When you visit Italy, you quickly realise that speaking even a little bit of Italian makes a big difference. Not everyone speaks English, and Italians genuinely appreciate when foreigners try to use their language, even with simple phrases. These expressions also help you feel more confident and independent during your trip. With just a few words, you can ask where something is, order food, or buy a ticket.


Here are 5 super useful Italian expressions you’ll hear everywhere: in cafés, at a restaurant, on the street, at the train station.



1) The meaning of “Scusi / Mi scusi”


The phrase “Scusi / Mi scusi” literally translates to “Excuse me”


Both are formal.

Scusi is shorter and more common in everyday situations, it is used to “get someone’s attention” or “politely interrupt”, it is shorter and more common in everyday situations.


Mi scusi is also formal, but a little more polite, softer. Used when you want to sound extra courteous or when you feel you’re disturbing someone. Literally means “Excuse me (for what I’m doing)”


For example:

  • Scusi, dov’è la stazione? → Excuse me, where is the station?
  • Scusi, posso passare? → Excuse me, can I get through?
  • Scusi, che ore sono? → Excuse me, what time is it?


 2) The meaning of “Dov’è”


The phrase “Dov’è” literally translates to “Where is”

You’ll use this everywhere—on the street, in cafés, markets, in the hotel.

Note the difference between: “dove è” vs. “dov’è”

  • “Dove è” can be used in the written form.
  • “Dov’è is used in spoken & everyday writing because it is shorter and Italians speak fast (you pronounce it like a word)

 For example:

  • Dov’è la fermata dell’autobus → Where is the bus stop?
  • Dov’è la stazione dei treni → Where is the train station?
  • Dov’è il bagno? → Where is the bathroom?
  • Dov’è il teatro? → Where is the theater?
  • Dov’è la piazza? Where is the square?

 

3) The meaning of “Grazie / Grazie mille!”


The expression “Grazie ” literally translates to “Thank you”

The expression “Grazie mille ” literally translates to “Thank you very much”

You will use this all the time. Italians say “grazie” very often.


For example:

  • Tu: “Un cappuccino, per favore.” → You: “A cappuccino, please.”
  •  Barista: “Eccolo” → Barista: “Here you go”
  •  Tu: “Grazie mille!” → You: Thank you very much!
  • Tu: “Scusi, dov’è il museo”? → You: “Excuse me, where is the museum?”
  • Passante: “È a due minuti, sempre dritto”. → Passerby: “It’s two minutes away, straight ahead.”
  • Tu: Grazie! → Thank you!


Note: It’s also common to smile or make eye contact when saying it: this is part of the warm, friendly Italian communication style.


4) The meaning of “Quanto costa un biglietto per…?”


The expression “Quanto costa un biglietto per…?” literally translates to “How much does a ticket to …cost?”

Note: We use “per + place/transport” when you are buying a ticket TO GO somewhere (You need a ticket to travel to a destination)


For example:

  • Quanto costa un biglietto per Roma? → How much does a ticket to Rome cost?
  • Quanto costa un biglietto per Firenze? → How much does a ticket to Florence cost?
  • Quanto costa un biglietto per il traghetto? → How much does a ferry ticket cost?
  • Quanto costa un biglietto per la metro? → How much does a metro ticket cost?


We use “per + place/transport” also when you are buying a ticket TO ENTER a place: You need a ticket to enter a building or attraction.


For example:

  • Quanto costa un biglietto per il museo? → How much does a ticket to the museum cost?
  • Quanto costa un biglietto per la mostra? → How much does a ticket to enter the exhibition cost?
  • Quanto costa un biglietto per il teatro? → How much does a ticket to ticket to enter the theatre cost?

 

5) The meaning of “Posso”


The verb “Posso” literally translates to “Can I”.

Posso + verb (action) when you want to ask permission to do or have something.


Examples

  • Posso avere il menu? → Can I have the menu?
  • Posso avere un cappuccino, per favore? → Can I have a cappuccino, please?
  • Posso pagare? → Can I pay?
  • Posso pagare il conto? → Can I pay the bill?


 Tip: If you add “per favore“ (please), everything sounds even more polite:

“Posso avere un cappuccino, per favore?”

 

Summary:

With these expressions you can travel in Italy and ask for easy information, order in a cafe, at a restaurant, buy a transport ticket.

For example:


Dialogue: On the street

  • Scusi → Excuse me
  • Dov’è la stazione dei treni? → Where is the train station?
  • Grazie mille → Thank you very much


Dialogue: At the station:

  • Un biglietto per Roma, per favore → A ticket to Rome, please
  • Grazie! → Thank you


 Dialogue: Al bar (in a cafè)

  • Posso avere il menu? → Can I have the menu?
  • Una pizza per favore → A pizza please
  • Posso pagare il conto? → Can I pay the bill?
  • Grazie → Thank you