Speak with soul. Travel like a local. Fall in love with the language.
Italian isn’t just a language — it’s a melody. A way of life. A love letter whispered through every “ciao,” every “prego,” every passionate hand gesture.
Whether you're planning your first trip to Rome or returning for your fifteenth gelato in Florence, learning a few Italian words will make your experience richer, deeper, more human.
Here are 15 of the most beautiful, useful, and poetic Italian words that will make you sound molto italiano — and melt a few hearts along the way.
💬 1. Meraviglioso (meh-rah-vee-LYOH-zoh)
Meaning: Wonderful, marvelous
Used for: Art, food, views, people… pretty much everything in Italy.
“Questa pasta è meravigliosa!” — This pasta is wonderful!
💬 2. Magari (mah-GAH-ree)
Meaning: If only, I wish, hopefully
An emotional, hopeful word.
“Magari potessi vivere in Italia…” — If only I could live in Italy…
💬 3. Brindisi (BREEN-dee-zee)
Meaning: A toast (cheers!)
Used when raising your glass. Bonus points if you say “Cin cin!” too.
“Facciamo un brindisi all’amore!” — Let’s toast to love!
💬 4. Passeggiata (pass-eh-JAH-tah)
Meaning: An evening stroll
Not just a walk — it’s a whole cultural ritual after dinner.
Join the locals for a passeggiata in any piazza.
💬 5. Abbiocco (ahb-BYOH-koh)
Meaning: That sleepy feeling after eating too much
Yes, there’s a word for it — and it’s delightful.
“Dopo quel pranzo, ho un abbiocco incredibile.” — After that lunch, I’m insanely sleepy.
💬 6. Boh (boh)
Meaning: I don’t know / Who knows
A shrug in a sound. Very Italian.
“Chi ha preso il mio gelato?” — Boh.
💬 7. Apericena (ah-peh-ree-CHAY-nah)
Meaning: Aperitivo that turns into dinner
A sacred social event. Wine, snacks, laughter = apericena.
“Ci vediamo per un’apericena alle 7?”
💬 8. Allora (ahl-LOH-rah)
Meaning: So, then, well…
Filler word with rhythm. Used in conversations constantly.
“Allora, che facciamo oggi?” — So, what are we doing today?
💬 9. Mozzafiato (mot-tsah-FYAH-toh)
Meaning: Breathtaking
Used for sunsets, landscapes, beauty that stuns you.
“La vista da qui è mozzafiato!” — The view from here is breathtaking!
💬 10. Innamorato/a (een-nah-moh-RAH-toh)
Meaning: In love
Because love is always in the air in Italy.
“Sono innamorato di questa città.” — I’m in love with this city.
💬 11. Scarpetta (skar-PEHT-tah)
Meaning: The act of wiping your plate clean with bread
It’s not just allowed — it’s expected.
“Fai la scarpetta!” — Wipe that plate!
💬 12. Furbo/a (FOOR-boh)
Meaning: Clever, street-smart
A compliment… or sometimes a sly warning.
“Quel ragazzo è furbo.” — That guy’s sharp.
💬 13. Torna presto (TOR-nah PREH-stoh)
Meaning: Come back soon
A phrase full of warmth — you’ll hear it from hosts, friends, and locals.
And trust me, you’ll want to obey.
💬 14. Spaghettata (spah-ghet-TAH-tah)
Meaning: A spontaneous pasta night with friends
No formal dinner. Just pasta, wine, and good vibes.
“Facciamo una spaghettata?” — Let’s throw together a pasta night.
💬 15. Dolce far niente (DOHL-cheh fahr nee-EN-teh)
Meaning: The sweetness of doing nothing
The Italian life philosophy. Rest is sacred. Stillness is joy.
Embrace the dolce far niente — especially under the Roman sun.
🎯 Why Learn These Words?
Because language isn't just communication — it’s connection.
Even if your pronunciation isn’t perfect, showing effort opens doors, hearts, and conversations. Locals will smile, help, and maybe even invite you to their spaghettata.
✈️ Travel Tip: Use What You Learn!
🗣 Try a new word each day of your trip
🍝 Order your food in Italian
🌅 Say “mozzafiato” out loud when you see a view that deserves it
💬 Say “torna presto” to a city when you leave… you’ll be back.
🇮🇹 Ready to Speak Like a Local?
Book your next Italian adventure with Tour Guide Erik, where we don’t just show you the sights — we teach you the culture, the language, and the little moments that make Italy unforgettable.
Follow @baccotours for daily travel inspiration, useful phrases, and a front-row seat to la dolce vita.
Because Italy isn’t just a place.
It’s a feeling. And now, you know how to say it.
