A common question for anyone headed to Italy is, “Can You Speak English in Italy?” This article breaks down how common English is across the country, what travelers and expats can expect, and touches on other languages spoken, regional dialects, and Italian attitudes toward speaking English.

This article contains affiliate links which supports us at no extra cost to you.
Jump To
Main Language in Italy
Italian: The Official Language
In Italy, Italian takes the official spot and is spoken by almost everyone. This standard form of Italian grew out of the Tuscan dialect, especially the Florentine version, with a big boost from literary icons and language reformers.
Now, Italian is the go-to language for government, schools, media, and daily conversation. It’s a key piece of Italy’s national identity, tying people together across its many regions. Nearly 99% of Italians speak Italian fluently, using it at home, work, and everywhere in between.
Dialects and Regional Languages
While Italian pulls the country together, Italy has a whole spectrum of regional dialects and languages that show off its deep history and cultural variety. Each region—and sometimes even specific towns—has a unique dialect, many of which are so different from Italian that they’re almost separate languages.
For example, dialects like Sicilian, Venetian, and Neapolitan have distinct traits and carry influences from other cultures like Arabic, Greek, and Spanish. Some, like Sardinian on the island of Sardinia, are actually recognized as unique Romance languages, not just dialects of Italian.
Others, including Ladin and Friulian, are officially recognized and legally protected, highlighting Italy’s commitment to its diverse linguistic heritage.
English Proficiency in Italy
General Overview
Italy’s English proficiency lands in the moderate range compared to other European countries. In the 2024 EF English Proficiency Index (EF EPI), Italy ranks 26th out of 34 European countries and 66th worldwide.
So while English is present, fluency levels in Italy are lower than in Northern and Western Europe, where high or very high proficiency is common. Though Italy’s English skills have been improving, the growth hasn’t kept pace with other European countries
Regional Variation
English skills in Italy vary a lot by region. Major cities and tourist hotspots like Rome, Milan, Florence, and Venice tend to show higher proficiency due to constant interactions with tourists and international business.
Northern regions, such as Friuli-Venezia Giulia and Lombardy, score higher in English proficiency compared to the southern regions, where proficiency levels drop. Cities like Milan, Bologna, and Padua lead the way, highlighting the north-south divide in English fluency.
Reasons Behind Limited English Proficiency in Italy
Educational Focus
Italy’s English proficiency often lags behind other European countries partly because of the focus within its education system. Italian schools traditionally prioritize grammar and reading over conversation skills, drilling grammatical rules without much focus on practical use. This approach leaves students with limited speaking and listening abilities, making them less comfortable in real-world English situations.
Other countries, by contrast, lean into immersive and hands-on language learning from a young age. Adding to this, there’s a shortage of native English-speaking teachers in Italy, especially in rural areas, which limits students’ exposure to authentic pronunciation and conversational practice
Cultural Factors
Cultural values also shape Italy’s relationship with English. Italians place strong emphasis on local dialects and Italian, which can sometimes make English feel less essential.
On top of this, Italy’s media landscape offers less English-language content than other European nations, so Italians don’t see or hear as much English outside school. Older generations, who had even fewer language-learning opportunities, often pass on a similar perspective, creating a cultural norm that can place less importance on learning English fluently.
Other Languages Spoken in Italy
French and Spanish in Italy
While French and Spanish aren’t mainstream languages in Italy, they still have a notable presence. Around 8.5% of Italians speak French, thanks largely to its popularity in schools and Italy’s cultural ties with France. The Aosta Valley especially reflects this, where French holds co-official status with Italian, and local media and education support its use.
Spanish, spoken by about 6.5% of Italians, has appeal as well, particularly among younger Italians and in regions with historical Spanish influence, like Sicily and Sardinia. Questions like "Do Italians speak French?" or "Do Italians speak Spanish?" are common among tourists, though proficiency varies widely across Italy.
Bilingual and Multilingual Communities
Several bilingual and multilingual communities thrive in Italy, particularly near international borders. In South Tyrol, close to Austria, German is widely spoken and is an official language alongside Italian.
In the northeastern region of Friuli Venezia Giulia, Slovenian is spoken by a recognized minority, and local education supports bilingualism in Slovenian-speaking areas.
Near the French border in the Aosta Valley, small French-speaking communities also exist. Italian law protects these minority languages, reflecting the country’s commitment to preserving its cultural and linguistic diversity.
Italian Phrases for English-Speaking Travelers
Basic Italian for Travelers
Knowing a few Italian phrases can make a trip to Italy smoother and help visitors connect with locals. Here are some essentials:
- "Do you speak English?" – Parla inglese?
- Greetings: "Good morning" – Buongiorno, "Good evening" – Buonasera
- Polite phrases: "Please" – Per favore, "Thank you" – Grazie, "Excuse me" – Mi scusi (formal)
- Requesting Help: "I am lost. Can you help me?" – Mi sono persa. Mi può aiutare?
- Directions: "Where is...?" – Dov’è...?, "Left" – Sinistra, "Right" – Destra
- Dining Phrases: "Can I see the menu, please?" – Il menu, per favore, "The check, please" – Il conto, per favore
- Shopping: "How much does this cost?" – Quanto costa?, "Can I have a discount?" – Posso avere uno sconto?
These phrases cover common situations travelers encounter, from dining out and shopping to getting directions.
Common Responses and Helpful Directions
In response, Italians might offer simple directions like:
- "Go straight ahead" – Vada dritto
- "Turn left/right" – Giri a sinistra/destra
- "It’s far/near" – È lontano/vicino
Italians often use expressive hand gestures, which can be helpful for travelers to interpret when asking for directions.
Italian Attitudes Toward Speaking English
A Curious Relationship with English
Italians seem to have a charmingly sporadic relationship with English, treating it almost like an eccentric second cousin—friendly enough but slightly bewildering in daily life.
In the major cities of Rome and Milan, younger Italians tackle English with the kind of resigned enthusiasm you'd expect from someone who knows it’s good for their career but isn’t quite sure they’ll enjoy the journey.
English is increasingly essential for navigating Italy’s corporate ladders, particularly for those working in tech, tourism, and multinational firms. For these Italians, English is less of a luxury and more of a mandatory survival skill.
The Rural Divide: English as a Rare Treat
Venture into Italy's rural heartlands, however, and you’ll find English proficiency feels like something exotic—rather like quinoa or the idea of eating dinner before 8 p.m.
Here, students experience limited resources for learning English, and the focus in schools remains on memorizing grammar structures rather than engaging in live conversation.
Teachers themselves, often speak with thick Italian accents and occasionally struggle with basic English, leading to a classroom environment that’s marginally fluent in English with a distinctive Italian zest.
Young Italians and the Pursuit of Global Cool
To their credit, Italians are eager to learn, particularly younger generations who often view English as a cultural passport and a way to engage with the world. In Milan's hip cafés, you might overhear twenty-somethings slipping English phrases into Italian conversations, practicing the phrases they picked up from Netflix or YouTube.
Leave a Reply