Traveller’s Italian

Non parlo italiano. — I don’t speak Italian.

Parla inglese? — Do you speak English?

Non capisco. — I don’t understand.

If you can say you don’t speak Italian, in Italian, then honey, you’re speaking Italian.

Here’s my basic list of tourist words you need to know in any language:

Yes, no, hello, goodbye, sorry, excuse me, please, thank you, where, restroom, the numbers 1-10, a business card with your destination written on it in the language of that country, the business card of your hotel.

You don’t need to know how to say “Please where is the restroom”. Subjects and verbs are highly overrated. Just say “restroom?” in a questioning tone and everyone will know what you mean.

Now go forth and shop and take pictures!