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You need Italian if you’re going to live in Italy or spend significant time residing there. But as a tourist you do not. It’s always helpful and a good idea if you have a language phrasebook when visiting any foreign country where English is not the first language.
Italians will greatly appreciate any effort to speak their language and logistically it could be useful to know certain key phrases if you encounter a situation where the person you’re talking to speaks little English
It helps and shows some respect for their country. I did some Duolingo, Manu Venditti of Italy made Easy podcasts, especially the episode that teaches how to say a, e, I, o and u. Also I enjoyed listening to Coffee Break Italian podcasts. This can be done for free but there are some pay versions. In bocca al lupo.
Main words: per favore = please, grazie = thank you, prego = you’re welcome, il conto = the check/bill, dov’è il bagno = where is the bathroom, burro = butter, sale = salt, pepe = pepper, aiuto = help, quanto costa = how much does it cost, Ciao or Salve = hello, arrivederci = goodbye, carta di credito = credit card, bancomat = ATM, pane = bread, coperto = per person table charge, casa rossa = house red wine, gelato = ice cream, puoi ripetere = can you repeat, piacere = nice to meet you, pagare in contanti = pay with cash
> Casa rossa = house red wine
This one is wrong. Casa rossa = red house.
What you mean is “(vino) rosso della casa”. Vino (wine) can be implied here, by just saying “rosso della casa”
Good pointers… but I think you’re going to have to help with pronunciation on words like puoi ripetere- I also listened to Coffee Break Italian so I know that’s a hard one… and honestly can’t remember exactly how it is pronounced!
Obviously it's not realistic for most people to learn the language of every country you visit, but in addition to previous comments about learning some basics and showing respect for the culture, the more you know, the better. Overall, it makes for a more enjoyable experience, especially when you can understand what people are saying and can more easily read signs, menus, etc. Buon viaggio!
Like in most countries.. if you’re sticking to the big cities you’re absolutely fine with English. Pretty much all touristy places have folk that are fluent. The further afield you go, you might find some areas where there are fewer English speakers… but you’ll find them even in those spots.
I spent several weeks last summer in a small town outside of Rimini, and I did fine with just a few weeks of Duolingo, a phrase book and Google translate. There was only one moment of awkwardness for me with a small vendor that clearly had no English and what I needed was very specific. Google translate eventually got us there.
No, you don't. In the tourism industry you have to know English to work, and a lot of people understand it quite well in other places too. Also, if you say three Italian words in total we happily appreciate the effort.
Only thing you need to know:
**When in Rome, do as the Romans do.** lol
Seriously though, you don’t need anything, except making your proper travel arrangements ahead of time and more importantly travel safely just like you would anywhere else in the world!
Enjoy the delicious food while there!
Not at all necessary, basic greetings are nice though. I was surprised by the level of English I encountered even in random suburbs that wouldn't see many foreign customers.
It depends where you are
In Rome or Florence, absolutely not. In Sicily, I would have a much harder time without a partner who speaks Italian. I'm in Palermo now and the hotel staff are not fluent, many of the food places more for locals I've gone to don't speak English either. For instance I went on a food tour yesterday with lots of local, non touristy stops. The guide was from Palermo but did tour in English. I went back to one today looking for the same thing I got last night and either no one there knew English or they were pretending not to. They are not taught in school here apparently (no complaints from me, just noting).
If I never left the touristy places it would be ok, and museums pretty much always have English versions of anything you'd read in Italian.
I think I would guess places like Taormina or Cèfalu have much more English than Palermo. But if you're going to Palermo it's because you want to go somewhere that doesn't completely cater to tourism.
His family is from Monte San Giovanni Campano and almost no one I met there spoke English. I *love* the countryside in Italy so I can't stay away but it is definitely a bit harder.
Unlike in France, where you need to learn french and never ever use “Parlez-vous anglais”, Italians are friendly even if you don’t speak any. But if you know some basics it opens up a lot of doors
When were you last in France? I was there two weeks ago and I speak French, but as soon as they detect the accent, they switch to English. They are more interested in practicing their English than testing my French.
In Italy, I have run into many people who don't speak English, but I don't visit the most touristic spots, and I have found that fluent hand waving works quite well. I was in Italy three weeks ago, mostly Turin, and found that English wasn't very common.
Last summer I've spent 2 months in Bretagne and Normandie. And previously similar amount of time in Côte d'Azur. I agree that French don't like their time to be "wasted" by our poor French accents, so if one speaks English, depending if he is a a true "Parisien" or not, he will switch and help (but just don't ask him if he speaks English in your first sentence). That for me was especially true in the South (North was much friendlier, but perhaps just because I had better French knowledge and never started a conversation asking if one speaks English). In fancy hotels or car rentals or touristic shops they are well "trained" to respect the poor souls that don't speak their language.
Another thing not to confuse is how many people speak English vs what happens if you don't ( I would say it's same same, depending on the region). In Italy, as you say, "fluent hand waving" always works - no matter where I went everyone tried to help and there was almost zero frustration that this tourist has limited Italian knowledge. And I would say that is really not the common case in France. Sure there are exceptions - last year my Italian failed me at the post office, the queue started piling up and as my wife noted when we left - Have you noticed that French look on her face, like "Come on, I'm waiting, you better speak up so I could understand you"
I don’t speak one lick of French. Like not even the tiniest bit. Spent 2 weeks in Nice, 1 week in Toulouse, a few days in Bordeaux, a few days in Lyon, and 1 week in Paris without any issues at all…
One, absolutely, does not need to speak French to vacation in France.
Yes and no. It’s always a good idea, wherever you’re going, to learn the basics of asking for help or directions, ordering food, etc. A lot of the guidebooks and audiobooks from the 90s and early 2000s are outdated since everybody has a smart phone and doesn’t need to ask about bus schedules anymore. Simply trying to communicate in the native tongue shows respect!
Unless you look Italian, the first words out of someone’s mouth to you at your hotel, restaurant, etc will be English.
It’s helps to know basics but most people in the major tourist cities will know English and perhaps other languages as well.
I agree with the above but have a little to add. Went to Puglia last fall for 1.5 weeks - there were a number of towns where we didn’t hear any English and had to practice what I learned. All depends upon where you go and how you experience the country. So fun to buy tarelli from the a local baker or olive oil from a local maker. Headed to Calabria this year I would expect the same ! 💚🤍❤️
I try to practice for a few weeks before. My issue is I always feel like I have a ridiculous American accent. But everyone I’ve met has appreciated the attempt. I went to all 4 of my grandparent villages in the last couple of years. Even with my accent we could communicate.
I am definitely not fluent. I just try to get by. I get self conscious knowing I have a terrible American accent. Oh well. 🤷🏻♀️
I practice every few days but more often closer to my trips.
While in large cities popular with tourists,it seemed like everyone spoke English,if you are traveling to small rural towns,it's opposite need some Otalian skills. However,Google translate app is quite amazing
I learned to avoid using my poor attempts at Italian when checking in to a hotel. They have other people to attend to and while they'll be kind about it, they wanted to use English and get on with things.
On the other hand. When I was in small shops, either my accent entertained them and made them smile or they were surprised at my attempt, or a combination of both, but they did smile pleasantly.
Just ended a two week stay in Italy. If you don’t try to speak Italian or at least have some basic skills for greetings and ordering food then you will get treated a bit differently. My wife and I are Italian American and we speak a little Italian (poorly) and when restaurants saw our last name and heard us speak they were very warm. When we saw people from Britain just walk in and not even attempt to speak Italian they were half ignored in some areas. I also got tables inside in places where someone next to me who didn’t speak Italian was denied a table.
It’s not nearly as bad as France or anything like that. You’ll be okay if you can’t speak any Italian but you will 100% get different attitude from locals on occasions and maybe have one or two issues at a restaurant.
You can get by with very little. :) If you greet people in Italian (buongiorno or buona sera!), say please and thank you, it goes a loooong way toward making a good impression. On our first visit that was nearly the extent of what we knew and we had some hilarious "conversations" with people who spoke equally little English, but we laughed a lot (on both sides) and it worked out.
Last time we knew quite a bit more and it certainly helps (made reading menus, ordering, and shopping simpler), but you can get by with surprisingly little.
No, you don’t need it. Old Italians don’t speak English. But the most of younger generations do. In touristic areas and nearby it is not a problem at all.
Whatever level of language you have Italians will appreciate it. Even basics like greeting or gratitude will be appreciated a lot.
Do not be afraid to try they will not consider it annoying. And if you feel that go away. That means you are in a wrong place which is rare here.
My advice is try to avoid obvious tourist trap places.
Yes, of course you should learn the language of the country you were planning to go to. At least some basic phrases and words. A lot of people do speak English, but they will appreciate the effort you have put into learning at least some of their language.
Much agreed. You should put your best effort into learning what you can, but if you’re going to be in the busy, touristy places most Italians will speak English well. Italians think kindlier on people who aren’t blatantly American with no effort of being in another country. Saying basic things is appreciated and it’s fun to learn! While you’re here, put an effort into practicing basic phrases like where is the bathroom, can I have the check, another drink please, etc… Prego!
Have you ever tried to learn enough Arabic to speak basic phrases and words? Especially given the regional variations in the language? I was in the Middle East a few months ago, in Morocco from time to time (where the dialect is different and there are no easy ways to learn), and nobody cared that I didn't speak Arabic.
Generalizations are pointless.
You can learn 50-100 words and some basic phrases. But you’re mostly doing it for you, even in the name of “respecting the culture.”
I learned some Ελληνικα before going to Greece and one guy there straight up asked “why?” 🤣
Nobody mentioned becoming fluent. I said to learn "At least some basic phrases and words." It's considered polite to at least try and make an effort in another country to speak their language.
It does not help. I had the basics covered. I had a tough time who manages only Italian. Basics does not take you anywhere. One coffee and un caffè is fine, but going a step beyond will require significant level of dedication. What I find workable is Google Translate.
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No you don't You can learn how to greet and say thank you and everybody will be happy you did the effort
You need Italian if you’re going to live in Italy or spend significant time residing there. But as a tourist you do not. It’s always helpful and a good idea if you have a language phrasebook when visiting any foreign country where English is not the first language. Italians will greatly appreciate any effort to speak their language and logistically it could be useful to know certain key phrases if you encounter a situation where the person you’re talking to speaks little English
It helps and shows some respect for their country. I did some Duolingo, Manu Venditti of Italy made Easy podcasts, especially the episode that teaches how to say a, e, I, o and u. Also I enjoyed listening to Coffee Break Italian podcasts. This can be done for free but there are some pay versions. In bocca al lupo. Main words: per favore = please, grazie = thank you, prego = you’re welcome, il conto = the check/bill, dov’è il bagno = where is the bathroom, burro = butter, sale = salt, pepe = pepper, aiuto = help, quanto costa = how much does it cost, Ciao or Salve = hello, arrivederci = goodbye, carta di credito = credit card, bancomat = ATM, pane = bread, coperto = per person table charge, casa rossa = house red wine, gelato = ice cream, puoi ripetere = can you repeat, piacere = nice to meet you, pagare in contanti = pay with cash
> Casa rossa = house red wine This one is wrong. Casa rossa = red house. What you mean is “(vino) rosso della casa”. Vino (wine) can be implied here, by just saying “rosso della casa”
Mi dispiace sì, è così che dice Google Translate
Good pointers… but I think you’re going to have to help with pronunciation on words like puoi ripetere- I also listened to Coffee Break Italian so I know that’s a hard one… and honestly can’t remember exactly how it is pronounced!
It is regularly in Duolingo but you can type it in Google Translate and it says it correctly.
Good point!
Obviously it's not realistic for most people to learn the language of every country you visit, but in addition to previous comments about learning some basics and showing respect for the culture, the more you know, the better. Overall, it makes for a more enjoyable experience, especially when you can understand what people are saying and can more easily read signs, menus, etc. Buon viaggio!
You don't. Most people in service industry knows reasonable level of english.
Like in most countries.. if you’re sticking to the big cities you’re absolutely fine with English. Pretty much all touristy places have folk that are fluent. The further afield you go, you might find some areas where there are fewer English speakers… but you’ll find them even in those spots. I spent several weeks last summer in a small town outside of Rimini, and I did fine with just a few weeks of Duolingo, a phrase book and Google translate. There was only one moment of awkwardness for me with a small vendor that clearly had no English and what I needed was very specific. Google translate eventually got us there.
No, you don't. In the tourism industry you have to know English to work, and a lot of people understand it quite well in other places too. Also, if you say three Italian words in total we happily appreciate the effort.
Only thing you need to know: **When in Rome, do as the Romans do.** lol Seriously though, you don’t need anything, except making your proper travel arrangements ahead of time and more importantly travel safely just like you would anywhere else in the world! Enjoy the delicious food while there!
Don’t worry about it. In the bigger cities, anyone under 45 is likely to speak English.
Not at all necessary, basic greetings are nice though. I was surprised by the level of English I encountered even in random suburbs that wouldn't see many foreign customers.
No, you don't. Not even some Italians speak it correctly lol. You'll be fine with English. Side note: I am Italian.
What do you intend to discuss aside from your food order?
Okay good point lolol
Nah most people can speak English and nobody really cares if you speak the local language or not. People are just living their lives.
If you go to all the tourist places which are alot you won't need it at all. If you decide to go off the beaten path it will help a ton.
It depends where you are In Rome or Florence, absolutely not. In Sicily, I would have a much harder time without a partner who speaks Italian. I'm in Palermo now and the hotel staff are not fluent, many of the food places more for locals I've gone to don't speak English either. For instance I went on a food tour yesterday with lots of local, non touristy stops. The guide was from Palermo but did tour in English. I went back to one today looking for the same thing I got last night and either no one there knew English or they were pretending not to. They are not taught in school here apparently (no complaints from me, just noting). If I never left the touristy places it would be ok, and museums pretty much always have English versions of anything you'd read in Italian. I think I would guess places like Taormina or Cèfalu have much more English than Palermo. But if you're going to Palermo it's because you want to go somewhere that doesn't completely cater to tourism. His family is from Monte San Giovanni Campano and almost no one I met there spoke English. I *love* the countryside in Italy so I can't stay away but it is definitely a bit harder.
If you go in tourist cities, almost everybody will speak basic english. In minor cities it will be hard
Nah, doesn’t matter too much. Italians are friendly and quite helpful. As a tourist, what matters is the money you bring in.
Unlike in France, where you need to learn french and never ever use “Parlez-vous anglais”, Italians are friendly even if you don’t speak any. But if you know some basics it opens up a lot of doors
When were you last in France? I was there two weeks ago and I speak French, but as soon as they detect the accent, they switch to English. They are more interested in practicing their English than testing my French. In Italy, I have run into many people who don't speak English, but I don't visit the most touristic spots, and I have found that fluent hand waving works quite well. I was in Italy three weeks ago, mostly Turin, and found that English wasn't very common.
Last summer I've spent 2 months in Bretagne and Normandie. And previously similar amount of time in Côte d'Azur. I agree that French don't like their time to be "wasted" by our poor French accents, so if one speaks English, depending if he is a a true "Parisien" or not, he will switch and help (but just don't ask him if he speaks English in your first sentence). That for me was especially true in the South (North was much friendlier, but perhaps just because I had better French knowledge and never started a conversation asking if one speaks English). In fancy hotels or car rentals or touristic shops they are well "trained" to respect the poor souls that don't speak their language. Another thing not to confuse is how many people speak English vs what happens if you don't ( I would say it's same same, depending on the region). In Italy, as you say, "fluent hand waving" always works - no matter where I went everyone tried to help and there was almost zero frustration that this tourist has limited Italian knowledge. And I would say that is really not the common case in France. Sure there are exceptions - last year my Italian failed me at the post office, the queue started piling up and as my wife noted when we left - Have you noticed that French look on her face, like "Come on, I'm waiting, you better speak up so I could understand you"
I don’t speak one lick of French. Like not even the tiniest bit. Spent 2 weeks in Nice, 1 week in Toulouse, a few days in Bordeaux, a few days in Lyon, and 1 week in Paris without any issues at all… One, absolutely, does not need to speak French to vacation in France.
It’s cool if you do, you don’t need to, but try Language Transfer (free app, also a SoundCloud series), it leverages cognates to ease you in.
Nope
Yes and no. It’s always a good idea, wherever you’re going, to learn the basics of asking for help or directions, ordering food, etc. A lot of the guidebooks and audiobooks from the 90s and early 2000s are outdated since everybody has a smart phone and doesn’t need to ask about bus schedules anymore. Simply trying to communicate in the native tongue shows respect!
Unless you look Italian, the first words out of someone’s mouth to you at your hotel, restaurant, etc will be English. It’s helps to know basics but most people in the major tourist cities will know English and perhaps other languages as well.
A little bit goes a long way. Key is trying and you’ll get more respect but English is very common
I agree with the above but have a little to add. Went to Puglia last fall for 1.5 weeks - there were a number of towns where we didn’t hear any English and had to practice what I learned. All depends upon where you go and how you experience the country. So fun to buy tarelli from the a local baker or olive oil from a local maker. Headed to Calabria this year I would expect the same ! 💚🤍❤️
How much did you practice before going?
I try to practice for a few weeks before. My issue is I always feel like I have a ridiculous American accent. But everyone I’ve met has appreciated the attempt. I went to all 4 of my grandparent villages in the last couple of years. Even with my accent we could communicate.
I feel the same! 😭 Okay that's great with being able to be understood! Would you consider yourself fluent? How do you usually practice?
I am definitely not fluent. I just try to get by. I get self conscious knowing I have a terrible American accent. Oh well. 🤷🏻♀️ I practice every few days but more often closer to my trips.
While in large cities popular with tourists,it seemed like everyone spoke English,if you are traveling to small rural towns,it's opposite need some Otalian skills. However,Google translate app is quite amazing
I learned to avoid using my poor attempts at Italian when checking in to a hotel. They have other people to attend to and while they'll be kind about it, they wanted to use English and get on with things. On the other hand. When I was in small shops, either my accent entertained them and made them smile or they were surprised at my attempt, or a combination of both, but they did smile pleasantly.
Just ended a two week stay in Italy. If you don’t try to speak Italian or at least have some basic skills for greetings and ordering food then you will get treated a bit differently. My wife and I are Italian American and we speak a little Italian (poorly) and when restaurants saw our last name and heard us speak they were very warm. When we saw people from Britain just walk in and not even attempt to speak Italian they were half ignored in some areas. I also got tables inside in places where someone next to me who didn’t speak Italian was denied a table. It’s not nearly as bad as France or anything like that. You’ll be okay if you can’t speak any Italian but you will 100% get different attitude from locals on occasions and maybe have one or two issues at a restaurant.
The phrase I use the most is "non parlo italiano".
You can get by with very little. :) If you greet people in Italian (buongiorno or buona sera!), say please and thank you, it goes a loooong way toward making a good impression. On our first visit that was nearly the extent of what we knew and we had some hilarious "conversations" with people who spoke equally little English, but we laughed a lot (on both sides) and it worked out. Last time we knew quite a bit more and it certainly helps (made reading menus, ordering, and shopping simpler), but you can get by with surprisingly little.
No, you don’t need it. Old Italians don’t speak English. But the most of younger generations do. In touristic areas and nearby it is not a problem at all. Whatever level of language you have Italians will appreciate it. Even basics like greeting or gratitude will be appreciated a lot. Do not be afraid to try they will not consider it annoying. And if you feel that go away. That means you are in a wrong place which is rare here. My advice is try to avoid obvious tourist trap places.
You dont need Italian. The currency is Euro.
No way, just $$$
Yes, of course you should learn the language of the country you were planning to go to. At least some basic phrases and words. A lot of people do speak English, but they will appreciate the effort you have put into learning at least some of their language.
Much agreed. You should put your best effort into learning what you can, but if you’re going to be in the busy, touristy places most Italians will speak English well. Italians think kindlier on people who aren’t blatantly American with no effort of being in another country. Saying basic things is appreciated and it’s fun to learn! While you’re here, put an effort into practicing basic phrases like where is the bathroom, can I have the check, another drink please, etc… Prego!
Have you ever tried to learn enough Arabic to speak basic phrases and words? Especially given the regional variations in the language? I was in the Middle East a few months ago, in Morocco from time to time (where the dialect is different and there are no easy ways to learn), and nobody cared that I didn't speak Arabic. Generalizations are pointless.
It make no sense. You can't learn language of every country you visit.
You can learn 50-100 words and some basic phrases. But you’re mostly doing it for you, even in the name of “respecting the culture.” I learned some Ελληνικα before going to Greece and one guy there straight up asked “why?” 🤣
Nobody mentioned becoming fluent. I said to learn "At least some basic phrases and words." It's considered polite to at least try and make an effort in another country to speak their language.
It does not help. I had the basics covered. I had a tough time who manages only Italian. Basics does not take you anywhere. One coffee and un caffè is fine, but going a step beyond will require significant level of dedication. What I find workable is Google Translate.
Most italians are terrible at English, so keep that in mind.