Many Italian learners have the same experience.
They study grammar.
They memorize vocabulary.
They understand many sentences when they read or listen.
But then they meet an Italian person and suddenly think:
“How do I start a conversation?”
This is completely normal.
Starting a conversation requires a different skill from knowing grammar rules. It requires confidence, spontaneity, and familiarity with the expressions that native speakers actually use.
The good news is that Italians are generally very open to conversation. A simple comment, question, or observation can easily become a longer discussion.
In this article, we will look at 30 natural ways to start a conversation in Italian, from everyday situations to more informal chats with friends.
Why conversation starters matter in Italian
Many learners focus on individual words and grammar structures.
However, real conversations are built around chunks of language: groups of words that native speakers use automatically.
For example, instead of creating a sentence from zero, Italians often rely on expressions like:
- Che ne pensi di…?
- Come mai…?
- Hai già…?
- A proposito…
Learning these expressions helps you participate in conversations more naturally.
Everyday conversation starters
1. Come stai?
How are you?
The classic option.
With friends and people you know:
Ciao Marco, come stai?
Remember that Italians often expect a real answer, not only “bene”.
2. Come va?
How is it going?
Very common and informal.
Example:
Ciao! Come va?
3. Che fai di bello?
What are you up to?
A very Italian expression.
Literally:
“What are you doing that is nice?”
It is often used casually between friends.
4. Come è andata la giornata?
How was your day?
A natural way to show interest.
5. Che mi racconti?
What’s new? / Tell me about you
Very common among friends.
Example:
È da tanto che non ci vediamo! Che mi racconti?
Conversation starters when meeting someone new
6. Di dove sei?
Where are you from?
A classic first question.
7. Vivi qui da tanto?
Have you lived here for a long time?
Useful when meeting someone in a new place.
8. Come hai conosciuto…?
How did you meet…?
Useful at events or social situations.
Example:
Come hai conosciuto Anna?
9 Sei già stato/a qui?
Have you been here before?
Perfect for restaurants, events, and places.
Starting conversations about Italy
10. Da quanto tempo studi italiano?
How long have you studied Italian?
A great conversation starter with other learners.
11. Perché hai iniziato a studiare italiano?
Why did you start learning Italian?
Most Italian learners have an interesting story.
12. Cosa ti piace dell’Italia?
What do you like about Italy?
A question Italians often enjoy answering.
13. Qual è la tua città preferita in Italia?
What is your favourite city in Italy?
This can lead to a long conversation.
Sharing or asking for opinions naturally
14. Secondo me…
In my opinion…
A useful way to introduce your thoughts.
Example:
Secondo me la cucina italiana è una delle migliori al mondo.
15. Tu cosa ne pensi?
What do you think?
A simple way to keep a conversation going.
16. Sei d’accordo?
Do you agree?
Natural ways to continue a conversation
Starting is important, but keeping the conversation alive is even more important.
17. Davvero?
Really?
Very common.
18. Interessante!
Interesting!
Simple but useful.
19. Non ci credo!
I can’t believe it!
Shows emotion.
20. E poi?
And then?
One of the easiest ways to encourage someone to continue.
21. Perché?
Why?
Simple questions often create the best conversations.
More informal expressions Italians use
22. Ma dai!
Come on! / Really?
Very common among friends.
23. Che bello!
How nice!
Used to express enthusiasm.
24. Che peccato!
What a shame!
Used when reacting to something disappointing.
25. Mi fa piacere!
I’m happy to hear that / I’m glad
A warm expression used often in conversations.
26. Raccontami!
Tell me!
A very natural invitation to continue.
Example:
Sei stato in Toscana? Raccontami!
Teacher’s Tip
Many students think they need advanced Italian to have interesting conversations.
This is not true.
A good conversation is not created by complicated vocabulary.
It is created by:
- asking questions;
- showing interest;
- reacting naturally;
- sharing your own ideas.
Simple Italian used confidently is much better than complicated Italian that you never use.
How to practise these conversation starters
Do not try to memorize all 26 expressions at once.
Choose five.
For example:
- Come va?
- Di dove sei?
- Cosa ne pensi?
- Interessante!
- Mi fa piacere!
Then practise creating your own sentences.
You can also write possible questions/answers, because conversations always have two sides.
Final Thoughts
Starting a conversation in Italian can feel intimidating, especially when you are worried about making mistakes.
However, Italians appreciate when foreigners make an effort to speak their language.
The secret is not waiting until your Italian is perfect.
Start with simple expressions.
Ask questions.
Show curiosity.
Conversation is where language truly comes alive.
FAQ
How do you start a conversation with an Italian person?
Simple questions like Come stai?, Di dove sei? are natural ways to begin.
What are common Italian phrases for conversation?
Expressions such as Come va?, Che mi racconti?, Secondo me, and Cosa ne pensi? are frequently used in everyday conversations.
How can I become more confident speaking Italian?
Regular speaking practice is the best way. The more often you use Italian in real conversations, the more automatic your language becomes.
Do you understand Italian but struggle to start conversations? In my online Italian lessons, we focus on practical speaking skills, real-life expressions, and the confidence you need to communicate naturally with Italian speakers.
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Credits:
Image by Gemini
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