Italian phrases for the non-Italian

Len laughs at me every time I attempt to say something in Italian. Ciao. Buongiorno. I might get the word right but my Southern accent butchers the sound. It’s a cross I must bear and so much everyone else on the other side of my voice.

Every evening, I scrolled through TikTok, searching for Italians trying to make language easier for travelers. They would say a word. I would repeat it over and over. By the next day, I had forgotten. I couldn’t help but laugh at myself and my attempt at being Italian.

Here are the phrases that matter in Sicily. In the small Sicilian town of Castellammare del Golfo, greetings are not optional. Walking past a shopkeeper without a buongiorno is noticed. These eight phrases will carry you through every social interaction you have — at the bar, on the street, entering any shop, and leaving it.

Buongiorno bwon-JOR-no Good morning

Buonasera‍ ‍bwona-SAIR-a Good evening

Prego ‍ ‍PREH-go You're welcome / please / go ahead

Grazie mille‍ ‍GRAT-see-eh MEEL-leh Thank you very much

Mi scusi‍ ‍mee SKOO-zee Excuse me

Come sta? KO-meh STA How are you? (formal)

Bene, grazie — e Lei? BEH-neh, GRAT-see-eh, eh LAY Fine, thanks — and you?

A presto‍ ‍ah PRES-toh See you soon

Here’s what I’ve learned and will attempt to deliver. When I order a coffee, first, I say “Buongiorno.” A greeting is more important than my coffee order. Always end with “Grazie mille,” a sign of respect.

This is my beginning. I’ll keep you posted regarding my successes and failures.