ArrivoBuddy·30-Day Italian Course
Day 03Free
Directions, transport, buying & asking help
Asking for directionsTrains & bus ticketsBuying everyday itemsAsking for help
Key phrases
| Italian | Pronunciation | English | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dov'è la stazione? | doh-VEH lah stah-TSYOH-neh | Where is the station? | Swap 'la stazione' for any place |
| Vada dritto | VAH-dah DREE-toh | Go straight (formal) | |
| Giri a sinistra / destra | JEE-ree ah see-NEE-strah / DEH-strah | Turn left / right (formal) | |
| È vicino / lontano? | eh vee-CHEE-no / lon-TAH-no | Is it near / far? | |
| Un biglietto per Bologna | oon beel-YET-toh pair bo-LOH-nyah | A ticket to Bologna | |
| Qual è il binario? | kwahl eh eel bee-NAH-ryo | Which platform? | |
| Quanto costa? | KWAN-toh KOS-tah | How much does it cost? | |
| Posso pagare con carta? | POS-so pah-GAH-reh kon KAR-tah | Can I pay by card? | |
| Mi può aiutare? | mee PWOH ah-yoo-TAH-reh | Can you help me? (formal) | |
| Non capisco — può ripetere? | non kah-PEES-ko — PWOH ree-PEH-teh-reh | I don't understand — can you repeat? |
Grammar tip
Formal command forms (imperative Lei)
When asking strangers for directions, Italians use the formal imperative: Vada (go), Giri (turn), Prenda (take). These end in -a or -i. Informal forms (Vai, Gira, Prendi) are used with friends. When in doubt, use the formal forms — they never cause offence.
India note
Italian transport needs pre-purchased tickets
Unlike Indian buses where you pay onboard, Italian trains and city buses require a valid ticket BEFORE boarding. Inspectors fine heavily (~€50-100). Buy train tickets on Trenitalia or Italo apps; validate bus tickets in the machine when boarding.
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