🌤️ Italian phrase guide
How to make small talk in Italian
Small talk is where real fluency shows: no script, no menu, just a friendly chat. These phrases (in the casual "you" you'd use with a friendly neighbour) get you through the weather, the weekend and a warm goodbye.
Practice this conversation out loud, free →Key Italian phrases
| Italian | English | Listen |
|---|---|---|
| Come va? | How's it going? | |
| Che bella giornata oggi, vero? | Nice weather today, isn't it? | |
| Che caldo / che freddo! | It's so hot / so cold! | |
| Hai programmi per il fine settimana? | Any plans for the weekend? | |
| Niente di speciale, mi riposo. | Not much, just relaxing. | |
| Com'è andato il fine settimana? | How was your weekend? | |
| Da quanto tempo abiti qui? | How long have you lived here? | |
| Che lavoro fai? | What do you do for work? | |
| È stato un piacere chiacchierare! | Nice talking to you! | |
| Ci vediamo! | See you around! |
Example conversation
Neighbour
Ciao! Come va?
Hi! How's it going?
You
Bene, grazie! Che bella giornata oggi, vero?
Good, thanks! Nice weather today, isn't it?
Neighbour
Finalmente! Hai programmi per il fine settimana?
Finally! Any plans for the weekend?
You
Vado al mare con degli amici. E tu?
I'm going to the beach with some friends. And you?
Neighbour
Niente di speciale, mi riposo a casa.
Nothing special, just relaxing at home.
You
Ottima idea! Ci vediamo!
Sounds good! See you around!
Good to know
💡 "Come va?" and "Che bella giornata!" are perfect openers. Italians often add "dai" for warmth, as in "Dai, ci vediamo!" (come on, see you soon!).
Reading phrases isn't the same as saying them.
Have this conversation with an AI partner who plays the other person, answers back, gives you a tip when something sounds off, and lets you speak your replies out loud. Free, no signup needed.
Practice "Small talk" in Italian →More Italian situations
☕ How to order coffee🍽️ How to order at a restaurant🧭 How to ask for directions🏨 How to check into a hotel🙋 How to introduce yourself🩺 How to make a doctor's appointment🚆 How to buy a train ticket👕 How to shop for clothes📞 How to book a table💊 How to ask for help at a pharmacy