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The One Italian Phrase Tourists Always Forget (But Locals Love)
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The One Italian Phrase Tourists Always Forget (But Locals Love)

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Most tourists visit Italy armed with “ciao” and “grazie” — but forget the one little phrase that locals secretly love.

After living in Italy for 20 years, I promise: this tiny, two-second phrase does more to open doors (and hearts) than any guidebook ever will.

In this video, I’ll break down the classic phrases everyone knows — and the real insider expressions that make you sound like you actually get Italy. Stick around to the end, because I’ll share the phrase that once helped me dodge an awkward restaurant bill fight… and yes, it involved sparkling water.

Next time you’re here? Use this phrase — and watch the smiles roll in.

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26 Comments

  5. @ArnoldToporowski

    so true about the menus. also if I go to a restaurant and they give me a menu in English i always ask for the Italian menu … because I find the translations on the English menu are often weird.

  11. @Scott_DeVaul

    Prego can also politely imply, "I beg your pardon." Let say someone speaks to you but you didn't catch what they said, it's okay to say "Prego?" instead of "cosa?" Also, Ti voglio bene does mean I love you but that's used more with family and friends. Whereas, "Ti amo" is for the one you love that is either a partner or spouse.

  12. @BabiV76

    Greg, ti prego… PER FAVOREEEEEEEEEE 😂
    Please don't skip any letter, read them all 😘

  17. @bridaw8557

    “Prego” is the door opener.
    They use it for everything especially the service people. All we communicated with older pensioner lady in southern Italy 32 years ago was “Prego” Now I’d speak better Italian as it’s not a hard language to learn if you know something like French. Italians in the South are the most warm and friendly esp if you try to speak Italian. That’s where most Italian immigrants come from as the diaspora in USA

  19. @jman1948

    The one phrase that locals love that I learned was "Cazzo" Ticket machine doesnt work? Cazzo. Elevator broke in your hotel? Cazzo.

  24. @giuseppecalegari3852

    Il saluto "Ciao" è molto usato in Italia e in altri paesi. Deriva dal dialetto veneto, quando Venezia era una Repubblica Marinara indipendente, e in origine era "Sciao" che vuol dire schiavo. Era una formula di cortesia che significava "sono al tuo servizio, se hai bisogno di me". E poi è diventato "Ciao".

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