

    Grammar Note

    "Aspetti" is the "Lei" imperative; "aspetta" with friends

12. Un momento

    Just a moment

    Usage

    A shorter, lighter version for a very brief pause

13. Un adulto, per favore

    One adult, please

    Usage

    Say it at a ticket window or an entrance gate

14. Non ho una prenotazione

    I don't have a reservation

    Usage

    Tell a restaurant or hotel that you are a walk-in

    Grammar Note

    Negation puts "non" before the verb

15. Ho una prenotazione

    I have a reservation

    Usage

    Say it first at reception, then give your name

16. Mi aiuti, per favore

    Please help me

    Usage

    For trouble or emergencies; a strong call for help

    Grammar Note

    In an emergency, shout "Aiuto!"

17. Ancora una volta, per favore

    Once more, please

    Usage

    Ask someone to repeat what you missed

18. Parli lentamente, per favore

    Please speak slowly

    Usage

    When the speech is too fast; people almost always oblige

19. Parlo un po' di italiano

    I speak a little

    Usage

    Saying it early makes the other person slow down

    Grammar Note

    "Po'" is a shortened "poco" and needs the apostrophe

20. Parla inglese?

    Do you speak English?

    Usage

    Your fallback when you get stuck; ask with the polite pronoun

    Grammar Note

    The polite "Lei" form — use it with strangers

21. Questo

    This

    Usage

    For something near you; use "quello" for anything further away

22. Quello

    That

    Usage

    Italian has only a two-way contrast, so this single word covers both "that" and "that over there"

23. Qui

    Here

    Usage

    The place where you are; "qua" is used almost interchangeably

24. Là

    There

    Usage

    Italian does not clearly separate "there" from "over there", so pair it with a pointing gesture

25. Io

    I / me

    Usage

    Point at yourself to make clear who you are talking about

26. Lei

    You (polite)

    Usage

    The polite "you" for strangers; always capitalised — lowercase "lei" means "she"

27. Insieme

    Together

    Usage

    Show that you are with someone or want to do something jointly

28. Subito

    Right now

    Usage

    Signals that something is urgent

29. Una persona

    One person

    Usage

    Give your party size at a restaurant or ticket window

30. Due persone

    Two people

    Usage

    Give your party size at a restaurant or ticket window

31. Tre persone

    Three people

    Usage

    Give your party size at a restaurant or ticket window

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