Do I need to speak Italian when in Rome?Is it easy to get an understanding in English or need to have?

Question

at least the basics in Italian language?

Answer 1

Don't worry,Italian people speak enough good English especially in big cities like Rome.

For precaution take a dictionary with you.

Answer 2

when in rome do as the romans do!

i love that saying!

LOL! nah !i dun think u relli do.

Answer 3

Hi!!! I'm italian and I live in Rome...

Rome is a city where tourism is very intense! you don't need to speak Italian... Lots of people that live in Rome speak English...

Answer 4

You will get by but a lot of people do not speak English in Rome. If you stick the main restuarants and tourist attractions then you should not have any real problems.

Anyway, take a small Italian translation book and that will certainly help.

Answer 5

I went to Rome for a weekend back in January & got by with just the very basics such as please, thanks, etc.

Answer 6

You can get by in hotels and tourist spots with those in the hospitality and tourist trade in Rome. But inevitably there are local who have no need to learn english and will not speak it but unless you really have to do business with them, you should be OK. Learn the basics like numbers, how much, etc. as it will help.

Answer 7

Hello Erina,

                   Most of Europe now has a basic understanding of the English Language, and will handle almost anything you ask for from a bathroom to directions to the Airport, if you are Catholic even Latin will get you through an ordinary days events. a small basic translations book would help to, but with that you will have to learn how to say the words or sound silly trying them in your languages dialects. but still not to worry. at the hotel study the signs to bathrooms, elevators, exits, dining rooms, news stands, and of course room numbers, every thing is there for you to see, and take note of, in restaurants, there too study the menus slowly and carefully so you can order what you would like to eat, as opposed to what you don't like, most restaurants have English speakers.

                 So, no, you do not have to speak Italian when in Rome the saying goes... do what the romans do, but maybe there are some things that you would prefer to do differently, especially when it comes to your personal welfare, and well being too. Basics in Italian are already there for you, all you have to do, is just look carefully, and you would be surprised, just how many Italians really do have a basic measure of the English Language, so if you need help, do not be afraid to ask in English, and if the person you ask doesn't know, maybe he or she will know someone who can help you..I have the smallest knowledge of Italian, and for all my trips to Turin and Milan, as well as just the one single trip to Roma. I always got by happily with the populous.. Enjoy Roma it is a very beautiful place to be any time of the year. and have fun while you are there..Good Luck Erina... Bye for now, and I hope my answer helps you in any way it is meant to, by me sending my best reply to you...Tony M

Answer 8

It's always nice to know a few words in the language of ANY country you visit.  In the case of Rome... I have found that Italians, more than any other nationality, are multilingual and have a good command of English.

Answer 9

With the basics you'll be able to work your way though Italy.... but Italy as well as Spain & Portugal are the worst places in Europe to find (fluent) speakers of English.

The French understand it but will make believe that they don’t.

Answer 10

no, you don't have to speak italian.

the best thing is to have with you one of those pocket size phrases dictionaries and remember that italians will try to understand. a lot of people in rome - especially in the tourist and archeological areas - speak english, but even when they don't, speak very slowly and help yourselves with your hands... they will do the same. have a map to help you with if you need to ask for directions, and a small notepad to write numbers. and if there's something specific you can use the little phrase book - either read from there or let them read.

most importantly the majority of people will try to understand and answer, just be nice and smile and you'll win them over.

happy traveling!

Answer 11

I went to Rome 2 yrs ago,,,But it was alot easier because I was with a tour group...Lots understand English there but I was surprised how many didn't...I know for one thing Learn important words like bathroom and Transportation sights etc... I got lost and it was the scare of my life...It took me 15 mins just to find someone that could talk or understand English,,,,Go with someone that understands the language if possible,,,HAVE FUN and take lots of pictures ITS AWESOME there...

Answer 12

When in Rome......