Italian Phrases

I just googled "Italian phrases for visitors" and it came up with a number of them - this one looks pretty good.

Plus, you should remember to say "bene" whenever u r pleased w something and "molto bene" for emphasis!!!!

Paul,

You could also just photocopy a few pages from Rick's Phrasebook and laminate the copies, using both sides. Using photocopied pages would allow you to enlarge the pages to whatever size is most convenient for you to carry.

Cheers!

My Italian friend told me you only need to know two phrases when visiting Italy.

Io Fame - I'm hungry

Io Sete - I'm thirsty

I've got one we use posted at the blog address by my name. Easy to copy and paste. Included the words we've used on Italian trips or wanted to use.

Funny thing, most times I use Italian phrases in Italy, I get a reply in English! Even when I say, "Buongiorno," I ofter hear something like, "How can I help you?" in response. I guess once an American always an American -- but as a courtesy to locals, I always give it my best shot. I like the Lonely Planet Italian phrasebook -- it's cheap enough and helpful.

If you have some time before your trip, why not commit some of the language to memory? www.learnitalianpod.com has free downloadable lessons. You can put them on your mp3 player or your computer. They are short (10 - 20 second) conversations that Jane and Massimo break down and explain in about 10 minutes each. There are 50 beginner lessons as well as many other categories. I learned the first 50, plus several others, and found the information valuable and very useful. I ran into many Italians who spoke no English and was grateful to know how to ask directions and understand the reply!
have a great time on your trip! I can't wait to go back!