How to say hello & more in Italian: 18 phrases + audio

Hello & how are you

1. Salve.

   Say it like: SAHL-veh

   Hello.

   Neutral · Works almost anywhere, any time of day.
2. Ciao a tutti!

   Say it like: chow ah TOOT-tee

   Hi everyone!

   Informal · When you join a group that is already chatting.
3. Buongiorno.

   Say it like: bwon-JOR-noh

   Good morning.

   Neutral · In the morning.

Introducing yourself

1. Mi chiamo …

   Say it like: mee KYAH-moh

   My name is …

   Neutral · Add your first name.
2. Come si chiama?

   Say it like: KOH-meh see KYAH-mah

   What is your name? (polite)

   Formal · For hosts, older people or formal settings.
3. Come ti chiami?

   Say it like: KOH-meh tee KYAH-mee

   What's your name?

   Informal · Among peers at a relaxed event.

Small talk

1. Sei già stato/a qui?

   Say it like: say JAH STAH-toh / STAH-tah KWEE

   Have you been here before?

   Informal · An easy way to start a chat.
2. È proprio un bel posto.

   Say it like: EH PROH-pryoh oon bel POH-stoh

   It's a really nice place.

   Neutral · A friendly comment about the venue.
3. Da quanto tempo vivi qui?

   Say it like: dah KWAHN-toh TEM-poh VEE-vee KWEE

   How long have you lived here?

   Informal · Locals and expats both like this question.

Understanding each other

1. Scusa, non ho capito.

   Say it like: SKOO-zah, nohn oh kah-PEE-toh

   Sorry, I didn't understand.

   Informal · Honest and polite: people will help.
2. Può ripetere, per favore?

   Say it like: pwoh ree-PEH-teh-reh, pehr fah-VOH-reh

   Could you repeat that, please?

   Formal · A polite way to hear it again.
3. Puoi parlare più lentamente, per favore?

   Say it like: pwoy pahr-LAH-reh pyoo len-tah-MEN-teh, pehr fah-VOH-reh

   Could you speak more slowly, please?

   Informal · Nobody minds: it's a common request.

Coffee & plans

1. Prendiamo un caffè uno di questi giorni?

   Say it like: pren-DYAH-moh oon kahf-FEH OO-noh dee KWEH-stee JOR-nee

   Shall we get a coffee sometime?

   Informal · A friendly, low-pressure invite after a good chat.
2. Vuoi venire con noi?

   Say it like: vwoy veh-NEE-reh kohn NOY

   Would you like to join us?

   Informal · Include someone who is standing alone.
3. Sei libero/a questo fine settimana?

   Say it like: say LEE-beh-roh / LEE-beh-rah KWEH-stoh FEE-neh set-tee-MAH-nah

   Are you free this weekend?

   Informal · A relaxed way to suggest plans.

Contacts & goodbye

1. Restiamo in contatto?

   Say it like: res-TYAH-moh een kohn-TAHT-toh

   Shall we stay in touch?

   Neutral · Polite, with no pressure.
2. Questo è il mio numero.

   Say it like: KWEH-stoh EH eel MEE-oh NOO-meh-roh

   Here's my number.

   Neutral · Only share it if you feel comfortable.
3. Scrivimi quando vuoi.

   Say it like: SKREE-vee-mee KWAHN-doh VWOY

   Message me anytime.

   Informal · A friendly follow-up after exchanging contacts.

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