Conversational Italian Survival Phrases

The following Italian language lesson is an excerpt from Transparent Language's Italian software, ItalianNow!. The Basic Italian Phrases and the Italian Phrases for Meeting and Greeting will lead you to the Italian Dialog at the end, which exemplifies how these Italian survival phrases are used in conversational Italian. Single click on the phrase to hear the Italian pronunciation spoken by a native Italian speaker. Take advantage of this language resource as you learn to speak Italian!

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(Warning: Each time you click on a phrase a new audio player is opened.)

Basic Italian Phrases

Sì. Yes.

No. No.

Per favore. Please.

Grazie. Thank you.

Prego. You're welcome.

Mi scusi. Excuse me.

Mi dispiace. I am sorry.

Buon giorno. Good morning.

Buona sera. Good evening.

Buona notte. Good night.

Italian Phrases for Meeting and Greeting

Parla inglese? Do you speak English?

C'è qualcuno che parla inglese? Does anyone here speak English?

Mi dispiace, ma non parlo bene l'italiano. I'm sorry, I don't speak Italian very well.

So soltanto un po' di italiano. I only speak a little Italian.

Come si chiama, Lei? What is your name?

Mi chiamo Martin. My name is Martin.

Le presento Caterina. This is Caterina.

Come sta? How are you?

Sto bene, grazie. I'm fine, thank you.

Piacere. I am pleased to meet you.

È stato un piacere conoscerla. It was nice to meet you.

Non capisco. I don't understand.

Scusi, che cosa ha detto? Excuse me, what did you say?

Può parlare lentamente? Could you speak more slowly?

Capisco benissimo. I understand perfectly.

Buona giornata! Have a nice day!

Italian Dialog

Signor Babbit:	Buon giorno. Good morning. Parla inglese? Do you speak English?
Commessa:	No, mi dispiace, ma non lo parlo. I'm sorry, I don't speak English.
Signor Babbit:	Purtroppo so soltanto un po' di italiano. I'm afraid I only speak a little Italian.
Commessa:	Non fa niente. That's alright. Riesco a capirla. I understand you.
Signor Babbit:	Mi innervosisco sempre quando parlo in italiano. I always get nervous when I speak Italian.
Commessa:	La capisco benissimo. I understand you very well.

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