Greetings

1. Buongiorno

   Hello / Good morning / Good day

   Usage

   The standard Italian greeting for morning and early afternoon

   Grammar Note

   "Buon" is a shortened form of buono. Also learn: Buonasera (good evening), Buonanotte (good night)

2. Grazie mille

   Thank you very much

   Usage

   Warm expression of gratitude; mille (a thousand) adds emphasis

   Grammar Note

   "Grazie" is plural. "Mille" adds "a thousand thanks" — a common emphatic form

3. Per favore

   Please

   Usage

   Used for polite requests. "Per piacere" is an equally common alternative

   Grammar Note

   "Per favore" and "per piacere" are both common for please. "Piacere" means pleasure

4. Arrivederci

   Goodbye

   Usage

   The formal farewell. "Ciao" is used casually with friends and family

   Grammar Note

   Literally "until seeing each other again." "ArrivederLa" is even more formal

5. Mi scusi

   Excuse me

   Usage

   Get someone's attention or make way politely

   Grammar Note

   "Scusi" is the Lei imperative of scusare (here with mi: "excuse me"); "scusarsi" means to apologise. With friends, use "Scusami"

6. Buonasera

   Good evening

   Usage

   Evening greeting used from late afternoon onwards — perfect when entering a restaurant

   Grammar Note

   "Sera" is feminine, so "Buona" (not Buon). Used from around 5 pm onwards in most of Italy

7. Come sta?

   How are you? (formal)

   Usage

   Ask how someone is doing in a polite or professional setting

   Grammar Note

   "Sta" is the Lei (formal) third person of stare. With friends: "Come stai?" (informal)

8. A presto!

   See you soon!

   Usage

   A warm farewell implying you will meet again soon

   Grammar Note

   "A + time expression" means "until then." Same structure: A domani (see you tomorrow)

9. Piacere di conoscerla

   Pleased to meet you

   Usage

   A formal introduction phrase for business or professional settings

   Grammar Note

   "Conoscerla" = conoscere (to know/meet) + la (formal you). "Piacere" alone is also common

10. Non c'è di che

    Don't mention it / You're welcome

    Usage

    Respond to thanks. Interchangeable with "Prego" (the most common Italian response)

    Grammar Note

    Literally "there is nothing of which." "Prego" is more common but this sounds more refined

11. Dov'è il bagno?

    Where is the toilet/bathroom?

    Usage

    Essential phrase for asking the location of the bathroom in restaurants or public places

    Grammar Note

    "Dove" (where) + "è" (is) contract to "Dov'è" with an apostrophe — very common in everyday speech

12. Non riesco a parlare italiano

    I can't speak Italian

    Usage

    Used to tell someone you can't speak Italian; often followed by a request to speak English

    Grammar Note

    "Riuscire a + infinitive" expresses ability. Implies "I'm unable to manage" — slightly stronger than "non posso"

13. Tornerò.

    I'll come again

    Usage

    Said when leaving a shop — a friendly way to signal you enjoyed it

14. Mi sono divertito molto.

    I had a great time

    Usage

    Said when parting, to share how much you enjoyed it

    Grammar Note

    Female speakers say "Mi sono divertita" instead

15. Grazie, a presto!

    Thanks, see you

    Usage

    A casual farewell for someone you've become friendly with

16. Buonanotte.

    Good night

    Usage

    Said just before going to sleep — not a farewell, but a bedtime greeting

17. Esco un attimo.

    I'm heading out

    Usage

    Said when leaving your lodging for a while

18. Sono di ritorno.

    I'm back

    Usage

    Said upon returning to your lodging; "di ritorno" doesn't change with the speaker's gender

19. Mi scusi, ora devo andare.

    I'll be going now

    Usage

    A polite phrase for excusing yourself when leaving before others

20. Prego.

    You're welcome

    Usage

    An alternative to "Non c'è di che" for replying to thanks

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