This episode’s audio doesn’t exist, and we have technology to blame (poof! gone into cyberspace!). Instead of listening to this episode, feel free to use the notes below to learn more about the topic. And if you’re like, “CHER, NO. I NEED THIS EPISODE,” then let me know in the comments below. I’ll put it on my list to record again!

If there wasn’t enough standing in your way of learning a language, there is one huge issue that you need to address right away.

We’ll talk about what it is in this podcast, and we’ll go over 11 basic expressions that you definitely need to know in Italian.

Phrases

— Ciao bella. Ciao bello! – Hi there! Bye!
— Va bene! – Good. Okay. Agreed. Sounds good.
— Permesso! – Excuse me! Coming through!
— Grazie! – Thanks! Thank you!
— Prego! – You’re welcome! Please ( in the sense of ‘please come through’).
— Mi Scusi/Mi Scusa! – Excuse me!
— Arrivederci/Arrivederla! – Goodbye!
— Un pezzo di questo. – A piece of this. (while you point at some food)
— Mi sento… – I feel
— Mi dispiace. – I’m sorry.
— Mi piace…/Mi piacciono – I like

Your task:

Your task for today is to choose one of these phrases and use it throughout the day in correct situations. There are a couple of ways to avoid looking crazy if there are other people involved.

For example, if you open the door for someone and they say thank you. You can say you’re welcome in English, but then when they’re gone, say prego out loud to yourself.

Or if a coworker walks over and asks how you’re doing. Say you’re doing pretty well and then after they’re gone. Say out loud Mi sento bene.

Tell me how it went in the comments below!

Links mentioned in the show:

— 4 Steps to Creating the Most Productive (&awesome!) Language Learning Schedule
— Formal & Informal Italian (or when should I be polite & when can I be casual?)
— Italian Singular & Plural Nouns (& a little masculine/feminine action, too)
— Mi Piacciono le Donne – the song I mentioned!