italian for beginners
Discover how to become fluent in Italian
Our linguists have identified one of the key secrets to speaking Italian: listening to native speakers in a natural setting. Because our brains are designed to absorb the information we hear, our experts have made listening an essential part of learning Italian. So, during all our courses, you’ll hear native speakers speak Italian clearly, correctly and contextually. In this way, you’ll easily learn the natural Italian pronunciation of basic words.
Discover how to become fluent in Italian
Did you know that learning by doing is the most effective way to learn? Practice a little Italian every day and you’ll always speak like a native! Start now with these 10 most common Italian words and expressions spoken by native Italian speakers.
1. Ciao. = Hello.
First impressions matter a lot. Don’t listen to anyone who dismisses it. Learning a simple “hello” in Italian can work wonders in your conversations with natives. So here’s how to pronounce it correctly:
2. Come stai? = How are you?
The next polite thing to say would be to ask “How are you?”. Sometimes, you can skip saying hello and just ask directly how things are going. Here’s how to pronounce it in Italian:
3. Come ti chiami? = What's your name?
When you travel abroad, you often make a lot of friends. Whether we’re talking about nice strangers you meet on the plane, your host or the driver, here’s how to ask them their name:
4. Piacere. = Nice to meet you.
First impressions matter a lot. Don’t listen to anyone who dismisses it. Learning a simple “hello” in Italian can work wonders in your conversations with natives. So here’s how to pronounce it correctly:
5. per favore =
Courtesy is a must everywhere you go. And Italy is no exception. Saying “please” in the right way and at the right time will open many doors for you. To pronounce it in Italian, all you have to do is say:
6. Grazie. = Thank you.
Moms are the greatest blessing to all of us. Not only do they raise us, but they also teach us basic manners like saying “thank you” in the proper context. Following their example, here’s how to say “thank you” in Italian:
7. Prego. = You're welcome.
It doesn’t matter where you are in the world. Common sense is the same in all languages. Here’s how someone from Rome would say “you’re welcome”:
8. Mi scusi! = Excuse me!
It only takes 7 seconds to create a lifelong image of ourselves. And sometimes the difference between a good image and a bad one is a simple “Excuse me.” Listen to how it’s pronounced in Italian:
9. Quanto costa? = How much does it cost?
A shopping spree is an inevitable part of every city break. The holidays don’t end until you’ve bought souvenirs for every member of your family. That’s why here’s how to ask “How much does it cost?” in Italian:
10. Arrivederci. = Goodbye.
If you want to maintain the good first impression you’ve managed to create with your impeccable Italian greetings and introductions, end the conversation by saying “goodbye” like a native: Arrivederci.
Conversation in Italian for correct pronunciation
have you done it yet?
But what about Italian dialects? Yes, the Italian language has dozens of dialects: Milanese, Brescian, Tuscan, Laziale, Venetian and Sicilian, to name but a few. As you may have noticed, all these names refer to certain cities or regions of Italy, which means you’ll find a different dialect in most of Italy’s major cities. But don’t worry too much. All these dialects are very similar, and by knowing standard Italian, you’ll be able to converse with Italians from all over the world. As we say in Italy, except Italians from Naples or from Naples. Here, people speak Neapolitan, a dialect very different from standard Italian.
The main advantages of speaking Italian
Be able to speak with over 85 million Italian speakers
Italian is the 18th most spoken language in the world, so you’ll certainly benefit from learning conversational Italian. For example, you’ll be able to talk to people at any time during your visit to Italy.
Travelling in Italian-speaking countries just got better
Whenever you’re planning a trip to Rome or Venice, speaking Italian will greatly enhance your experience. You’ll be able to discover Italian-speaking countries like a native and gain authentic experience in the process.
Speaking Italian can save your career
Speaking Italian greatly increases your job opportunities, and also helps you stand out from the crowd. This means you’ll have a better chance of getting a well-paid job in the first place, or a better chance of promotion or even a good job in an Italian-speaking country.
Speaking Italian makes you smarter
Studies show that being bilingual or multilingual increases your brain’s gray matter. This means that speaking Italian will make you smarter than you are today. So, what are you waiting for?
