
The Ultimate Italian Vocabulary List: 1000’s of Words and Phrases to Learn
Drop that dictionary! You don’t need to learn all 250,000+ Italian words you’ll find in there.
Instead, dedicate your precious time to learning core vocabulary words—words that will form the foundation of your Italian learning and allow you to have real conversations.
Not sure where to start? Check out any of the Italian vocabulary lists linked below and study the ones that are relevant to you for a solid start to your collection of core Italian words.
Contents
- Core Vocabulary
- Travel and Survival Vocabulary
- Hobbies and Pastimes
- Date and Time
- Food, Drink and Restaurant Vocabulary
- Conversational Vocabulary
- Romantic Words and Phrases
- Slang and Casual Expressions
- Italian Sayings and Proverbs
- Easy Italian Words for English Speakers to Pick Up
- Miscellaneous Fun Vocabulary
Download: This blog post is available as a convenient and portable PDF that you can take anywhere. Click here to get a copy. (Download)
Core Vocabulary
Your core vocabulary is a relatively small but very important collection of Italian words that you should know inside and out. These are the most common essentials that you’ll find yourself drawing from on a regular basis. Get started with the most important core vocabulary, like colors, body parts, weather expressions and more.
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https://www.fluentu.com/blog/italian/italian-family-words/
20 Italian Weather Expressions to Describe the Good, the Bad and the Ugly
Weather can be good, bad or downright ugly. Here are 20 Italian weather expressions and terms to describe what’s going on out there and reach expert level at small talk.
25 Animals in Italian to Take You on a Language Safari
Go on a safari in your next study session with 25 animal words in Italian, paired with plenty of cultural context!
Travel and Survival Vocabulary
Whether you’re planning a trip to Italy or just “window shopping” online, don’t forget to pack Italian phrases. They’re just as important as your change of underwear and take up no space in your luggage!
170+ Basic Italian Words and Phrases You Need for Travel—and Everyday Life! | FluentU Italian Blog
Basic Italian words and phrases are essential for any learner. Do you need Italian travel phrases for an upcoming trip, or are you just looking to add more Italian words…
https://www.fluentu.com/blog/italian/italian-train-travel/
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Knowing directions in Italian is crucial if you’re planning a trip to Italy. Otherwise, you might end up lost and confused, wasting valuable travel time! Check out our…
Hobbies and Pastimes
Whether you’re into soccer or Versace, knowing the right words in Italian for your hobbies can help you navigate your pastimes—and find like-minded friends.
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Knowing sports in Italian will open up a whole new world of conversation for you. They’re often part of daily conversation, and by adding some essential terms to your…
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Clothes in Italian: 257 Words and Phrases To Find the Perfect Outfit | FluentU Italian Blog
Knowing the words for clothes in Italian is essential! Fashion is an important part of Italian culture, so it’s important to master this vocabulary. Read this post to…
Date and Time
There’s a reason why language learners often study time, days, months and seasons early in their language journey. Having the right time vocab makes it easier to make plans, discuss future and past events and make sure you always show up on time (or, well, relatively on time).
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Learn to tell time in Italian, even if you’ve never learned Italian before. You’ll be able to say Che ore sono? (What time is it?) and understand Sono le otto (It’s 8…
Your Guide to Months in Italian (with Audio): Vocabulary, Grammar, Related Expressions and More | FluentU Italian Blog
Learn how to say the 12 months in Italian with this informative guide! Read on to find out more about each month in Italian and the seasons and holidays each one brings,…
Your Guide to the Italian Days of the Week (With Audio, Examples and Related Phrases) | FluentU Italian Blog
The Italian days of the week are: lunedì, martedì, mercoledì, giovedì, venerdì, sabato and domenica. Find out exactly how to use them and what they mean culturally in…
The Seasons in Italian: How to Chat About Them and What to Expect | FluentU Italian Blog
The seasons in Italian are useful vocabulary if you’re planning a trip to Italy or frequently chat with native speakers. Check out this post to learn about the seasons in…
Food, Drink and Restaurant Vocabulary
Ah, Italian food. Just reading that probably conjured up images of pasta, topped with some mozzarella, tomatoes and a sprig of basil. Perfection! By the time you get through these posts about Italian cuisine, restaurant and cafe terms and cooking terms, you’re probably going to need a lunch break.
https://www.fluentu.com/blog/italian/italian-food-vocabulary/
30+ Most Common (And Important!) Vegetables in Italian | FluentU Italian Blog
Learning the names of vegetables in Italian can help make your Italian vacation and your home kitchen more exciting! From staples like broccoli and lettuce to…
A Taste of Italy: Learn Fruit in Italian with 85+ Fruit Words, Expressions, Slang and Recipes | FluentU Italian Blog
Italian fruit vocabulary will add some sweet flavor to your language learning. Find out what fruits are the most culturally important to Italy, like the strawberry tree…
How to Order Food in Italian and Feast Like a Roman | FluentU Italian Blog
How to order food in Italian is a basic survival skill if you’re planning on visiting Italy. In this post, we’ll go through phrases and sentences to order different kinds…
How to Order Coffee in Italian Like a True Native | FluentU Italian Blog
Are you wondering how to order coffee in Italian? Then check out this caffeine-fueled post that covers Italian coffee vocabulary and lots of useful phrases you can use…
https://www.fluentu.com/blog/italian/italian-restaurant-vocabulary/
180+ Italian Restaurant Phrases and Vocabulary for Enjoying Authentic Cuisine | FluentU Italian Blog
Learning Italian food vocabulary will help you have a delicious and authentic Italian culinary adventure on your next trip to Italy! In this post, you’ll find 180+ Italian…
Conversational Vocabulary
Don’t just learn Italian words—learn Italian words that you’ll actually use in everyday scenarios! Start with the word lists below, which cover everything from how to say hi and introduce yourself, to the proper way to say goodbye and good night.
https://www.fluentu.com/blog/italian/how-to-say-hello-italian/
Hello in Italian: 60+ Italian Greetings with Audio Pronunciation | FluentU Italian Blog
Learn to say hello in Italian in any situation with this guide to over 60 Italian greetings! From the casual ciao and more formal salve to buongiorno and beyond, we’ve got…
How to Say Goodbye in Italian: 65+ Phrases for a Graceful Exit | FluentU Italian Blog
Find out how to say goodbye in Italian. From “ciao” to “ci vediamo”, we’ll teach you how to say goodbye in Italian in any situation. Whether you’re heading home from the…
7 Ways to Say Good Night in Italian [with Pronunciation and Examples] | FluentU Italian Blog
Learn how to say “good night” in Italian in seven different ways! Plus, discover exactly when you should say the phrases and what type of formality you need to use. Read…
How to Introduce Yourself in Italian and Make a Great First Impression
First impressions are everything! Learn how to properly introduce yourself in Italian with the right vocabulary and some notes on cultural etiquette.
https://www.fluentu.com/blog/italian/basic-italian-phrases/
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Italian exclamations extend far beyond the ubiquitous “Mamma mia!” Some of these exclamations have a pretty straightforward meaning and usage (e.g., “salute” means…
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Learn how to say thank you in Italian and express degrees of gratitude with this complete guide. “Grazie” (thank you) will serve you well, but perhaps you want to spice it…
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Saying sorry in Italian is an essential skill as an Italian learner. Click here to find out about the different expressions in the Italian language for “I apologize,”…
Congratulations in Italian: 12 Key Phrases for Celebrating Accomplishments and Special Occasions | FluentU Italian Blog
Congratulations in Italian can be expressed in many ways, from the simple “bravo” to the formal “congratulazioni.” Knowing the right words will make weddings, birthdays,…
Into the Wolf’s Mouth! 4 Ways to Say Good Luck in Italian
Find out four phrases you can use to wish someone good luck in Italian. Learn what these Italian phrases mean and when it’s appropriate to use them, and discover…
“Happy Birthday” in Italian: 60 Words and Phrases for Best Birthday Wishes [With Audio] | FluentU Italian Blog
Knowing how to say “happy birthday” in Italian is important for any language learner. There are many options to choose from, such as “buon compleanno” or “tanti auguri!”…
“Allora” in Italian: Meanings, Expressions and More | FluentU Italian Blog
“Allora” in Italian is one of the most versatile and useful words you’ll learn with many different uses! This post will cover the most common uses of “allora,” including…
Pronto in Italian: The Complete Guide [With Examples and Pronunciation] | FluentU Italian Blog
The word “pronto” in Italian is used in many situations and so it’s an essential word to add to your vocabulary. Click here to see how to use “pronto” in different…
Romantic Words and Phrases
Italian is known worldwide as “the language of love.” When you want to get a bit romantic, reach for these exquisite Italian words and expressions. Because when the Italian language is used to express your love for someone, well, that’s amore (love). Literally!
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These Italian pick up lines are fun, romantic and cheesy, and they’ll improve your Italian language skills! Read on for 32 Italian pick up lines, from classic…
How to Flirt in Italian: 40 Essential Terms and Phrases [With Audio] | FluentU Italian Blog
Learning how to flirt in Italian is easy since it’s a naturally romantic language! You just need to learn some key vocabulary and use it with a lighthearted confidence and…
Italian Nicknames: 118 Italian Terms of Endearment for Every Relationship | FluentU Italian Blog
Use Italian nicknames or terms of endearment to show your love to all the special people in your life. Whether it’s a child, family member, friend or lover, Italian has…
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These romantic Italian phrases will help you put your best flirt forward! Learn how to give compliments sweetly in Italian, how to express your love and how to talk about…
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If You Vow to Learn About Italian Wedding Customs, Phrases and Vocab, Say “I Do”
Going to an Italian wedding? Then you need to know these phrases, vocab and customs. They’re also great if you love Italian culture and want to learn more!
Slang and Casual Expressions
Hey there, what’s hanging? It’s time to ditch the textbook (temporarily, at least) and get down with the local lingo. To sound more authentic, check out some Italian slang that you can use in person or online.
All the Hip Internet Slang You Need to LOL in Italian
There’s a world of Italian internet slang you’ll need when using your Italian online. Here’s everything you need to stay hip and connected!
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These 30 Italian slang words and phrases will help you speak Italian more naturally, so you can sound like a local! We’ve also included audio, so you can practice your…
20 Ways to Say Cool in Italian (With Audio) | FluentU Italian Blog
To be cool in Italian, you’ll need to learn some cool Italian words and phrases. While there is no direct translation of “cool,” Italian has an awesome array of cool…
Italian Sayings and Proverbs
Struggling with a particularly difficult grammar point? Don’t forget that “dopo la pioggia, arriva il sole” (after the rain comes sunshine). Frustrated that you only have a few minutes to study? “Meglio aver poco che niente” (it’s better to have a little than nothing). Italian has words of wisdom for every occasion!
https://www.fluentu.com/blog/italian/italian-sayings/
https://www.fluentu.com/blog/italian/italian-proverbs/
40 Cool Italian Idioms for the Smooth-talking Language Learner | FluentU Italian Blog
Italian idioms are a great way to get to know the language better and better understand its speakers. This post will show you 40 of the most useful Italian idioms for you…
Easy Italian Words for English Speakers to Pick Up
Not sure where to go from here? Start with some easy Italian words! You might be surprised at how much Italian you already know thanks to cognates (words that sound and mean the same) between Italian and English.
125 Italian Cognates and Patterns to Help You Remember Them | FluentU Italian Blog
Italian cognates are words that you can learn quickly because they’re very similar to or the same as their counterparts in English, like “moderno” and “naturale.” Check…
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Italian false friends are tricky! Here are 14 Italian words that sound just like English words, but have very different meanings. Don’t let them fool you!
Same but Different: 50 Italian Synonyms to Round Out Your Vocabulary
Big, large, humongous: They all mean the same… only not. Express yourself more precisely with Italian synonyms and their various nuances.
Miscellaneous Fun Vocabulary
Italian is a playful language. Have some fun with your learning by adding some of these funny, unique and fun expressions to your Italian studies.
20 Funny Italian Phrases to Spread Some Smiles (With Audio) | FluentU Italian Blog
Funny Italian phrases are great for adding some color to your everyday conversations and impressing native speakers! Whether you have hair on your tongue or frogs in your…
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There are plenty of beautiful Italian words out there, but this post will give you 16 of the most beautiful Italian words that you should know. Along with pronunciation…
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Learn unique Italian words and start to sound like a native speaker by adding an authentic flair to your Italian conversations. Spice up your conversations with these 11…
You’re ready to take on the Italian-speaking world with all these Italian vocabulary words and expressions in your bag. Bravo! (Great job!)