Italian for Beginners: 20+ Easy phrases with Pronunciation and Meaning
Learning Italian begins with simple, everyday sentences you can actually use. This beginner lesson gives you practical Italian phrases with English meanings and easy-to-follow pronunciation. Whether you’re traveling to Italy or just starting your language journey, these expressions will help you speak with more confidence.
👋 Basic Greetings & Introductions
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Ciao.
Pronunciation: CHOW
Meaning: Hi / Bye -
Buongiorno.
Pronunciation: bwon-JOHR-noh
Meaning: Good morning -
Come stai?
Pronunciation: KOH-meh STAH-ee
Meaning: How are you? -
Sto bene.
Pronunciation: STOH BEH-neh
Meaning: I’m fine -
Mi chiamo Luca.
Pronunciation: mee KYA-mo LOO-kah
Meaning: My name is Luca -
Piacere.
Pronunciation: pyah-CHEH-reh
Meaning: Nice to meet you -
Arrivederci.
Pronunciation: ah-ree-veh-DEHR-chee
Meaning: Goodbye -
Buonanotte.
Pronunciation: bwoh-nah-NOHT-teh
Meaning: Good night
🏠 Everyday Conversation
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Dove abiti?
Pronunciation: DOH-veh AH-bee-tee
Meaning: Where do you live? -
Abito a Roma.
Pronunciation: AH-bee-toh ah ROH-mah
Meaning: I live in Rome -
Parli inglese?
Pronunciation: PAR-lee een-GLEH-zeh
Meaning: Do you speak English? -
Un po’.
Pronunciation: oon poh
Meaning: A little -
Non capisco.
Pronunciation: non kah-PEES-koh
Meaning: I don’t understand -
Puoi aiutarmi?
Pronunciation: pwoy ah-yoo-TAR-mee
Meaning: Can you help me?
🍝 Food & Needs
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Ho fame.
Pronunciation: oh FAH-meh
Meaning: I’m hungry -
Vorrei dell’acqua.
Pronunciation: vohr-RAY del-LAHK-wah
Meaning: I’d like some water -
Quanto costa?
Pronunciation: KWAHN-toh COHS-tah
Meaning: How much does it cost? -
Il conto, per favore.
Pronunciation: eel CON-toh pehr fah-VOH-reh
Meaning: The bill, please -
È tutto delizioso!
Pronunciation: eh TOOT-toh deh-lee-TSYOH-zoh
Meaning: Everything is delicious!
✨ Extra Useful Phrases
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Sì.
Pronunciation: see
Meaning: Yes -
No.
Pronunciation: noh
Meaning: No -
Per favore.
Pronunciation: pehr fah-VOH-reh
Meaning: Please -
Grazie.
Pronunciation: GRAHT-tsyeh
Meaning: Thank you -
Prego.
Pronunciation: PREH-goh
Meaning: You’re welcome -
A dopo.
Pronunciation: ah DOH-poh
Meaning: See you later
✅ SEO-Optimized Conclusion
Learning basic Italian phrases is a great first step toward speaking the language confidently. These easy expressions cover greetings, daily conversation, and practical situations like ordering food or asking for help. Practice speaking them out loud and repeat them regularly. With consistent use, your vocabulary and fluency will improve naturally. Whether you’re traveling or studying, these phrases will help you connect more easily with Italian speakers.