Italian · Real conversations
Visiting family: Italian conversation practice
Thank a host and take part in a family visit. Read the exchange, reveal the translations when you need them, then try your part before looking at the sample answers.
A2 · Read and rehearse
Your role: A guest visiting a friend's or partner's family.
Goal: Thank a host and take part in a family visit.
Read the conversation
Partner
Benvenuto / benvenuta! Entra e fai come se fossi a casa tua.
Show English translation
Welcome! Come in and make yourself at home.
You
Grazie per avermi invitato / invitata.
Show English translation
Thank you for having me.
Partner
Che bello averti qui. Sto apparecchiando la tavola.
Show English translation
It's lovely to have you. I'm just setting the table.
You
Posso aiutare con qualcosa?
Show English translation
Can I help with anything?
Partner
Grazie, ora la tavola è pronta. È da un po' che non parliamo delle nostre famiglie.
Show English translation
Thanks, the table is ready now. We haven't talked about our families in a while.
You
Come stanno tutti a casa?
Show English translation
How is everyone at home?
Partner
Stanno tutti bene. I miei genitori sono via questa settimana.
Show English translation
Everyone is well. My parents are away this week.
You
Saluta i tuoi genitori da parte mia.
Show English translation
Please give my regards to your parents.
Partner
Lo farò. Anna e io ci conosciamo da anni.
Show English translation
I will. Anna and I have known each other for years.
You
Da quanto tempo vi conoscete?
Show English translation
How long have you known each other?
Try your part first
Partner says: Welcome! Come in and make yourself at home. Your goal: Thank you for having me.
Reveal a sample reply
Grazie per avermi invitato / invitata.
Thank you for having me.
Partner says: It's lovely to have you. I'm just setting the table. Your goal: Can I help with anything?
Reveal a sample reply
Posso aiutare con qualcosa?
Can I help with anything?
Partner says: Thanks, the table is ready now. We haven't talked about our families in a while. Your goal: How is everyone at home?
Reveal a sample reply
Come stanno tutti a casa?
How is everyone at home?
Partner says: Everyone is well. My parents are away this week. Your goal: Please give my regards to your parents.
Reveal a sample reply
Saluta i tuoi genitori da parte mia.
Please give my regards to your parents.
Partner says: I will. Anna and I have known each other for years. Your goal: How long have you known each other?
Reveal a sample reply
Da quanto tempo vi conoscete?
How long have you known each other?
Make it your own
- Ask about a different relative.
- Offer to help set the table.
- Give regards to someone who is away.
Keep the useful expression and change the detail. There can be several appropriate answers; the revealed replies are examples to learn from.
This rehearsal in other languages
A note on speaking Italian
Use tu with friends and Lei with someone you address formally. A request with vorrei or potrebbe can soften the tone; it still helps to say what you need clearly. The examples label the situation so you can choose the appropriate relationship.
Read doubled consonants distinctly and keep the written accents. The English translation explains the intended message; Italian often chooses a different construction rather than matching each English word.
