To get started with basic Italian, learn essential phrases like "Ciao" (hello/bye), "Grazie" (thank you), and "Per favore" (please). Mastering common greetings and expressions of politeness is crucial for everyday interactions. Additionally, understanding basic questions like "Come va?" (How are you?) and "Scusi" (excuse me) can be helpful in various situations.

Here's a more detailed breakdown:

Greetings and Polite Expressions:

  • Ciao: The most common informal greeting, used for both hello and goodbye.
  • Buongiorno: Formal greeting, meaning "Good morning/day".
  • Buonasera: Evening greeting, meaning "Good evening".
  • Grazie: Thank you.
  • Per favore: Please.
  • Prego: You're welcome.
  • Scusi: Excuse me (singular) or excuse me/sorry (general).
  • Mi scusi: Formal excuse me.
  • Mi dispiace: I'm sorry.

Basic Questions and Phrases:

  • Come va? How are you? (informal).
  • Come sta? How are you? (formal).
  • Come si dice…? How do you say...?.
  • Dov'è…? Where is...?.
  • Posso aiutarla? Can I help you? (formal).
  • Posso aiutarvi? Can I help you? (plural).
  • Posso aiutarti? Can I help you? (informal).
  • Dove posso trovare…? Where can I find...?.
  • Potrebbe ripetere, per favore? Could you repeat that, please?.
  • Mi sono perso/a: I am lost.

Numbers:

  • Uno: (1), due (2), tre (3), quattro (4), cinque (5), sei (6), sette (7), otto (8), nove (9), dieci (10).
There are multiple options for learning Italian and other languages in the Vicenza Military Community:
  1. The SETAF-AF Language and Culture Training Center, bldg. 82 on Caserma Ederle near the Chapel Gate. It's an official source for learning Italian and other mission essential languages. You can call 646-7238/7235 or 0444-71-7238/7235 Or click HERE to sign up.
  2. The library also has free access to Mango @ https://mwrlibrary.armybiznet.com/screens/resources.html
  3. ACS offers a Benvenuti Cultural Integration Class and Italian as a Second Language (ISL) Contact ACS for more, call +39 0444-71-5829 (DSN: 646-5829) @ https://home.army.mil/italy/my-garrison-Italy/pcsguidevic/living-vicenza/language-help
  4. For credit college classes are offered by University of Maryland Global Campus @ https://europe.umgc.edu/