Coffee Break Italian The right Italian word for every situation, from 'permesso' to 'prego'
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Jul 20, 2026 Everyday Italian words and when to use them are put under the microscope. Learn polite entry phrases like permesso and invites such as avanti. Discover table etiquette with buon appetito and how to reciprocate with altrettanto. Hear when to say pronto on the phone, warning words like attenzione and occhio, and the many uses of prego.
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Say Permesso When Entering Or Passing
- Use permesso when entering private spaces or to announce yourself in empty rooms.
- Francesca recommends saying permesso even when invited in, and also to clear a path through crowds with scusi, permesso.
Use Avanti To Invite Someone In
- Say avanti to invite someone in after they say permesso or knock at your door.
- Francesca notes avanti is invariable and fits both formal and informal situations as a polite encouragement to enter.
Say Buon Appetito Before Eating
- Say buon appetito before meals and don't start eating until people have said it at the table.
- Francesca emphasises it's good manners in Italy to wish everyone an enjoyable meal before touching food.