What Language Do They Speak in Italy?
Facts last checked 9 October 2026.
The official language of Italy is Italian. Italian is also an official language in 3 other countries worldwide.
Learn some Italian before you go
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Italian Phrasebook & Dictionary
The essentials for ordering food, asking directions and being polite.
Languages of Italy at a glance
| Official language | Italian |
|---|---|
| Number of official languages | 1 |
| Countries on this site where Italian is official | 4 |
| People (demonym) | Italian |
| Capital | Rome |
| Internet domain | .it |
Other countries where Italian is official
Italian is also an official language in 3 other countries covered here:
Languages of neighbouring countries
| Austria | German |
|---|---|
| France | French |
| San Marino | Italian |
| Slovenia | Slovene |
| Switzerland | Swiss German, French, Italian, Romansh |
| Vatican City | Italian, Latin |
Italy in context
- Italy covers 301,336 km², making it the 72nd largest of the 196 countries on this site.
- Its population density of about 196 people per km² ranks 53rd of 196 (1st = most crowded).
- It shares a land border with 6 countries: Austria, France, San Marino, Slovenia, Switzerland, Vatican City.
- With 58,927,633 people, Italy holds about 44.8% of the population of Southern Europe.
- Traffic drives on the right, and calendars start the week on Monday.
- Italy is a member state of the United Nations.
Compare Italy
Useful phrases for visitors to Italy
Everyday Italian phrases you will hear and use in Italy:
| English | Italian |
|---|---|
| Hello | Ciao |
| Thank you | Grazie |
| Please | Per favore |
| Goodbye | Arrivederci |
| Yes | Sì |
| No | No |
Spellings can vary by region, and some languages use different forms for formal or informal speech. Even a simple greeting in the local language is usually appreciated.
Languages in Italy — FAQ
What language do they speak in Italy?
The official language of Italy is Italian.
How many official languages does Italy have?
Italy has 1 official language: Italian.
Is Italian spoken anywhere else?
Italian is also an official language in 3 other countries.
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