Rome Language: basic words and phases you will need for your trip

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Rome Guide

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The purest Italian is found in Florence, home of Dante and Boccaccio, whose writings were the basis for standard Italian. Rome, however, is the centre for one of Italy’s two most distinctive dialects (the other is in Naples). Even the Romans will admit to the harshness of their accent, but the sound of the language is made up for by the liveliness of the local expressions, many of which are too rude to find a place in this guide. There is even a restaurant in Rome, La Parolaccia in the Trastevere district, where insults in dialect are exchanged after the repast.

There are plenty of local terms – the metropolitan police are referred to as ‘pizzardone’, and the name of the Rome football team ‘Lazio’ is often used as a strong term of abuse. In Rome, L100 is called una piotta, L1000 un sacco, and L5000 uno scudo. Even without the wealth of confusing expressions, Roman dialect is hard to understand, as not all syllables are pronounced. Fortunately, most professionals will minimise their use of dialect for the sake of foreigners (including Italians from other regions) and some speak French or English.

Words & Phrases

Yes - Si

No - No

Hello - Buon giorno / Buona sera (after 1500)

Goodbye - Arrivederla (formal) / Arrivederci (informal)

Please - Per favore

Thank you - Grazie

My name is &ellips; - Mi chiamo &ellips;

How are you? - Come sta?

I’m very well - Sto molto bene

I feel ill - Non mi sento bene

How much does it cost? - Quanto costa?