Italiano Uno Zero Uno

Some simple words and phrases for getting about in Italy:

No:
Apart from the pronunciation no explanation needed.

Un altro:
Another one or the same again as in, please pour me another.

Non funzione:
Does not work. Commonly associated in Italy most things; lift, bus, key, toilet, hotel room cards, television in hotels, internet, printers, disabled ramps, disabled stair climbers etc.

Sciopero:
Strike. What you can expect when catching any form of public transport.

Incinta:
Pregnant. What Clare is.

Disabili:
Disabled. What I am.

Chiuso:
Closed. What everything is that you want to be Aperto.

Aperto:
Open. Not used very often.

Maniaco:
Maniac. You should yell this at most drivers on the roads.

Idioto:
Meanwhile every one else is yelling this at you.

Tedesco:
German. What everyone thinks we are in our car.

Pieno:
Full. What you will be after every meal.

Vino:
Wine. The A.

Birra:
Beer. The B.

Pizza:
Pizza. The C.

Zona limitato:
Limited traffic areas where we are allowed due to the wheelchair. Quite a perk in Italy.

If ever in doubt just move your hands a lot and speaka like-a you woulda for saying mamma mia. Also adding a’s, o’s or i’s to the end of each word will often work just fine. Clare’s Italian seems to improve dramatically when she is angry and mine seems to improve dramatically when I have had a few drinks.

We are both enjoying learning quite a lot and it is coming along. I have post it notes all over the house and Clare seems to remember everything she learnt at school.