Politeness
- Buongiorno / Buonasera: good morning (until the afternoon) / good evening.
- Per favore: please. Grazie: thank you. Prego: you're welcome.
- Scusi: excuse me (to pass or to get attention). Mi dispiace: I'm sorry.
- Parla inglese?: do you speak English? Non capisco: I don't understand.
At the restaurant and bar
- Un tavolo per due, per favore: a table for two.
- Vorrei...: I would like... Il menù, per favore: the menu.
- Acqua naturale / frizzante: still / sparkling water.
- Sono allergico a...: I am allergic to... Senza glutine: gluten-free.
- Il conto, per favore: the bill. Un caffè: an espresso (see ordering coffee).
Transport and directions
- Dov'è...?: where is...? Un biglietto per...: a ticket to...
- A che ora parte il treno?: what time does the train leave?
- Dritto / a destra / a sinistra: straight on / right / left.
- Quanto costa?: how much does it cost? Posso pagare con la carta?: can I pay by card?
Emergencies
- Aiuto!: help! Ho bisogno di un medico: I need a doctor. Chiamate la polizia: call the police.
- European emergency number: 112. See emergencies and health in Rome.
To practise
Nothing beats practice: a cooking class or a guided food walk lets you talk with Romans, with a guide who speaks your language for the hard cases.
