Speaking

Survival Phrases

The exact phrases you need for real life abroad — with practice dialogues and audio, for every level.

Practice pronunciation
Language
ALL LEVELSA1A2B1
ALL TOPICS Greetings & Socializing Eating & Drinking Out Travel & Transport Hotels & Accommodation Shopping & Money Health & Pharmacy Banking & Daily Admin Renting & Housing Everyday Services Emergencies & Safety Work & Study

Greetings & Socializing

Meeting people, small talk, and everyday politeness.

A2

Greetings & Introductions

Use these phrases when meeting people for the first time, whether in casual situations with peers or polite professional environments.

B1

Greetings & Introductions

Use these phrases when meeting new colleagues or acquaintances for the first time in an everyday or professional setting.

A1

Greetings & Introductions

Use these essential phrases to introduce yourself, say hello, and make basic small talk when meeting someone new in Italy.

A2

Making Small Talk

Use these essential phrases to start a conversation, keep the chat going, and say goodbye naturally.

B1

Making Small Talk

These phrases will help you navigate everyday small talk with colleagues or acquaintances naturally.

A1

Saying Goodbye

Use these phrases to naturally end conversations, announce you are leaving, and say goodbye in everyday Italian.

B1

Saying Goodbye

These phrases will help you smoothly and naturally wrap up a conversation and take your leave, whether you're with close friends or in a formal business setting.

A2

Saying Goodbye

Use these phrases to end a conversation, wish someone well, and take your leave naturally in Italian.

A1

Thanking & Apologizing

Essential phrases for navigating crowds, getting someone's attention, and expressing gratitude or apologies in everyday situations.

B1

Thanking & Apologizing

Use these phrases to smoothly navigate everyday social interactions in Italian, from expressing genuine gratitude to politely apologizing for mistakes or interruptions.

A2

Thanking & Apologizing

Essential phrases for expressing gratitude, apologizing for small mistakes, and politely navigating around others.

B1

Invitations & Making Plans

Use these phrases to naturally invite someone out, suggest plans, and handle the logistics of meeting up in Italian.

A2

Invitations & Making Plans

Learn how to naturally invite people out, accept or decline politely, and confirm your plans in Italian.

B1

Making Friends

Use these authentic phrases to break the ice, find shared interests, and naturally suggest hanging out with a new acquaintance.

A2

Congratulations & Celebrations

Use these phrases to congratulate friends on their successes, celebrate major milestones like weddings and new jobs, and make a friendly toast.

B1

Congratulations & Celebrations

Use these phrases to naturally express your best wishes, congratulate friends or colleagues, and celebrate special moments in Italian.

A2

Talking About Family

These phrases will help you comfortably ask and answer questions about family members, marital status, and where everyone lives.

B1

Talking About Family

Use these phrases to naturally share and ask for details about family, living situations, and relationships.

A1

Talking About Family

Use these essential phrases to ask and answer basic questions about family, children, and relationships in everyday Italian conversations.

B1

Saying No Politely

Use these phrases to politely decline invitations or offers, give natural reasons, and suggest alternatives without offending the other person.

A2

Saying No Politely

Use these phrases to gracefully decline invitations or offers, give simple reasons, and suggest alternatives without causing offense.

Eating & Drinking Out

Restaurants, cafés, bars, and ordering food.

A2

Making a Restaurant Reservation

Use these phrases to call a restaurant, book a table, and handle questions when you arrive.

B1

Making a Restaurant Reservation

Use these phrases to confidently book a table, specify dietary requirements, or make changes to an existing reservation at an Italian restaurant.

A1

Ordering at a Restaurant

These everyday phrases will help you comfortably get a table, order your meal, and ask for recommendations in an Italian restaurant.

A2

Ordering at a Restaurant

Essential Italian phrases for arriving at a restaurant, ordering a meal, and paying the bill without using complicated grammar.

B1

Ordering at a Restaurant

These essential phrases will help you navigate a restaurant in Italy with confidence, from claiming your reservation to paying the bill.

A1

Ordering Coffee at a Café

Use these essential phrases to confidently order and pay for your drink at an Italian café.

A2

Ordering Coffee at a Café

These phrases will help you confidently order coffee and pastries at an Italian bar like a local.

A2

Allergies & Dietary Needs

Use these phrases to safely navigate restaurants in Italy and clearly communicate your dietary needs.

B1

Allergies & Dietary Needs

Essential phrases for navigating restaurants and social situations in Italy when you have allergies or dietary restrictions.

B1

Sending Food Back & Complaints

Use these phrases to politely but firmly address problems with your order or the food itself, while maintaining the respectful formal register expected with service staff.

A1

Paying & Splitting the Bill

Essential phrases for finishing your meal, asking for the bill, and paying at an Italian restaurant or café.

B1

Paying & Splitting the Bill

Essential Italian phrases for paying the bill, splitting costs with friends, and handling card payments at a restaurant or café.

A2

Paying & Splitting the Bill

Essential phrases for finishing your meal, asking for the bill, and paying in Italian.

A2

Ordering Drinks at a Bar

Use these phrases when ordering drinks, buying rounds, and managing a tab at an Italian bar or cafe.

B1

Ordering Drinks at a Bar

These phrases will help you navigate a busy Italian bar, from ordering your first drink to setting up a tab and settling the bill with friends.

A2

Takeaway & Delivery

These phrases will help you order food for takeaway or delivery, ask about times and fees, and sort out any missing items.

B1

Takeaway & Delivery

These phrases will help you confidently place orders for takeaway or home delivery, ask about fees and wait times, and handle payments or missing items.

A1

Takeaway & Delivery

Use these practical phrases to confidently order food to go or request delivery directly in Italian.

A1

At a Fast-Food Counter

Use these phrases to confidently order a meal, customize your food, and pay at a fast-food counter in Italy.

A2

At a Fast-Food Counter

Use these phrases to confidently order your favorite fast-food meal without hesitating.

A1

At the Bakery & Deli

Use these essential phrases to confidently order bread, pastries, and deli items at a typical Italian bakery or deli.

A2

At the Bakery & Deli

Use these essential phrases to order bread, deli meats, and pastries naturally at an Italian bakery or deli.

A2

Buying Street Food

Use these practical phrases to confidently order street food, ask about ingredients, and handle payment like a local.

A1

Buying Street Food

Use these practical phrases to confidently order street food, ask about ingredients, and pay in Italian.

Travel & Transport

Airports, trains, taxis, and getting around.

A2

Checking in at the Airport

These everyday phrases will help you successfully navigate the airport check-in desk in Italian.

B1

Checking in at the Airport

Essential phrases for checking in your bags, choosing your seat, and navigating the airport up to the boarding gate.

B1

Going Through Security

Use these phrases to navigate airport security smoothly and understand instructions from the staff.

A2

Going Through Security

These phrases will help you understand security officers and explain what you have in your bags at an Italian airport.

B1

Customs & Immigration

These phrases will help you confidently navigate passport control, answer questions about your trip, and declare any items at Italian customs.

A2

Customs & Immigration

Learn the essential Italian phrases you need to confidently answer questions at customs and passport control.

B1

Reporting Lost Luggage

Use these phrases at the Lost and Found desk when your suitcase doesn't appear on the baggage carousel.

B1

Buying Train Tickets

Essential Italian phrases for buying train tickets, checking schedules, and navigating platforms or delays.

A1

Buying Train Tickets

Use these essential phrases to buy tickets, check departure times, and find the right platform at an Italian train station.

A2

Buying Train Tickets

Use these practical phrases to buy tickets, find your platform, and handle train travel in Italy like a local.

A2

Using Buses & the Metro

Use these practical phrases to navigate Italian public transport like a local, from buying your ticket to finding the right stop.

B1

Using Buses & the Metro

Essential phrases for navigating public transport, buying tickets, and asking for directions in Italy.

A1

Using Buses & the Metro

Use these essential phrases to confidently buy tickets, find the right bus or metro, and navigate your route in Italy.

A2

Taking a Taxi or Rideshare

Essential phrases for telling a taxi driver where you want to go, asking about the fare, giving simple directions, and paying at the end of your ride.

B1

Taking a Taxi or Rideshare

Use these practical phrases to navigate taking a taxi or rideshare in Italy, from setting your destination to paying the fare.

A1

Taking a Taxi or Rideshare

Essential phrases for directing a taxi driver, asking about the fare, and paying at your destination.

A1

Asking for Directions

Use these essential phrases to ask locals for directions, find nearby places, and confirm you are going the right way.

B1

Asking for Directions

These phrases will help you confidently ask for directions, understand the answers, and find your way around an Italian city.

A2

Asking for Directions

Use these phrases to ask for directions, understand the route you are given, and check you have the right details.

B1

Renting a Car

These phrases will help you navigate renting a car in Italy, from confirming your reservation to handling insurance and returning the vehicle.

B1

On the Plane

Use these phrases when travelling by plane — from boarding and finding your seat to asking the crew for help or feeling unwell during the flight.

A1

On the Plane

Use these phrases on an Italian flight to find your seat, ask the crew for help, and handle common in-flight situations.

A2

On the Plane

Use these phrases when travelling by plane — from boarding and finding your seat to asking the crew for help.

B1

At the Tourist Office

Use these phrases when visiting a tourist information office to get maps, plan sightseeing, ask about tickets, tours, and how to reach the main attractions.

A2

At the Tourist Office

Use these phrases when visiting a tourist information office to get maps, find out about sights, opening hours, tickets, and tours.

B1

Renting a Bike or Scooter

Essential phrases for renting, unlocking, and returning bikes or e-scooters in Italy.

Hotels & Accommodation

Checking in, problems, and amenities.

A1

Checking into a Hotel

Use these essential phrases to confidently check into your hotel, show your ID, and ask about your room, breakfast, and wifi.

B1

Checking into a Hotel

These phrases will help you navigate a hotel check-in naturally, from confirming your reservation details to asking about breakfast times.

A2

Checking into a Hotel

Essential phrases for arriving at an Italian hotel, confirming your reservation details, and asking about basic amenities.

B1

Hotel Room Problems

Use these phrases when something in your hotel room is not working or you need to make a complaint at reception.

B1

Asking About Hotel Amenities

Use these phrases when checking in or talking to hotel staff about facilities, services, and practical needs during your stay.

A2

Asking About Hotel Amenities

Use these phrases when checking in or asking hotel staff about services during your stay.

B1

Checking Out

Use these phrases when leaving a hotel: settling the bill, querying charges, storing bags, and giving feedback.

A2

Checking Out

Use these phrases when leaving a hotel — at the front desk, returning your key, and settling your bill.

A2

Booking a Room

Essential Italian phrases for booking, changing, and asking about a hotel room.

B1

Booking a Room

Use these phrases to inquire about availability, specify your needs, and secure or modify a room reservation in Italian.

A2

Airbnb & Short-Term Rentals

Essential phrases for coordinating your arrival, understanding house rules, and communicating smoothly with your host during a short-term rental stay.

B1

Airbnb & Short-Term Rentals

Essential phrases for communicating with your Airbnb host, finding the keys, and solving common issues during a short-term stay.

A2

Staying at a Hostel

These everyday Italian phrases will help you check in, find your way around, and make new friends when staying at a hostel.

B1

Staying at a Hostel

Use these intermediate phrases to smoothly navigate your hostel stay, from requesting specific room types and securing your belongings to socializing with fellow travelers.

A1

Staying at a Hostel

These everyday phrases will help you navigate hostel life, from checking in and finding your bed to meeting other travelers.

A2

Extending Your Stay

Use these phrases when you need to extend your hotel stay, check room availability, ask about price changes, and organize a late checkout.

B1

Extending Your Stay

Use these phrases when you need to extend your hotel stay, change rooms, or ask for a little extra time before checking out.

Shopping & Money

Stores, markets, prices, and paying.

B1

Buying Clothes

These phrases will help you navigate Italian clothing stores, from asking for different sizes and colors to giving feedback on how things fit.

A2

Buying Clothes

These essential phrases will help you navigate clothing stores in Italy, from finding the right size and color to using the fitting rooms and making a purchase.

A1

Buying Clothes

Use these essential phrases to navigate a clothing store, find your size, and talk about how things fit.

A2

Groceries & the Market

Use these phrases when navigating Italian markets and supermarkets to ask for specific quantities, find fresh produce, and handle paying.

A1

Groceries & the Market

Essential phrases for buying fresh food at Italian markets and supermarkets.

B1

Prices & Bargaining

These phrases will help you ask about prices, politely negotiate, and close a deal at markets or independent shops in Italy.

A2

Prices & Bargaining

Use these phrases to navigate prices and negotiate politely at markets or small shops in Italy.

B1

Returns & Exchanges

Use these phrases to navigate returns, exchanges, and refunds confidently at Italian shops.

A2

At the Supermarket Checkout

Essential phrases for navigating the checkout line, paying, and handling self-service registers at an Italian supermarket.

A1

At the Supermarket Checkout

Use these essential phrases to navigate an Italian supermarket checkout, from handling bags and loyalty cards to making a payment.

B1

At the Electronics Store

Essential phrases for comparing tech devices, asking about specs, and navigating purchases at an electronics store.

A2

At the Electronics Store

Essential phrases for buying a computer or phone, comparing models, and checking compatibility in an electronics store.

A2

Souvenirs & Gifts

Use these phrases when shopping for souvenirs, asking for recommendations, and getting gifts wrapped in Italy.

A1

Souvenirs & Gifts

Use these practical phrases to find local souvenirs, ask for recommendations, and request a gift wrap in Italian.

A1

Asking if They Have It

Use these essential phrases to find exactly what you need in Italian shops, from asking for different sizes to checking stock.

A2

Asking if They Have It

Essential Italian phrases for checking sizes, colors, and stock availability while shopping.

A1

Buying Shoes

Use these essential phrases when you are in a shoe store in Italy to ask for sizes, describe the fit, and make a purchase.

A2

Buying Shoes

Here are the essential phrases you need to ask for your size, try on shoes, and talk about the fit in an Italian shoe store.

Health & Pharmacy

Doctors, pharmacies, and describing symptoms.

A2

At the Pharmacy

Use these phrases when visiting an Italian pharmacy to describe common symptoms, ask for over-the-counter remedies, and understand dosage instructions.

A1

At the Pharmacy

Use these phrases to describe your symptoms and buy basic remedies at an Italian pharmacy.

B1

Making a Doctor Appointment

These phrases will help you navigate calling a clinic, registering as a patient, and setting up an appointment with a doctor in Italy.

A2

Making a Doctor Appointment

These essential phrases will help you call a clinic, register as a new patient, and secure a doctor's appointment even when it is urgent.

B1

At the Dentist

Essential phrases for explaining dental symptoms, discussing treatments, and navigating a visit to the dentist in Italy.

A2

At the Hospital / ER

Essential phrases to help you register, explain your symptoms, and navigate an Italian hospital or emergency room.

B1

At the Hospital / ER

Essential Italian phrases for checking into the hospital or emergency room, describing symptoms, and navigating the waiting process.

B1

At the Optician

Use these phrases when visiting an optician in Italy to get an eye test, choose new glasses, or buy contact lenses.

A2

At the Optician

Use these phrases to book an eye test, choose new frames, and order your glasses or contacts.

B1

Getting a Test or Vaccine

Essential phrases for booking medical tests, getting vaccinations, and discussing side effects or results at an Italian clinic or pharmacy.

A2

Getting a Test or Vaccine

Use these phrases to book a medical test or vaccine, describe your symptoms, and ask about side effects and certificates.

Banking & Daily Admin

Banks, post office, phone, and internet.

B1

Opening a Bank Account

Opening a bank account in Italy requires some specific vocabulary, but presenting your documents and asking about fees and cards can be straightforward once you know the key phrases.

A2

ATMs & Getting Cash

Essential phrases for finding an ATM, withdrawing cash, and getting help if the machine eats your card.

A1

ATMs & Getting Cash

Essential phrases for finding an ATM, withdrawing cash, and getting help if the machine eats your card.

A2

Exchanging Money

Use these phrases to navigate currency exchange offices, ask about rates and commissions, and specify the bills you need.

A2

At the Post Office

Use these practical phrases to confidently send parcels, buy stamps, and ask about shipping details at an Italian post office.

A2

Getting a Phone / SIM Card

Essential phrases to use when buying and setting up a prepaid mobile phone plan in Italy.

B1

Filing a Complaint

Use these phrases to assertively but effectively resolve issues with your bank or daily administration, from disputing charges to escalating problems.

A2

Getting a Library Card

Use these phrases to sign up for a library card, understand borrowing rules, and access the facilities.

Renting & Housing

Finding a place, utilities, and repairs.

B1

Viewing an Apartment

Use these phrases to ask landlords or real estate agents key questions about renting an apartment in Italy.

A2

Repairs & Maintenance

Use these phrases to report a broken appliance or maintenance issue to your landlord and schedule a repair.

B1

Repairs & Maintenance

These phrases will help you report broken items in your rental, request repairs, and coordinate timing with your landlord or property manager.

B1

Talking to Neighbors

These phrases will help you introduce yourself, politely handle noise issues, and navigate everyday apartment living in Italy.

A2

Talking to Neighbors

Essential phrases for introducing yourself, handling parcel deliveries, and dealing with noise politely in an Italian apartment building.

B1

Trash & Recycling Rules

Essential phrases for navigating the rules of recycling and trash collection in your new Italian apartment building.

A2

Trash & Recycling Rules

Use these phrases to navigate local rules for taking out the trash and sorting recycling when renting in Italy.

A2

Furnishing Your Place

Use these practical phrases to comfortably browse furniture, check dimensions, and arrange delivery in Italian home-goods stores.

Everyday Services

Hairdresser, laundry, gym, and appointments.

B1

At the Hairdresser

Essential phrases for booking your appointment, specifying how you want your hair cut or styled, and giving feedback to your Italian hairdresser.

A2

At the Hairdresser

Use these everyday phrases to explain exactly how you want your hair cut, styled, or colored at an Italian salon.

B1

Laundry & Dry Cleaning

These phrases will help you drop off clothes, request specific services like dry cleaning, and manage pick-ups at an Italian laundromat or dry cleaner.

A2

Laundry & Dry Cleaning

Use these phrases when you need to drop off clothes at a laundry or dry cleaner, point out stains, and ask about prices or pickup times.

B1

Joining a Gym

Use these phrases to ask about memberships, facilities, and requirements when joining a gym in Italy.

A2

Booking an Appointment

Use these practical phrases to schedule, change, or cancel appointments for everyday services like the doctor, hairdresser, or mechanic.

B1

Booking an Appointment

Essential Italian phrases for calling a doctor, salon, or service provider to book, change, or cancel an appointment.

B1

At the Mechanic

Use these phrases to describe car trouble, ask for repair estimates, and communicate clearly with a mechanic in Italy.

A2

Phone & Device Repair

Use these phrases when you need to get your phone or tablet repaired, ask for quotes, and make sure your data is safe.

B1

Phone & Device Repair

Use these phrases when you need to explain technical issues, ask for repair estimates, and discuss warranty options at a phone or computer repair shop in Italy.

B1

Spa, Nails & Massage

These phrases will help you book appointments, specify treatments, and communicate your needs clearly at an Italian spa or beauty salon.

A2

Tailor & Alterations

Use these phrases when you need to bring clothes to the tailor for basic alterations like hemming, taking in, or letting out.

B1

Tailor & Alterations

Essential phrases for explaining how your clothes need to be altered and interacting with a tailor.

Emergencies & Safety

Getting help fast when something goes wrong.

A2

Calling Emergency Services

Essential phrases for calling 112 (the emergency number in Italy), reporting an incident, and following the dispatcher's instructions.

B1

A Medical Emergency

Essential phrases to call for help, describe symptoms, and communicate with emergency services in Italy.

B1

Lost or Stolen Items

Use these essential phrases to report lost or stolen items to the police, block your bank cards, and request documentation for your embassy.

A1

Asking for Help

Use these essential phrases to politely ask for help and clarify communication when you need assistance in Italy.

A2

Asking for Help

Use these essential phrases to politely get attention, explain that you are lost, and navigate communication roadblocks like asking someone to repeat or slow down.

B1

Car Accident or Breakdown

Essential phrases to clearly communicate with other drivers, emergency services, and road assistance if you experience a breakdown or accident in Italy.

B1

Reporting a Crime

Use these phrases when reporting a crime, such as a theft or mugging, to the local police in Italy.

A2

Fire & Evacuation

Essential phrases to quickly alert others, find the exit, and stay safe during a fire or evacuation.

B1

Fire & Evacuation

These phrases will help you raise the alarm, follow safety instructions, and communicate clearly during a fire or evacuation in Italy.

Work & Study

Interviews, the workplace, and enrolling in courses.

B1

Your First Day at Work

Use these phrases to navigate your first day, from introducing yourself to your new team to asking practical questions about the office.

A2

Your First Day at Work

Essential Italian phrases to help you navigate your first day at a new job, from introducing yourself to finding the kitchen.

B1

Enrolling in a Course

These phrases will help you navigate language schools, universities, or local institutions when asking about course options, schedules, fees, and registration.

A2

Enrolling in a Course

These phrases will help you gather information about course options, schedules, and fees, and complete your registration.

A2

Asking for Time Off

Essential phrases for requesting time off, calling in sick, and arranging cover for your shifts at work.

B1

Asking for Time Off

These phrases will help you navigate requesting time off, calling in sick, and arranging cover for your shifts in an Italian workplace.

B1

University Admin

Essential phrases for navigating the university registrar, from enrollment and study plans to dealing with fees and missing grades.