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Everyday Spoken Italian Daily Phrases

The Italian Italians actually speak — greetings, reactions, fillers and the daily phrases that carry real conversations.

Spoken Italian runs on a handful of little words — 'dai', 'boh', 'magari', 'allora' — that do half the talking. Learn these and everyday conversation opens up.

Casual conversation under a historic Venetian arch, capturing elements of classic architecture and daily life.
Photo: Ezgi Kaya on Pexels
  1. 1

    dai!

    come on! / oh please! (urging)

    Tip: Pronounced like English 'die'. Encouragement, disbelief, hurry-up — Italy's favourite particle.

  2. 2

    boh

    no idea / dunno (with a shrug)

    Tip: The official sound of not knowing. Often just 'boh' with raised shoulders.

  3. 3

    allora

    well then / so... (opener)

    Tip: Opens sentences, buys thinking time: 'Allora, vediamo...' = right, let's see.

  4. 4

    magari

    maybe / I wish!

    Tip: Two uses: 'magari domani' = maybe tomorrow; alone, '(magari!)' = if only!

  5. 5

    Come va?

    How's it going?

    Tip: The default; answer 'tutto bene' or the honest 'si tira avanti' = getting by.

  6. 6

    Che fai?

    What's up? / What are you doing?

    Tip: Casual check-in, also on WhatsApp. 'Che si dice?' = what's the news?

  7. 7

    va bene

    OK / alright

    Tip: Spoken fast as 'vabbè' — which also means 'oh well, whatever'.

  8. 8

    vabbè

    oh well / whatever

    Tip: Resigned acceptance: 'Vabbè, pazienza.' = oh well, never mind.

  9. 9

    pazienza

    never mind / oh well (accepting)

    Tip: Literally 'patience'. Italy's one-word philosophy of acceptance.

  10. 10

    Ma dai!

    No way! / Get out!

    Tip: 'ma' + 'dai' = disbelief: 'Ma dai, non ci credo!' = no way, I don't believe it.

  11. 11

    Davvero?

    Really?

    Tip: Or 'sul serio?'. Drawn out for drama: 'davveeero?'

  12. 12

    Certo!

    Of course!

    Tip: 'certo che sì' = of course (emphatic); 'come no' = naturally.

  13. 13

    Sto arrivando.

    I'm on my way.

    Tip: The classic optimistic text. 'Arrivo!' = coming!

  14. 14

    Sono un po' in ritardo.

    I'm running a bit late.

    Tip: 'il ritardo' — arrive 10 minutes late for dinner and you're on time.

  15. 15

    Dove ci vediamo?

    Where shall we meet?

    Tip: 'vedersi' = to meet up: 'ci vediamo alle otto' = see you at eight.

  16. 16

    Ci prendiamo un caffè?

    Shall we get a coffee?

    Tip: 'un caffè' = an espresso, standing at the bar, in about 4 minutes.

  17. 17

    Mi va una pizza stasera.

    I feel like a pizza tonight.

    Tip: 'mi va' = I fancy: 'ti va di uscire?' = feel like going out?

  18. 18

    Non ce la faccio, scusa.

    I can't make it, sorry.

    Tip: 'farcela' = to manage: 'ce la fai?' = can you manage? Essential verb.

  19. 19

    Tranquillo.

    Don't worry.

    Tip: Or 'non ti preoccupare'. To a woman: 'tranquilla'. Means 'relax, it's fine'.

  20. 20

    Figurati.

    No problem / it's nothing.

    Tip: The reply to 'grazie' among friends. Formal version: 'si figuri'.

  21. 21

    Che palle!

    What a nuisance / what a pain!

    Tip: Mildly vulgar but everywhere. Polite version: 'che noia' = how boring.

  22. 22

    Che bello!

    How lovely! / How nice!

    Tip: The all-purpose delight: 'che bello vederti!' = how nice to see you!

  23. 23

    Andiamo!

    Let's go! / Come on then!

    Tip: Also impatient: 'dai, andiamo!' = come on, let's GO.

  24. 24

    A dopo!

    See you later!

    Tip: 'a più tardi' = later today; 'ci sentiamo' = we'll talk (calls/texts).

  25. 25

    Buona giornata!

    Have a good day! (leaving a shop)

    Tip: The leaving greeting — 'buongiorno' opens, 'buona giornata' closes.

  26. 26

    Scusa!

    Excuse me / sorry (getting attention)

    Tip: Formal: 'scusi'. Squeezing through a crowd: 'permesso!'