8 Common Italian Phrases Every Student Should Know

Italian is one of the most popular and influential languages in the world. It is among the most studied languages globally, with several online classes available. You’ve probably spoken some Italian without knowing, from ordering foods such as pizza, cappuccino to saying good morning (Buonasera). Many English words are surprisingly common Italian phrases.

However, knowing a few words is not enough to get you by studying in Italy. We’ll give you a few common phrases to help you get started.

Common Italian Phrases For Students

Taking an Italian course is fun, especially when you already know a few words and phrases to give you a head start. Here are some common Italian terms every student should know.

Sto Studiando In Biblioteca

You know when you are trying to skip hanging out with your roommate but can’t find a legitimate excuse? Instead of sitting in silence, you can say, “Sto studiando in biblioteca,” which means I’m studying in the library.

Potrei Avere Un’estensione Alla Scadenza 

Sometimes it’s hard to finish an assignment or a project on time. To ask for a deadline extension in Italian, say “Potrei avere un’estensione alla scadenza?” 

Puo Ripeterlo Per Favore?

Natives tend to speak very fast, and chances are you may not always get what they’re saying. If someone speaks to you and you’d like them to slow down a bit, say, “Puo ripeterlo per favore?” This means, can you repeat it, please.

Non Capisco

When having a conversation or someone says something you don’t understand, say “non capisco” to mean, I can’t understand you. This will prompt the listener to repeat themselves or explain the point in simpler terms.

Devo Essere Preparato Per Gli Esami! 

When exams are fast approaching and you have no time to play games or go drinking, you can say, “Devo essere preparato per gli esami!” This means I have to prepare for my exams.

In Bocca Al Lupo

The phrase means “to be in the wolf’s mouth.” Italians use this phrase a lot when trying to wish each other the best. You can use the phrase to wish your friends good luck in their exams or when they are about to give a presentation.

Hai Voluto La Bicicletta E Adesso Pedala

“Hai voluto la bicicletta e adesso pedala” loosely translates as, you wanted the bicycle, now ride it, and it means you got yourself into trouble, now deal with it. Many students in Italian schools use the phrase when they don’t spend their time wisely.

Essere In Alto Mare

Ever spent time working on a project whose deadline was first approaching, and you still couldn’t get around to completing it? In Italy, a phrase goes, “essere in alto mare,” translated as high seas. The phrase means you are going through a situation that is yet to be resolved or completed.

Learn More Common Italian Phrases With Language Bird

Learning a new language takes practice, patience, and proper guidance. At LanguageBird, we provide interactive online Italian classes to make the learning process fun and more manageable. Contact us today to enjoy personalized instruction so you can learn at your own pace.