Useful phrases for a conversation in Italian: start speaking with ease!

Starting a conversation with someone you don’t know may seem challenging, especially when learning a new language. However, learning the right phrases and practicing them will help you feel more confident and speak more naturally.

Speaking Italian is not just about mastering grammar; it’s also about knowing how to interact fluently and spontaneously. In this article, you’ll find the most useful phrases to break the ice and start a conversation in Italian. Whether you’re studying Italian for travel, work, or simple curiosity, these expressions will help you communicate with confidence.

 1. Greetings and Introductions

Greetings are the first step in starting a conversation. Here are some essential phrases:

• Ciao, come stai? (Hi, how are you?) – Perfect for an informal setting.

• Piacere di conoscerti! (Nice to meet you!) – Used when meeting someone for the first time.

• Mi chiamo [name]. E tu? (My name is [name]. And you?) – A way to introduce yourself.

• Da dove vieni? (Where are you from?) – Useful to learn about someone’s origins.

 
2. Asking and answering personal information

When chatting with someone, it’s natural to ask questions to get to know them better. Here are some common expressions:

• Quanti anni hai? (How old are you?) – An informal but frequent question.

• Dove abiti? (Where do you live?) – To ask where someone lives.

• Che lavoro fai? (What do you do for a living?) – Perfect for talking about professions.

• Che fai nel tempo libero? (What do you do in your free time?) – Great for discovering interests and hobbies.

 
3. Talking about yourself!

Being able to talk about yourself helps build a connection with the person you’re speaking to. Use these phrases:

• Io vengo da [city/country]. (I am from [city/country].)

• Lavoro come [profession]. (I work as [profession].)

• Nel mio tempo libero mi piace [activity]. (In my free time, I like [activity].)

 
4. Useful phrases to keep the conversation going

A conversation doesn’t end with greetings! Here are some questions to deepen the dialogue:

• E tu, cosa fai nel tempo libero? (And you, what do you do in your free time?)

• Cosa ti piace fare? (What do you like to do?)

• Hai qualche consiglio su [topic]? (Do you have any advice on [topic]?)

 
5. Ending the conversation

When it’s time to say goodbye, use these phrases to conclude the conversation in a friendly way:

• È stato un piacere parlare con te. (It was a pleasure talking to you.)

• Ci sentiamo presto! (See you soon!)

• Buona giornata! (Have a nice day!)

 
Try writing your own dialogue!

Now it’s your turn! Write a short dialogue in the comments using the phrases you’ve learned. I’d be happy to provide feedback to help you improve!

Want to see these phrases in action? Watch our video tutorial on Italian dialogues to hear authentic pronunciations and learn in a practical context.

Don’t miss the chance to continue learning with our video content!