51 phrases · Levels: A1A2B1
Ciao! Come ti chiami?
Hi! What's your name?
Use this when meeting someone your own age or younger in a casual setting. It works at parties, social events, or anywhere the atmosphere is relaxed. Avoid it in professional or formal contexts.
Scusi, come si chiama?
Excuse me, what is your name?
Use with adults you are meeting for the first time in a professional or formal setting. Also appropriate when speaking to an older person you don't know. Never use with children or close-age peers in casual situations.
Piacere di conoscerti!
Nice to meet you!
Say this immediately after learning someone's name in an informal context. It is the natural response to an introduction among peers. Use it at parties, through friends, or in any relaxed social situation.
Molto lieto di conoscerla.
Very pleased to meet you.
Use in formal business meetings, academic settings, or when meeting someone significantly older or of higher social status. It conveys genuine respect and polish. Common in northern Italian business culture especially.
Di dove sei?
Where are you from?
Ask this early in a casual conversation after exchanging names. It is one of the most natural follow-up questions when meeting someone new in Italy. Also very common when meeting Italian speakers abroad.
Da quanto tempo sei qui?
How long have you been here?
Ask this when meeting someone new who appears to be a newcomer to the city or country — at an expat meetup, in a language class, or when it comes up naturally that the person has recently moved.
Cosa fai nella vita?
What do you do for a living?
Ask after exchanging names and where you're from. It's one of the first five questions in most Italian casual introductions. Works in social settings but avoid in very formal contexts where 'Che lavoro fa?' is more appropriate.
Sei di qui?
Are you from here?
Use when you are in a specific city or neighborhood and are curious whether the person you're meeting is a local. Very natural at community events, in a new city, or when meeting people through local activities.
Come mai sei in Italia?
What brings you to Italy?
Use when meeting a foreigner or someone who seems to be visiting. It's a warm, curious question — not intrusive. Common at language exchanges, expat events, or when chatting with travelers.
Parli italiano?
Do you speak Italian?
Ask when it is unclear whether the person speaks Italian — for example, if you meet someone who appears foreign or is speaking to you in another language. Also useful when you want to decide which language to use.
Quanti anni hai?
How old are you?
Appropriate in casual social settings among peers. In Italy, asking age is less taboo than in some other cultures, though you should read the situation. Avoid asking older people unless they raise the topic first.
Hai fratelli o sorelle?
Do you have any brothers or sisters?
A very common early question after names and age. It opens up conversation about family — a topic Italians love. Works well in any casual social setting.
Dove abiti?
Where do you live?
Ask after establishing that you are in the same city or area. It helps identify common neighborhoods, commutes, or potential meetups. Perfectly appropriate in casual social settings.
Da quanto abiti qui?
How long have you lived here?
Follow-up to 'Dove abiti?' when you want to know if someone is a long-time resident or a newcomer. Natural at community events, language exchanges, or when meeting new neighbors.
Che lingue parli?
What languages do you speak?
Very natural when meeting someone with a foreign background or in a multilingual context like a language school, expat group, or international workplace. Also great to open conversation about language learning journeys.
Come ti sei trovato qui finora?
How have you found it here so far?
Ask someone who has recently arrived in a city or country. It shows genuine interest in their experience. Perfect at expat meetups, language exchanges, or when meeting foreign colleagues.
Hai qualche hobby?
Do you have any hobbies?
Ask after getting through basics like name, origin, and work. It shifts the conversation toward personality and shared interests. Universal in informal social settings.
Sei qui in vacanza?
Are you here on holiday?
Ask when you meet someone in a tourist area, at a landmark, or somewhere where visitors are common. It's friendly and non-intrusive. Also useful at beaches, resorts, or cultural events.
Ti piace l'Italia?
Do you like Italy?
Ask a foreigner who is visiting or living in Italy. It's a warm, easy conversation opener. Italians genuinely want to know what foreigners think of their country and culture.
Come hai saputo di questo posto?
How did you find out about this place?
Use at a specific venue, event, or gathering — a club, class, meetup, or bar — to open a conversation about how the person discovered the place. It naturally leads to shared connections.
Ci sei mai stato/a?
Have you ever been there?
Use when discussing a city, region, or country that has come up in conversation. Natural when sharing travel experiences or planning trips together. Works in any informal setting.
Cosa ne pensi dell'Italia?
What do you think of Italy?
Ask a foreigner who has spent some time in Italy and whose opinion you genuinely want. It invites a thoughtful response and shows intellectual curiosity. Great for language exchanges or deeper conversations.
Ti presento il mio amico Marco.
Let me introduce my friend Marco to you.
Use when you want to introduce two people to each other. It is the natural informal phrase for making introductions at social gatherings, parties, or casual meetups.
Ci siamo già incontrati?
Have we met before?
Use when you have a sense of recognition but are not sure. It's a polite, curious way to check. Common at social events where you may have crossed paths before.
Posso offrirti qualcosa?
Can I get you something?
Use at a social event, bar, or gathering where you can buy or offer drinks or food. It is a warm gesture of hospitality and a natural conversation opener. Italians often use this to initiate a deeper conversation.
Stai aspettando qualcuno?
Are you waiting for someone?
Use when someone appears to be alone and waiting — at a bar, a party, or an event. It's a friendly, non-intrusive opener that checks in on them and naturally opens a conversation.
Sei venuto/a da solo/a?
Did you come alone?
Use at a party, event, or social gathering when you notice someone without a group. It's casual and friendly. Adjust the ending based on the person's gender: venuto (male), venuta (female).
Come conosci il padrone di casa?
How do you know the host?
Classic party or gathering conversation starter. Use when you don't know someone and want to find out how they are connected to the host. It helps you find common ground or mutual friends quickly.
Posso sedermi qui?
May I sit here?
Use when there is an empty seat next to someone you'd like to talk to — at a bar, café, event, or park. It is polite, respectful of personal space, and a natural conversation opener.
Che ne pensi dell'evento?
What do you think of the event?
Use at any event — a conference, concert, art exhibition, or party — to open a conversation with someone new. It gives the other person an easy chance to share an opinion and feel heard.
Posso avere il tuo numero di telefono?
Can I have your phone number?
Use at the end of a positive first meeting when you want to stay in touch. Works in both friendly and romantic contexts. More direct alternatives like 'Ti lascio il mio numero' are also common.
Sei iscritto a qualche corso o attività?
Are you enrolled in any courses or activities?
Use at a social or community setting to find out what activities the person is involved in. Useful for finding common interests or shared social circles. Natural at a community center, gym, or local event.
Abiti con la famiglia o da solo/a?
Do you live with family or alone?
A natural follow-up after establishing where someone lives. Less intrusive than asking about a partner — it opens conversation about living arrangements without prying into romantic life.
Sei sposato/a o fidanzato/a?
Are you married or in a relationship?
Ask only after a comfortable rapport has been established — not as a first question. More appropriate in social settings than professional ones. Read body language carefully before asking.
Hai figli?
Do you have children?
Appropriate among adults, especially when it comes up naturally (at a playground, parent event, or after discussing family). Avoid if someone seems emotionally sensitive or the context is too early in conversation.
Anche il suo partner lavora?
Does your partner work too?
Use in a formal adult conversation after someone has mentioned they have a partner. It's a polite and inclusive way to show interest in their family situation without making gender assumptions.
Cosa ti piace fare nel weekend?
What do you like to do at the weekend?
A friendly, open-ended question that works in almost any casual social setting. It reveals personality and lifestyle and is an excellent conversation extender after basics have been covered.
Sei appassionato/a di musica?
Are you passionate about music?
Use when looking for a shared interest with someone new. Music is a universally safe topic and one of the richest conversation paths in Italian culture. Works in any social setting.
Sei sportivo/a?
Are you into sports?
A casual, friendly question to explore common ground around sport and fitness. Works at any social occasion. Opens conversation about specific sports, teams, or workout habits.
Ti piace leggere?
Do you like reading?
A classic conversation starter for intellectually oriented social settings — bookshops, libraries, cultural events, or quiet bars. Reveals personality and opens rich conversation about authors and genres.
Sei mai stato/a all'estero?
Have you ever been abroad?
A great conversation starter that opens up travel experiences. Particularly natural when you sense someone has or wants to travel. Works well at language exchanges or multicultural events.
Che tipo di musica ascolti?
What type of music do you listen to?
Use after discovering the person likes music, or as an early topic change toward interests. Music is one of the richest conversation topics in Italy. Works in any informal social setting.
Cosa mangi di solito?
What do you usually eat?
Perfect at a food-related event, market, or when discussing restaurants. Also very natural when the conversation turns to health, diet, or lifestyle. Italians love talking about food — this never fails.
Ti piacciono i film italiani?
Do you like Italian films?
Natural at a cinema, cultural centre, or when discussing entertainment. A great topic to explore shared cultural interests. Particularly engaging with someone who has cultural or academic interests.
Hai animali domestici?
Do you have any pets?
A light, friendly topic that works in any casual social context. Good for warming up conversation — people with pets enjoy talking about them. Also useful as a safe topic after other conversation paths run dry.
Cosa ti ha spinto a imparare l'italiano?
What made you want to learn Italian?
Perfect at a language class, exchange, or when you discover someone is learning Italian. It shows genuine interest in their motivation and often leads to a heartfelt personal story.
Abiti in questa zona da tanto?
Have you lived in this area for a long time?
Natural when meeting someone in your neighborhood, at a local shop, or community event. It establishes whether they are a long-time local who can give advice, or a newcomer like you.
Vai spesso in vacanza?
Do you go on holiday often?
A light, enjoyable topic that works in any social setting. Opens conversation about travel preferences, dream destinations, and shared experiences. Easy to answer and extend.
A presto! Spero di rivederti.
See you soon! I hope to see you again.
Use at the end of a positive first meeting to express genuine interest in seeing the person again. Warmer than a simple 'ciao' and signals that the conversation was enjoyable and the connection worth continuing.
Mi ha fatto molto piacere conoscerti.
It was a real pleasure getting to know you.
Use at the end of a meaningful first conversation to express genuine appreciation. More heartfelt than a simple 'piacere.' Works for both social and semi-formal encounters when a real connection was made.
Non vedo l'ora di rivederti!
I can't wait to see you again!
Use at farewell when you're genuinely excited about a future meeting. Works in both social and romantic contexts. It's enthusiastic — use it only when the sentiment is real, as Italians can detect empty politeness.