Italian Phrases for Travelers

When traveling in Italy, foreign tourists should always respect the Italian culture and language enough to communicate common phrases. Although many people in Italy speak English, French and German, it is wise to know enough so that you can socialize with the locals and get a cultural experience from your vacation. Italy becomes a more memorable experience if you are able to speak Italian phrases, with the people who are residents.

Introductions:

Hello and Goodbye are the first and last phrases (or words) that you should plan on using in a conversation. The Italian word for "Hello" is "Ciao," and it is pronounced, "chow." Most people know this, but speaking to someone who doesn't know your native language can confuse a person, so it's always good to review. The Italian word for "Goodbye" is "Arrivederci," which is pronounced, "a-rive-ver-der-chi."
Getting Past Hello:

Once you are in the middle of a conversation, after "Hello," then what? Get out of the airport (follow the signs), if you need help ask someone "Potete aiutarli?" This phrase is translated as "Can you help me?" The pronunciation is, "poh-tete ay-u-tarli." Once out of the airport, you will need to ask for transportation to your lodging. Say "Il taxi per favore," pronounced "il taxi pear fa-vo-re," to hail a taxi in Italian.

Do you need to use the bathroom?

My greatest fear in traveling to a foreign country, is not knowing the phrase to ask where a bathroom is (an awful thought). "La toilette," is Italian for bathroom. The phrase, "Where is," is "Dov'è?" Now I ask for a bathroom in Italy by saying, "Dov'è?" with "la toilette."

Use Your Manners

"Please" and "Thank You," are used more than regularly in the Italian language, you will find the opportunity to use these very often. Concentrate on the correct pronunciation of the phrases "Per favore" and "Grazie." They are very similar to Spanish, but have different accents, so they don't sound similarly when spoken. "Pear fa-vo-re" and "grat-ze-ay," are the correct pronunciations. "Mi scusi" or "Excuse me" is also something foreigners should know how to say in Italian.

If leaving for Italy today, the end result is that you still only know a few phrases in Italian and all you have left is a trusty dictionary and hope that someone speaks or understands some English (Parla inglese?) Prior to leaving expand your knowledge of phrases (used for traveling especially), to more than 100, and keep them memorized. Use them in everyday conversations, so you know how to use them properly.

Sources:
Common Italian Phrases, http://information.travel.aol.com/study-abroad/common-italian-phrases