Language

Bologna

Italian belongs to the Romance language group, originating in Latin. A beautiful, melodic language, it bears resemblance to both French and Spanish. Visitors with some knowledge of these languages should have little problem understanding Italian, particularly as it is normally accompanied by a great deal of hand-waving and face-pulling. There are many dialects in the Italian language, owing to the strong regional influences and relatively recent unification (1860). The Bolognese speak Italian with a distinct nasal twang. Common words heard in the vernacular include Bulagna (Bologna), turtleim (tortellini) and arvaia (peas).

Phrases

Yes - Si
No - No
Hello - Buon giorno / Buona sera (after 1500)
Goodbye - Arrivederla
(formal) / Arrivederci (informal)
Please - Per favore
Thank you - Grazie
My name is … - Mi chiamo …
How are you? - Come sta?
I’m very well - Sto molto bene
I feel ill - Non mi sento bene
How much does it cost - Quanto costa?
Do you speak english? - Parla inglese?
I don’t understand - Non capisco
Where is …? - Dov’è …?
Entrance - Entrata
Exit - Uscita
Danger - Pericolo
Open - Aperto
Closed - Chiuso
Toilets - Bagno / Servizio
Doctor - Medico
Hotel - Albergo
Restaurant - Ristorante
Beer - Birra
Wine - Vino
Menu - Menù
Today - Oggi
Tomorrow - Domanì
Monday - Lunedì
Tuesday - Martedì
Wednesday - Mercoledì
Thursday - Giovedì
Friday - Venerdì
Saturday - Sabato
Sunday - Domenica
One - Uno
Two - Due
Three - Tre
Four - Quattro
Five - Cinque
Six - Sei
Seven - Sette
Eight - Otto
Nine - Nove
Ten - Dieci
Twenty - Venti
Thirty - Trenta
Forty - Quaranta
Fifty - Cinquanta
Sixty - Sessanta
Seventy - Settanta
Eighty - Ottanta
Ninety - Novanta
One Hundred - Cento
One Thousand - Mille