Learn Italian
English | Italian | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Hello | Buongiorno | |||
Hi! | Ciao! | |||
Good evening | Buonasera | |||
Goodbye | Arrivederci | |||
See you later | A dopo | |||
Yes | Sì | |||
No | No | |||
Please! | Per favore! | |||
Thanks | Grazie | |||
Thanks a lot | Grazie mille | |||
Thank you for your help | Grazie per il suo aiuto | |||
Don't mention it | Prego | |||
Ok | Va bene | |||
How much is it? | Quanto costa, per favore? | |||
Sorry! | Mi scusi ! | |||
I don't understand | Non ho capito | |||
I get it | Ho capito | |||
I don't know | Non so | |||
Forbidden | Vietato | |||
Excuse me, where are the toilets? | Dov'è il bagno per favore ? | |||
Happy New Year! | Buon anno! | |||
Happy birthday! | Buon compleanno! | |||
Happy holiday! | Buone feste! | |||
Congratulations! | Congratulazioni! |
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How to Learn Italian by Yourself? Start with an Easy and Free Online Course!
We have adopted an objective and efficient approach to learn how to speak Italian easily and quickly.
Start by memorizing words, phrases, and practical expressions that you can use in everyday life and while traveling.
Getting used to pronouncing words out loud, such as numbers, is an easy exercise you can practice often and at any time throughout the day.
This will help you get accustomed to the sounds of your chosen language, making it more familiar.
And once your holidays have begun in Rome or Venice, you will be surprised how familiar and easy to understand the language will seem.
Furthermore, using a pocket dictionary is always useful, particularly during a trip. It enables you to find the translation of new words and enrich your vocabulary.
Why Speak Italian While Traveling?
Culture, Fashion, Football, Gastronomy, and Economy
One title alone is not enough to list all the good reasons to learn Italian, a language as alive and joyous as its people. Whether to better understand the masters of literature from today and yesterday (such as Dante, Pirandello, and Umberto Eco) or to discover all the ingredients of your favorite dishes, Italian is the language you need to enrich your skills and advance your career!
Rich in history and culture, the territory of present-day Italy is one where Etruscan, Greek, and Roman civilizations prospered, which explains the country's impressive number of archaeological sites of classical antiquity. The millions of tourists who flock to Italy all year round also marvel at the works of masters such as Da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Botticelli, as well as the architecture that makes cities like Florence and Ferrara open-air museums.
Fashion is another major attraction of the country, which is considered to be one of the world's largest exporters of luxury goods such as Ferrari, Maserati, Prada, Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana, Armani, Azimut, Riva, and more. Elegance and design also pervade the country through events such as Milan Fashion Week.
Italian gastronomy is the favorite of Europeans (according to a survey by Zoover in 2012) and one of the most consumed in the world, contributing to the impressive growth of Italian gastro and wine tourism. The attraction of fresh and seasonal products is such that since 2010 Mediterranean gastronomy has been designated an Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO. And lovers of history and cuisine can do nothing but delight in a stay in Italy: beyond the traditional pasta, cheese, and cured meats, the country is responsible for two great inventions of modern cuisine: the ice cream cone and espresso coffee.
A Language of Business
As the world's 8th largest economy and the 4th largest in Europe, Italy is home to major groups such as Fiat, Benetton, and Luxottica, companies that conduct business all over the world. This fact can only reinforce the interest in speaking Italian, one of the official languages of the European Union, and spoken in seven other countries, accounting for more than 61 million speakers. The language of Dante can also be heard in several Italian-speaking communities around the world, such as in Brazil and the United States. So what are you waiting for to immerse yourself in this learning experience?
Make a Success of Your Stay in Italy
Whether you are going to spend a few days with friends on a leisure trip or if you are on a business trip, nothing will be more useful than being able to slip in a few words in the language of your interlocutors, who will appreciate your effort and be certainly more willing to help.
Practical Tips for Learning Italian
1. Start with the Basics
Begin by learning the Italian alphabet and basic pronunciation rules. This foundation will help you read and speak Italian more accurately.
2. Build Your Vocabulary
Focus on everyday words and phrases that you are likely to use. Flashcards and language apps can be very helpful in expanding your vocabulary.
3. Practice Speaking
Speak Italian as much as possible. Practice with native speakers or fellow learners. Use language exchange platforms to find conversation partners.
4. Immerse Yourself
Immerse yourself in the language through Italian media. Watch Italian movies, listen to Italian music, and follow Italian news. This will help improve your listening skills and familiarize you with the cultural context.
5. Use Official Online Resources
Here are some great resources for learning Italian:
- Ministero degli Affari Esteri e della Cooperazione Internazionale: Provides resources and information for learning Italian.
- Rai Cultura: Offers language learning programs and cultural insights.
6. Take a Language Course
Consider enrolling in a language course with a qualified teacher. Personalized instruction can accelerate your learning and help you master difficult concepts.
7. Stay Consistent
Consistency is key. Practice Italian daily, even if only for a few minutes. Regular exposure and practice will lead to steady progress.
By following these steps and utilizing the available resources, you can start speaking and understanding Italian in no time. Happy learning!
How to Succeed in Having Good Pronunciation Within a Week to a Month?
The peculiarity of Italian, compared to other Latin languages, resides in its vocalism which preserves the vowels and drops the final consonants, its double consonants, and the absence of nasal vowels.
A tip for pronouncing Italian is to give attention to some consonants, especially:
The C: is pronounced [k] when followed by A, O, or U, but must be pronounced [ʧ] when followed by I or E. The C is pronounced [k] before I and E only with the placement of an H between the consonant and the vowel, as in "chiamo". To pronounce [ʧ] before the other vowels, place an I between the consonant and vowel.
The G: pronounced [ʤ] when in front of I or E.
The GLI and the GN are pronounced respectively, [ʎ] (palatalized) and [ɲ] (palatalized).
The vowels: these are pronounced short in the last syllable of the word or in a closed syllable and are pronounced long when they finish the word.
The R: the Italian R is rolled, that is to say, with an articulation produced by the tip or blade of the tongue against the alveolar ridge. During pronunciation, the vocal cords must vibrate.
We invite you to listen to the pronunciation of the letters by clicking on the following link: Italian alphabet with audio.