Language
Italian belongs to the Romance language group, originating in Latin. A beautiful, melodic language, it bears resemblance to both French and Spanish. Visitors with some knowledge of these languages should have little problem understanding Italian, particularly as it is normally accompanied by a great deal of hand-waving and face-pulling. There are many dialects in the Italian language, owing to the strong regional influences and relatively recent unification (1860). The Bolognese speak Italian with a distinct nasal twang. Common words heard in the vernacular include Bulagna (Bologna), turtleim (tortellini) and arvaia (peas).
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 & - Mi chiamo & 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? Do you speak english? - Parla inglese? I don’t understand - Non capisco Where is &? - Dov’è &? Entrance - Entrata Exit - Uscita Danger - Pericolo Open - Aperto Closed - Chiuso Toilets - Bagno / Servizio Doctor - Medico Hotel - Albergo Restaurant - Ristorante Beer - Birra Wine - Vino Menu - Menù Today - Oggi Tomorrow - Domanì Monday - Lunedì Tuesday - Martedì Wednesday - Mercoledì Thursday - Giovedì Friday - Venerdì Saturday - Sabato Sunday - Domenica One - Uno Two - Due Three - Tre Four - Quattro Five - Cinque Six - Sei Seven - Sette Eight - Otto Nine - Nove Ten - Dieci Twenty - Venti Thirty - Trenta Forty - Quaranta Fifty - Cinquanta Sixty - Sessanta Seventy - Settanta Eighty - Ottanta Ninety - Novanta One Hundred - Cento One Thousand - Mille
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