Will I have trouble visiting around Italy if I don't speak Italian?

Show all answers

Felicity???

Some of the Italians knows a li'l english and some are fluent but it's much better if you know the basics, i think you'd be ok with just that... <*-*>

these are informal phrases...

ciao!- hello/goodbye
buon giorno- good morning(actually translated to "good day")
buona sera- good evening(but they usually start saying this after about 2 PM)
buona notte- good night
arrivederci- goodbye
per favore- please
grazie- thank you
prego- you're welcome
come stai?- how are you?
scusa- excuse me
Non c'Ã¨ male.- not bad
sto bene- i am fine
che cosa ha detto?- what did you say?
ho capisco- i understand(depending where you go in italy, though...some say ho capito instead)
mi chiamo...- my name is...
sono di...- i am from
Parli inglese?- do you speak english?
non parlo italiano- i dont speak italian
non so- i dont know
lo so- i know
come?- what?
Va bene- ok
ho fame- im hungry
ho sete- im thirsty
ho freddo- im cold
ho caldo- im hot
PuÃ² aiutarmi?- Can you help me?
Come si dice ____ in italiano?- How do you say_____ in italian?

nickisbox

in the major cities, rome, florence, etc, we had no difficulties conversing. the only issue we had in communication is when we visited small towns/villages outside of the major tourist areas. but honestly, we knew this would happen when we planned our trip and knew to be patient and do the best we can to speak and listen. and everything worked out just fine! i wouldnt have traded our time spent in those quaint little towns for anything. that was where we really got our italian experience.

so as long as you are patient and understand that you are in their country, you will be fine. :) enjoy!

who knows

No. In most places, everyone you come in contact with will speak English. Quite a few Italians look forward to the opportunity to speak and practice their English.
If you get out in the rural areas you will find that many don't speak English. But you will also find that they are so friendly that they will take whatever time is necessary to understand what you are trying to say.
Learn a few words
when = quando
how much = quanto
Where = dove (doe - vay)
doctor = medico
Police = polizia
I think you'll find that most nouns are similar enough to recognize. Look up a few words you think might come in handy before you go.
And take a simple Italian-English dictionary, just in case.
Keep it simple. "My Italian is poor" doesn't translate the same as "my Italian is bad".
I never had much luck with phrase books. The phrases are never what I need and its not organized as simply as a dictionary.
Try to learn some Italian, its fun to try to speak it.
There are a few things you should keep with you. A map (that is the correct scale to show everywhere you will be that day. A city map if your will be in the city for the day and a regional map if you are traveling from city to city) so you can point and say "dove" for directions. And something with your hotels name and address on it (a business card or even a match book) for taxis etc.
And , of course, the dictionary.

Los Angeles 66

if you go in a big city like rome or florence you won't have any troubles because there are a lot of information points,but in the countries few people speak english...so you have to take a dictionary....

i'm sorry for my english but i'm italian!!!!

an advice: come to visit perugia in umbria...it's a real nice town!!!

speedy_biondalez

normally not, but do be aware that a lot of italians speak no other languages than italian.(and their local dialect) . in tourist places it won't be no problem at all.

BillyB8

most of Italy no. but there will be pockets up near the border where english is the third language. Also south of Napoli. It can be sparse amongst older locals.

Josef K

Take a phrasebook and you won't have many troubles.

skcs11

giuggiolina90

well..i think you'll have trouble..because in italy english isn't very spoken or known by the local people..anyway in the restaurants in the hotel and in other touristic places i'm sure you won't have trouble

Genius Cook

What do you think about someone who travels your country and doesn't speak the language?
You'll have problems being understood out side of the major tourist cities: Venice; Rome (center city) Florence (center city).
Italians, unlike the French, are tourist friendly - even in the small cities and villages. BUT - you must be able to TRY to speak some Italian to be appreciated, to be helped. Memorize the basic words: please, excuse me I don't speak Italian... and you will find that the Italian will appreciate that you have at least tried and s/he will bend over back wards to lend you a hand.

Enter Your Message or Comment

User Name:
User Email:
Post a comment: