50 phrases · Levels: A1A2B1B2
Piacere di conoscerla.
Pleased to meet you. (formal)
The essential formal greeting when meeting parents or elderly relatives of a partner. Always use 'lei' (formal) with parents unless invited to use 'tu'.
Lei ha cresciuto bene suo figlio — devo ringraziarla.
You raised your son well — I have to thank you for it.
Said to a parent to praise how they raised their child — one of the most impactful compliments you can give.
Ho portato qualcosa per voi — spero che vi piaccia.
I brought something for you — I hope you like it.
When presenting a gift upon arrival at a family home — essential Italian etiquette that signals respect and thoughtfulness.
Che tavola meravigliosa — grazie per tutto questo.
What a wonderful table — thank you for all of this.
Upon sitting down to a family meal — expressing genuine admiration for the effort put into preparing the table and food.
Mi racconta un po' di sé?
Will you tell me a little about yourself?
Inviting a parent to share about themselves — turning the conversation away from you and showing genuine interest in them.
Da quanto tempo vive in questa zona?
How long have you lived in this area?
Making conversation about the family's local roots — showing interest in where they come from and their connection to the area.
C'è qualcosa che posso fare?
Is there anything I can do?
Offering to help at any point during a family visit — setting the table, bringing dishes, helping in the kitchen.
Speriamo che i tuoi mi approvino.
I hope your family approves of me.
Expressing nervousness before or after a family meeting — sharing the anxiety of wanting to be accepted.
Cosa ha studiato, se posso chiedere?
What did you study, if I may ask?
Getting to know a parent by asking about their educational background — showing interest in who they were before they became a parent.
Grazie infinite per la vostra ospitalità.
Thank you so much for your hospitality.
At the conclusion of a family visit — expressing deep gratitude for being welcomed into the home.
Questi fiori sono per lei, signora.
These flowers are for you, signora.
Presenting flowers specifically to the mother of a partner — a classic and always appreciated gesture at a first family meeting.
Siete davvero in tanti — che bella famiglia grande!
There really are a lot of you — what a lovely big family!
When meeting an unexpectedly large extended family — expressing joyful surprise at the size and warmth of the gathering.
Il pranzo della domenica è una tradizione bellissima.
Sunday lunch is a beautiful tradition.
Expressing admiration for the Sunday family lunch tradition — showing you understand and value its importance in Italian culture.
La nonna è il cuore della famiglia.
Grandma is the heart of the family.
Observing and commenting on the central role of the grandmother — especially after a family meal or gathering where her importance is visible.
La cucina di sua madre è davvero qualcosa di speciale.
Your mother's cooking is truly something special.
Complimenting the cooking of a partner's mother — essential after eating at the family home, and one of the most powerful compliments you can give.
Tuo padre mi ha fatto molte domande — credo che ci tenga.
Your father asked me many questions — I think he cares a lot.
Describing the experience of being questioned by a partner's father — a rite of passage that is actually a sign of care and seriousness.
Ero così nervoso/a che quasi non riuscivo a parlare.
I was so nervous I could barely speak.
Describing post-hoc how nervous you were before or during a family meeting — vulnerability that endears you to your partner.
Vedo che in questa famiglia i valori contano molto.
I can see that values matter a lot in this family.
Observing the clear moral character of a partner's family — showing that you have noticed something deeper than surface behaviour.
Posso chiamarla per nome o preferisce che usi 'signora'?
Can I call you by your first name or do you prefer I use 'signora'?
After a successful first family visit — asking permission to use a parent's first name signals growing familiarity without overstepping.
Ci rivedremo presto — spero davvero.
We'll see each other again soon — I truly hope so.
At the end of a family visit — expressing genuine desire to see them again rather than the polite farewell formula.
Posso vedere qualche foto di quando eri piccolo/a?
Can I see some photos of when you were little?
When visiting a family home and noticing photo albums or framed photos — showing interest in the partner's childhood history.
Quindi sei il/la piccolo/a di casa?
So you're the youngest in the family?
Discovering the birth order of the partner in their family — an interesting conversation starter with revealing cultural implications.
Buon compleanno, signora — le ho portato qualcosa.
Happy birthday, signora — I brought you something.
Visiting the partner's family for a birthday — remembering and honouring this occasion is a significant sign of care and commitment.
Mi fate sentire già parte della famiglia.
You make me feel like part of the family already.
Said during or after a warm family gathering — expressing how naturally you fit and how welcomed you feel.
Avete delle tradizioni particolari in famiglia?
Do you have any particular traditions in your family?
Opening a conversation about family customs — showing interest in the rituals that shape the family's identity and annual calendar.
Spero che possiamo costruire qualcosa di bello tutti insieme.
I hope we can build something beautiful all together.
After a successful family meeting — expressing hope for a shared future that includes the partner's family as part of your own life.
Vi presento la mia ragazza, Sofia.
Let me introduce my girlfriend, Sofia.
When formally introducing a partner to family members who have not yet met them.
Posso aiutare a sparecchiare?
Can I help clear the table?
After a family meal — offering to help is a powerful sign of good character and upbringing.
Non avevo mai mangiato così bene in vita mia.
I've never eaten so well in my entire life.
After finishing a family meal — a generous, genuine compliment about the food that delights any Italian mother.
Può darmi un consiglio? Lei la conosce meglio di me.
Can you give me some advice? You know her better than I do.
When asking a parent for relationship advice — showing humility and respect for their knowledge of their child.
Sì grazie — assaggio volentieri.
Yes please — I'm happy to try it.
When offered food at a family home — always accept, never refuse. Refusing food in an Italian home is considered rude.
Grazie per aver aperto la vostra casa a me.
Thank you for opening your home to me.
At the end of a family visit — a heartfelt expression of gratitude for the hospitality and welcome received.
Ogni domenica pranziamo tutti insieme.
Every Sunday we all have lunch together.
When a partner describes their family's Sunday tradition — essential to understand and respect if you're joining the family.
Torni quando vuole — è sempre benvenuto qui.
Come back whenever you like — you're always welcome here.
Said by a parent at the end of a first family visit — the most positive sign of acceptance and welcome.
Posso venire con voi a Natale?
Can I come with you for Christmas?
Expressing the desire to spend Christmas with the partner's family — a major step that signals serious commitment.
In famiglia, chi è quello più severo?
In the family, who's the strict one?
Between partners — humorously mapping out family dynamics before or after a first meeting.
Mi sembra che vada d'accordo con i tuoi.
It seems I get along with your family.
Reflecting positively after a family meeting — expressing relief and happiness at the connection made.
Ho capito perché tuo figlio mi parla tanto di voi.
I understand now why your son talks about you so much.
Said to parents after a warm family meeting — connecting your admiration for their child to the evident quality of their upbringing.
Sua madre è davvero una persona speciale.
Your mother is truly a special person.
After meeting your partner's mother — expressing genuine appreciation that your partner will relay with pride.
Ha fratelli o sorelle?
Do you have brothers or sisters?
Getting to know a partner's family — showing genuine interest in their structure and relationships.
Possiamo parlare un momento in privato?
Can we talk for a moment in private?
Asking a parent for a private word — often to express serious intentions or ask permission for something significant.
La nonna vuole farti assaggiare la sua torta.
Grandma wants you to taste her cake.
When the grandmother of the family specifically singles you out to share something — a major sign of acceptance.
Che lavoro fa?
What do you do for work?
When a parent asks about your occupation — a standard question that Italian families use to understand your stability and prospects.
Mi ha raccontato di quando andavate al mare ogni estate.
She told me about when you used to go to the sea every summer.
Referencing a family memory your partner has shared — showing you listen and value their stories.
Spero di non aver fatto niente di sbagliato — non volevo offendere.
I hope I didn't do anything wrong — I didn't want to offend.
If you feel unsure about a gesture or comment — showing awareness and humility after a first family meeting.
La sua famiglia è molto religiosa?
Is your family very religious?
Before or after a family meeting — understanding the religious dimension helps navigate customs, meal blessings, and Sunday Mass.
I tuoi genitori vivono con voi o abitano separati?
Do your parents live with you or separately?
Understanding the living arrangements of a partner's family — multigenerational living is common in Italy and affects relationship logistics.
Com'era questo quartiere quando eri piccolo?
What was this neighbourhood like when you were little?
When visiting a family home — showing interest in the local history and the family's roots in the area.
Siete fidanzati ufficialmente?
Are you officially engaged?
When family members ask about the status of the relationship — clarifying whether you are officially a couple.
Mia madre ti ha già dato un soprannome — buon segno!
My mother has already given you a nickname — good sign!
When a family member spontaneously gives the partner a nickname — one of the warmest signs of acceptance and affection.