Language

Communicating with the locals

The official language of Italy, of course, is Italian (Italiano), although virtually every hill and tree has its own regional dialect.

As you get around the place, you may notice that English proficiency isn't as high as it is elsewhere on the continent, like in Eastern Europe, Germany, Scandinavia, Portugal or Greece. Older people often didn't learn English at school, and younger people may only speak to a basic level.

That means you might need to dip into Italian in order to get around and be understood. We’ve included some basic Italian words and phrases below, but it’s worth keeping Google Translate handy on your phone to help you get around.

The good news is that Italian people are generally very warm and encouraging when you attempt to speak their language. Even just a few words could get you a long way!

Basic phrases to try during your travels

Here are some handy words, phrases and questions: