Italian For Travel in Italy
In the Hotel, Airport, or Train Station - The Italian Words to Know
Nov 2, 2009
While English is becoming more and more common in Italy, visitors may still face a few language barriers when traveling to hotels, through airports, and the ever-confusing Italian train stations.
Italian to Know at the Hotel
Most hotels in Italy have a few English speakers on staff. However, the little bed and breakfasts may not speak a word. Just in case, there are some common words and phrases to aid the language situation at an Italian hotel.
A hotel in Italy can either bear the name albergo meaning hotel, ostello meaning hostel or pensione denoting an inn or bed and breakfast. Upon arrival, guests can say “Ho fatto una prenotazione sotto il cognome _____.” This phrase translates, “I made a reservation under the last name _____.” With just this phrase said at check-in, usually the hotel staffer will breeze through the check-in process without any lost in translation moments.
Other common words used in Italian hotels include camera or room. A “camera doppia” means a room with two twin beds, a “camera matrimoniale” means a room with a queen sized bed, and a “camera singola” is a single bedroom. Guests that want a room with a bath, can say “con bagno” or “with bath”. Those that want a room with a shower can say “con doccia” or “with shower”.
Italian to Know in the Airport and Train Station
The airports and train stations of Italy feature a number of signs only in Italian. This is changing somewhat in the bigger airports and stations with English and Italian featured, but knowing some words in Italian will allow for smoother travels.
Arrivi meaning arrivals will lead travelers to arrival flights and trains. Partenze meaning departures will guide travelers to where their flight or train may be departing. Bagagli generally points to where baggage can be claimed. Biglietteria will also be featured above where tickets are sold, and binario with a number following tells travelers exactly what platform their train will depart.
Importance of Italian for Travel
As English seems to take over every country’s language, when traveling to Italy, it is still important to keep in mind the native language. In travel situations, chaos can always ensue. By knowing a few key words and phrases in Italian, travelers will move through Italy free of problems and headaches.
For more help with Italian read Understanding the Italian on the Restaurant Menu, Shopping in Italy and Speaking the Local Tongue, and Learning Some Simple Italian No One Can Refuse
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