Italian phrases for dealing with offices, banks and landlords
You don't need fluent Italian to get through the paperwork, but a handful of polite, practical phrases helps a great deal. This guide gives you the ones that matter most, in the formal form that offices expect.
Before you go
Write down your questions beforehand and bring them on paper.
Bring your documents and copies in a folder, in the order you may need them.
Greet with Buongiorno (or Buonasera in the afternoon) and finish with Grazie. It changes the mood.
Keep a translation app ready for single words, but rely on these phrases for the main conversation.
The essentials
Mi scusi, parla inglese?
Excuse me, do you speak English?
Non parlo molto bene l'italiano.
I don't speak Italian very well.
Potrebbe ripetere più lentamente, per favore?
Could you please repeat that more slowly?
Non ho capito. Può spiegarmelo in modo più semplice?
I didn't understand. Could you explain it more simply?
Potrebbe scrivermelo, per favore?
Could you write that down for me?
Asking what you need
Vorrei fare richiesta di [documento].
I would like to apply for [document].
Di quali documenti ho bisogno?
Which documents do I need?
Serve un appuntamento?
Do I need an appointment?
Dove devo andare per questa pratica?
Where do I go for this?
Cosa devo portare esattamente, e in che ordine?
What exactly do I need to bring, and in what order?
Accettate un'autocertificazione?
Do you accept a self-declaration?
Dove posso comprare una marca da bollo?
Where can I buy a marca da bollo?
At the counter
Ho un appuntamento alle [ora].
I have an appointment at [time].
Questo documento è corretto?
Is this document correct?
Qual è il prossimo passo?
What is the next step?
Quanto tempo ci vuole, più o meno?
Roughly how long does it take?
A chi devo rivolgermi se ci sono problemi?
Who should I contact if there is a problem?
Before you leave
Posso avere una ricevuta?
Can I have a receipt?
Posso avere una copia timbrata?
Can I have a stamped copy?
Grazie per la pazienza.
Thank you for your patience.
Common mistakes
Leaving without a receipt or a written answer.
Nodding when you haven't understood. Ask them to write it down.
Using the informal form. The phrases above are formal, which is what offices expect.
Going without questions prepared.
The one question for every office
If you remember only one phrase, make it this: Cosa devo portare esattamente, e in che ordine? (What exactly do I need to bring, and in what order?). Write the answer down.
What comes next
Put the phrases to work with the first 30 days, and look up each term in the glossary.
General information only, not legal, tax or immigration advice. Procedures vary by city and individual situation, so confirm with the relevant office. See the full disclaimer.