The Rome IndexItalian language basics for Rome
A short list of words and phrases that genuinely improve a trip to Rome.
At the bar
Un caffè (espresso), un cappuccino, un cornetto (croissant), il conto (the bill). Al banco means at the counter — always cheaper than sitting down.
At the restaurant
Il menù (the menu), il conto per favore (the bill please), è delizioso (it's delicious), senza [ingredient] (without [ingredient]). Scusi is the polite way to get a waiter's attention.
Getting around
Dov'è [place]? (Where is [place]?), a destra (right), a sinistra (left), dritto (straight ahead), la fermata (the stop — bus or metro). Quanto costa? (How much does it cost?).
General courtesy
Buongiorno (good morning, until about 1pm), buonasera (good evening), grazie (thank you), prego (you're welcome/please/after you — extremely versatile), mi dispiace (I'm sorry).