Will I have trouble visiting around Italy if I don't speak Italian?

Question

Will I have trouble visiting around Italy if I don't speak Italian?

Answer 1

What do you think about someone who travels your country and doesn't speak the language?

You'll have problems being understood out side of the major tourist cities: Venice; Rome (center city) Florence (center city).

Italians, unlike the French, are tourist friendly - even in the small cities and villages. BUT - you must be able to TRY to speak some Italian to be appreciated, to be helped. Memorize the basic words: please, excuse me I don't speak Italian... and you will find that the Italian will appreciate that you have at least tried and s/he will bend over back wards to lend you a hand.

Answer 2

if you go in a big city like rome or florence you won't have any troubles because there are a lot of information points,but in the countries few people speak english...so you have to take a dictionary....

i'm sorry for my english but i'm italian!!!!

an advice: come to visit perugia in umbria...it's a real nice town!!!

Answer 3

most of Italy no.  but there will be pockets up near the border where english is the third language.  Also south of Napoli.  It can be sparse amongst older locals.

Answer 4

Take a phrasebook and you won't have many troubles.

Answer 5

normally not, but do be aware that a  lot of  italians speak no other languages than italian.(and their local dialect) . in tourist places it won't be no problem at all.

Answer 6

in the major cities, rome, florence, etc, we had no difficulties conversing.  the only issue we had in communication is when we visited small towns/villages outside of the major tourist areas.  but honestly, we knew this would happen when we planned our trip and knew to be patient and do the best we can to speak and listen.  and everything worked out just fine!  i wouldnt have traded our time spent in those quaint little towns for anything.  that was where we really got our italian experience.  

so as long as you are patient and understand that you are in their country, you will be fine. :)  enjoy!

Answer 7

No. In most places, everyone you come in contact with will speak English. Quite a few Italians look forward to the opportunity to speak and practice their English.

If you get out in the rural areas you will find that many don't speak English. But you will also find that they are so friendly that they will take whatever time is necessary to understand what you are trying to say.

Learn a few words

when = quando

how much = quanto

Where = dove (doe - vay)

doctor = medico

Police = polizia

I think you'll find that most nouns are similar enough to recognize. Look up a few words you think might come in handy before you go.

And take a simple Italian-English dictionary, just in case.

Keep it simple. "My Italian is poor" doesn't translate the same as "my Italian is bad".

I never had much luck with phrase books. The phrases are never what I need and its not organized as simply as a dictionary.

Try to learn some Italian, its fun to try to speak it.

There are a few  things you should keep with you. A map (that is the correct scale to show everywhere you will be that day. A city map if your will be in the city for the day and a regional map if you are traveling from city to city) so you can point and say "dove" for directions. And something with your hotels name and address on it (a business card or even a match book) for taxis etc.

And , of course, the dictionary.

Answer 8

well..i think you'll have trouble..because in italy english isn't very spoken or known by the local people..anyway in the restaurants in the hotel and in other touristic places i'm sure you won't have trouble

Answer 9

no

Answer 10

Some of the Italians knows a li'l english and some are fluent but it's much better if you know the basics, i think you'd be ok with just that... <*-*>

these are informal phrases...

ciao!- hello/goodbye

buon giorno- good morning(actually translated to "good day")

buona sera- good evening(but they usually start saying this after about 2 PM)

buona notte- good night

arrivederci- goodbye

per favore- please

grazie- thank you

prego- you're welcome

come stai?- how are you?

scusa- excuse me

Non c'è male.- not bad

sto bene- i am fine

che cosa ha detto?- what did you say?

ho capisco- i understand(depending where you go in italy, though...some say ho capito instead)

mi chiamo...- my name is...

sono di...- i am from

Parli inglese?- do you speak english?

non parlo italiano- i dont speak italian

non so- i dont know

lo so- i know

come?- what?

Va bene- ok

ho fame- im hungry

ho sete- im thirsty

ho freddo- im cold

ho caldo- im hot

Può aiutarmi?- Can you help me?

Come si dice ____ in italiano?- How do you say_____ in italian?