Italian · Real conversations
Support and boundaries: useful Italian phrases
Show care while being clear about your limits.
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.
- I'm sorry to hear that
mi dispiace sentirlo
I'm sorry to hear that
- Are you okay?
Stai bene?
Are you okay?
- I agree
sono d'accordo
I agree
- Don't worry
non preoccuparti
Don't worry
Make the conversation more specific
| What you want to say | Italian |
|---|---|
| I'm sorry to hear that | mi dispiace sentirlo I'm sorry to hear that |
| Are you okay? | Stai bene? Are you okay? |
| I agree | sono d'accordo I agree |
| Don't worry | non preoccuparti Don't worry |
| Would you like to talk about it? | Ti va di parlarne? Show English translationWould you like to talk about it? |
| I'd prefer not to discuss that. | Preferirei non parlarne. Show English translationI'd prefer not to discuss that. |
| I see what you mean, but ... | Capisco cosa intendi, ma … Show English translationI see what you mean, but … |
| I don't feel comfortable with that. | Questa cosa mi mette a disagio. Show English translationI don't feel comfortable with that. |
| Let me think about it. | Fammi pensarci. Show English translationLet me think about it. |
Read the other side of the exchange
Partner
È stata una settimana difficile, ma non so bene cosa dire.
I've had a hard week, but I'm not sure what to say.
You
Ti va di parlarne?
Would you like to talk about it?
Partner
Magari più tardi. Posso chiederti perché hai lasciato il tuo ultimo lavoro?
Maybe later. Can I ask why you left your last job?
You
Preferirei non parlarne.
I'd prefer not to discuss that.
Support and boundaries 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.
