Before you go to Italy, there are some essential Italian words to know. Not only will you hear these words all the time, but when you use them locals will be super impressed. And you’ll probably be understood more often, which is a huge plus. Here are 7 of our favorite Italian words you should know before you go:

1. Allora – so, then, well
   You’ll hear this all. the. time. Allora is a great filler word that Italians use constantly. Kind of like how we use the word ‘so’ in English. You’ll pick up on the meaning as you hear it. 
2. Quindi – so, therefore, next
   It basically means ‘therefore’ as in: Sta per sole, quindi indossa la protezione solare (It’s going to be sunny, so wear sunscreen.) But quindi also means next, or then as in: Ho messo le scarpe, quindi sono uscita. (I put my shoes on, then I went out.)
3. Va bene – very well, all right, good
   You’ll also hear this all the time! 
4. Ecco – here, voila
   The Italian equivalent of ‘here you are or ‘there we go.’
5. Aspetta – wait
   This one is definitely handy to know, especially with kids! 
   
6. Boh – um, hmm, I don’t know
   Super informal word for ‘I don’t know.’ You might notice an Italian say this and shrug their shoulders.
7. Cavolo – cabbage (crap)
   A milder word instead of cazzo (s***) that means basically the same thing. Kind of like our ‘crap’ in English.

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