Italian · Real conversations
Meeting people: useful Italian phrases
Start a friendly exchange and find a connection.
Start with the essentials
Start with the essential words and expressions below. Next, learn the five specific phrases in the reference table. Finally, read both sides of the exchange and try the linked rehearsal before revealing its sample replies. This collection connects to the broader vocabulary topic.
- Hello
ciao
Hello
- Nice to meet you
piacere
Nice to meet you
- What's your name?
Come ti chiami?
What's your name?
- Where are you from?
Di dove sei?
Where are you from?
Make the conversation more specific
| What you want to say | Italian |
|---|---|
| Hello | ciao Hello |
| Nice to meet you | piacere Nice to meet you |
| What's your name? | Come ti chiami? What's your name? |
| Where are you from? | Di dove sei? Where are you from? |
| What brings you here? | Come mai sei qui? Show English translationWhat brings you here? |
| How do you know ...? | Come conosci …? Show English translationHow do you know …? |
| Is this your first time here? | È la prima volta che vieni qui? Show English translationIs this your first time here? |
| I've heard a lot about you. | Ho sentito parlare molto di te. Show English translationI've heard a lot about you. |
| Have we met before? | Ci siamo già incontrati? Show English translationHave we met before? |
Read the other side of the exchange
Partner
Ciao, sono qui in visita da un'altra città.
Hello, I'm visiting from another town.
You
Come mai sei qui?
What brings you here?
Partner
Mi ha invitato Anna. È un'amica di vecchia data.
Anna invited me. She's an old friend.
You
Come conosci Anna?
How do you know Anna?
Meeting people 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.
