Italian Conversations with Slow Audio
Simple, entertaining news for beginners and intermediate speakers with slow audio, Italian transcript, and English translation to help you improve your listening and reading skills.
- Think directly in Italian
- Audio + transcript + translation
- All levels
What's in a Reading?
Slow Audio
Every Italian text is read by a native speaker at a slow but natural pace to catch every word.
Italian Transcript
There's an Italian transcript to read along if you need a visual aid.
English Translation
No need to look up new words with the complete English translation!
Is it for me?
This podcast is for you if...
You enjoy learning something new
There’s a whole treasure trove of interesting and challenging material to get you to practice listening and reading.
You want to start thinking in Italian like a natural
Repeat what you hear and resist the temptation to look at the translation right away. I’m confident you’ll be thinking in Italian in a couple of days.
You want to make the most of your time
Listen to the material while commuting or exercising. You can do it anywhere!
You have time to practice a little every day
Being consistent is key!
This podcast is NOT for you if...
You’ll just listen passively and not properly
To make true progress, you have to speak and not just listen and read.
You’re too busy to practice daily
Many casual learners fail because they skip classes. Try to find an extra 5-10 minutes per day to listen to a story.
Italian conversations to practice reading and listening
Listen to original basic Italian conversations read by a native speaker at a slow pace!
A challenging way to...
- Improve your listening skills
- Expand your vocabulary
- Master grammar patterns and idioms
- Naturally improve pronunciation
The ideal podcast for beginners to intermediate Italian speakers
- Simplified for your level
- Slow, but natural pace to catch every word
- With an English translation
How to Learn Italian with these Readings
Learn in 4 Steps
Here’s a simple plan to learn effectively with these readings.
To get the most out of your short story, piece of news, or conversation, I suggest this 4-step approach.
1. Skim
Read the story for the gist, not the details. The first time, focus on trying to understand the main ideas of the story: the characters, the major plot developments, and the setting.
2. Scan
Take your time to read it again carefully. Look up unknown words, phrases, or grammatical constructions that are unfamiliar to you. Write them down in a notebook or on flashcards to help you memorize them.
3. Look up
Look at the translation to read the story one more time. This way, you understand the text fully and have access to the translations and explanations.
4. Sum up
For further practice, I recommend writing a summary of the story. This way, you'll have a more complete understanding of it and make new vocabulary and grammar topics easier to memorize.
There's no need to...
Catch every word
Listening is more difficult than reading. Don't be anxious to catch every single word right away. Don't stop the audio!
Look up every word
When you stop to look up words, you lose the flow. First, try to rely on the Italian version.
Why Italian conversations for beginners?
So, you’ve been learning Italian for a while now, and have a decent knowledge of grammar and a good vocabulary… But there’s still one thing that you can’t handle: conversations in Italian!
Having a conversation in a foreign language is no joke, and it is normal to feel nervous about it at the beginning. There are so many things that could go wrong… What if you don’t remember a word you wanted to use? What if you get stuck and lose the thread and end up in an embarrassing silence?
All this can happen (and I warn you, it probably will at some point!), but there is nothing else in your language-learning journey as practicing Italian conversation, be it with native speakers or other learners.
You don’t need to buy an Italian conversation book or to take private Italian conversation classes. You find plenty of Italian conversations online!
Learn some basic Italian conversation phrases and questions (there’s also a PDF available here!) and get started, just go out there and don’t be scared.
In this guide, I’ll give you all the tips and guidance you need to start your conversation practice in Italian, whether you are a beginner, intermediate or advanced student.
Listen, listen, listen!
So, what do you do when you want to learn a new skill or to play a new game? You watch someone doing it, you observe carefully and then imitate what you see.
Well, it is exactly the same for conversation, only you’ll be using your ears instead of your eyes! The best Italian conversation examples are found… In real life Italian conversation!
Try to listen to Italian conversation as much as you can. If you have friends who speak in Italian, always listen to them carefully. If you go to an Italian restaurant, café or bakery, listen to the staff talking to each other.
Watch Italian series, films, listen to Italian podcasts… Just listen, listen, listen! Your brain will pick up the basic rules of conversation without you even realizing it, and you’ll end up sounding just like a native speaker.
Prepare with a conversation starter
We all know the feeling: it’s your turn to order at the restaurant or to ask for information at the tourist center, and your mind goes blank… Ermmmhhh…. Before you get a chance to speak, the person you were going to speak to already switched to English.
A great way to avoid this kind of situation is to have your first sentence ready, and maybe some more vocab you might need for the basic Italian conversation you intend to have.
Get researching before getting out, and prepare as if you were going to an Italian conversation lesson. You’ll get more chances of getting people to answer in Italian and to practise your Italian conversation skills!
Be confident
The previous point will also help you in another essential aspect of being successful in Italian conversations: being confident.
If you don’t understand, don’t just say “non ho capito” (I don’t understand), because it will give the listener the perfect chance to switch to English. Instead, try saying:
- “Non ho sentito/capito bene, puoi ripetere?”
I didn’t hear/understand well, can you repeat?
Just adding that last bit will make whoever you’re talking to understand that you are confident in your language skills and want to keep going in Italian.
Another useful expression for when you can’t think of the exact word you’re looking for is:
- “Non mi viene la parola”
The word doesn’t come to me
This is a sentence native speakers use when they momentarily forget a word. If you use it, everyone will assume you actually know the word you’re looking for, you just forgot it, and maybe they’ll help you remember it!
Talk Slowly and Clearly
To have a good conversation in Italian does not mean speaking as quickly as native speakers do. Actually, good talkers don’t rush a conversation. They talk slowly and clearly.
Take your time to think about what you want to say and to reflect before speaking.
There really is no rush.
Taking your time to answer a question is also a sign of confidence in your abilities, and it will take off the pressure and help you feel calmer during the conversation.
Don’t worry, it will not make you come off as slow or bad at speaking Italian, but rather centered and collected, serious about finding and using the right words and constructions.
Don’t forget to also speak clearly and loudly. Do not whisper or it will be hard to understand (and hear) what you have to say.
Be Yourself and Express your Emotions
When practicing your Italian conversation skills don’t get so caught up in finding the right word and using the appropriate grammar structure that you forget who you are!
After all, speaking is about conveying your thoughts and emotions, so get comfortable with them!
It is at the emotional level that people connect, and it will help both you and your interlocutor feel at ease and more willing to converse and understand each other.
Use your hands!
Italians are amusingly famous for using their hands (and their whole body!) when they have a conversation… And this is no false stereotype!
Try to observe native speakers and you will surely notice it.
A real Italian conversation isn’t complete without expressive body language, and it will help you get your point across as well.
Don’t underestimate the power of good hand gestures during a conversation in Italian. It can make the difference between getting your point across and getting completely misunderstood!
Look Italian
Another important point, if you want to strike up a conversation in Italian with native speakers, is to look like them. If they guess you’re a foreigner from your appearance, they will most likely start speaking English to you.
Reduce the chances of this happening by observing and imitating the way they look and behave!
If you have an Italian vibe about you, rather than a tourist one, people will be more likely to speak to you in Italian by default.
Here are some tips:
- Dress smartly. Italians, especially in big cities, like to keep it more formal and rarely wear sportswear if they’re not working out. In summer (or even spring and autumn when sunny) sunglasses are a must! Also, avoid showing too much skin, even in very hot weather.
- Always greet people. When you walk into a shop or café, always say “buongiorno/buonasera” to the staff, and “arrivederci” when you leave.
- Don’t drink milky drinks like lattes or cappuccinos after lunch: they are considered a morning drink in Italy! The maximum you can do is a “caffé macchiato”.
Ask people to speak Italian
If all of the above tricks do not work, and people keep talking to you in English (after all, maybe they also want to practice conversation in a language they are learning!), just ask them politely to switch back to Italian. The best way to do it is simply by asking:
- Possiamo parlare in italiano? Vorrei imparare.
Can we speak in Italian? I’d like to learn.
If you explain the situation and the reason you’d rather speak Italian, most people will be happy to chat with you for a while and help you out.
Of course, if you are a beginner and you are really struggling to get your point across or to understand what’s being said, it is not really practical to insist on keeping up a painfully slow and broken conversation in Italian.
In this case, it is best to practice with someone you have a “learning agreement” with.
Find an Italian conversation partner
What is a learning agreement? It is a situation in which a specific person agrees to be your learning partner and help practice conversation with you.
Talking to random people in a language you’ve just started learning can be scary and embarrassing.
A learning agreement is a perfect setup to practice in a safe space, with a partner you know and trust, and who knows you are just starting to learn and practice.
You can set up a learning agreement with a friend who wants to learn English (or another skill you can teach them), for example, and alternate between English-speaking and Italian-speaking days, or just find an Italian tutor for some conversation practice.
These situations are ideal for beginners to get comfortable with basic conversation in Italian, and there is no pressure. If you don’t know something, just ask, the other person is there exactly for that! But remember, try to keep the conversation going in Italian as much as you can. Use expressions like:
- Come si dice….?
How do you say…? - Puoi ripetere, per favore?
Can you repeat, please? - Cosa vuol dire…?
What does …. mean? - Non so cosa significa…
I don’t know what … means.
Text in Italian
If you can’t find a live conversation partner to practice your Italian skills just yet, texting and online chatting are a great way to practice conversation skills.
The online setting takes a bit of pressure off and gives you time to check words and grammar, but it’s still conversational and friendly.
And, once you feel comfortable texting and chatting, why not start sending audio messages?
There are many ways to have an Italian conversation online.
This will take you a step further, as you can prepare what you’re going to say a little bit, but it will still end up being spontaneous! Try it out!
Improve your General Conversation Skills
If you want to start having great conversations, in any language, improving your conversation skills is a great way to start. You will feel more at ease when talking to someone else, and you’ll know what to do and how to behave spontaneously in all kinds of situations.
After all, conversation is an art and you can refine it by learning new skills and tricks and practicing.
Why and How to Improve
Like everything in life, conversational skills don’t improve overnight. It will take time, practice, and willingness to learn from your experiences and mistakes. If you want to master conversations in Italian, it will be worth starting a long-term journey to develop your interpersonal abilities.
This journey will not just help you with learning more about Italian conversation, but will also positively impact your social life in general!
Conversations are supposed to be fun and interesting, so why be so worried about them?
Learn these tricks and you will improve your basic Italian conversation skills, enjoying every step of your learning experience.
The rules of Italian conversation
Not only you can learn and develop your Italian (and general!) conversation skills, but it is surprisingly easy to do so, especially if you follow some simple rules. Here they are:
Conversations are not monologues!
Sure, you want to get practicing your Italian conversation skills, so you should speak as much as you can… But remember, a conversation is not just about you, and not just about the other person either.
A monologue, whether you are the speaker or the listener, is not a conversation. Try to find a balance between talking and listening.
Learn to ask questions and not just to talk about yourself and your opinions. Plus, everyone likes to be listened to, and asking questions can make the other person even more interested in talking to you!
Here are some useful ones:
- Cosa ne pensi?
What do you think about it? - Sei d’accordo?
Do you agree? - Ti interessa …?
Are you interested in …?
Be friendly and polite
Of course, one of the most important things in any kind of conversation is your attitude. Try to always smile and be nice and pleasant.
As we mentioned, in Italy it is always important to greet people politely before starting a conversation. You can use a simple ciao (hi) if you’re greeting someone young, otherwise use buongiorno, buonasera or salve (good morning/afternoon, good evening, hello).
Everyone would rather chat with someone friendly and pleasant from the start.
Then, try to build rapport by establishing some common ground or simply smiling and using positive body language.
You can say something about the weather (Che bella giornata! – What a nice day) or make a remark about something you may have in common with the person.
Avoid contentious topics and gossip
It’s fine to do it with your friends if that’s what you’re into, but try to avoid talking about controversial issues with strangers just to practice your language skills. Better to keep it simple at first and stick to small talk.
Also, try not to repeat gossips you’ve heard about people they may or may not be acquainted with… And anyway, talking about people behind their backs is never nice!
The importance of ‘small talk’
As mentioned above, knowing how to do small talk in Italian is essential, so try to always be able to talk about the current weather, recent news, and other general topics. Some people do not like small talk and consider it unimportant or trivial, but it is very useful when you want to practice your Italian conversation skills! Learn sentences like:
- Che brutto/bel tempo oggi!
What a bad/good weather today! - Le previsioni dicono che…
According to the weather forecasts… - Hai sentito che…
Have you heard that… - Ieri sul giornale ho letto che…
Yesterday I read on the newspapaers that…
Learn to leave a conversation
However dull you find someone… don’t say it! Learn some phrases in Italian that you can use when you’ve been drawn into a conversation you really don’t want to be having:
- Scusa, ora devo proprio andare.
I am sorry, I must go now. - Si è fatto tardi, devo tornare al lavoro/a casa.
It’s getting late, I must go back to work/home. - Ho un impegno alle 2.
I have an appointment at 2.
Listen and respond
If you actually have a conversation you want to be having, then learn to listen carefully and respond to what the other person is saying, and not respond with whatever you had previously planned to say.
This is the most challenging part of having a conversation in a foreign language, but don’t worry, you can learn some sentences that you can use when you enter unexplored conversation territory…
If you struggle to think of something to say in response, for example, try using some “set” sentences, such as:
- Wow, molto interessante!
Wow, that’s so interesting. - Che bello, non ci avevo mai pensato.
Cool, I never thought about it. - Non lo so, ci devo pensare…
I don’t know, I will need to think about it…
These sentences will give you a bit of extra time and make the other person know that, if you’re not speaking that much, is not because you’re not listening, but because you’re not sure what to say in response!
Create Emotional Connections
As we already mentioned, to go deeper into a conversation you should try to express your emotions and create emotional connections with the other person.
After all, a conversation in Italian might start with small talk about the weather… But it does not have to stay that way forever!
Italian conversations for beginners don’t need to be boring.
Try to share what inspires you and make the other share what inspires them too!
Show interest in others
We naturally tend to like those who are interested in us…. So try to be interested in others! Start a conversation with a question like “Com’è andata la tua giornata?” (How was your day?) or “Come stai oggi?” (How are you today?) and then genuinely listen to the answer.
Your attention will be appreciated and most likely given back to you.
Have a sense of humor
If it comes natural to you, use your sense of humor to make yourself more approachable. If you make a mistake and realize it, have a good laugh and invite the other person to laugh too. Language learning should be fun and you should never feel ashamed of making mistakes! Sbagliando s’impara!
Your attitude will also make the other person feel like they can correct you when you say something wrong without offending you. And that’s what you want!
Sincere compliments are always welcome
If you like something about someone, say it! It won’t come off as creepy or too much if it is said sincerely and looking the person in the eye. And it can be a great conversation starter as well as making the person feel you’re interested in talking to them.
- Che bei capelli che hai!
Your hair is beautiful! - Mi piace molto il tuo vestito.
I really like your dress. - Che bella borsa, dove l’hai comprata?
What a nice bag. Where did you buy it?
Where to find Italian Speaking partners
Once you’ve learned all the rules of a great Italian conversation and you’ve been rehearsing and learning some useful words and phrases, it’s time for the real thing: having a conversation with a native Italian speaker!
Don’t wait until you feel more confident… That day may never come! It is always a bit scary to start doing something new, and the only way you’ll get confident speaking Italian is by practicing speaking Italian, especially with native speakers! You are a beginner, so embrace not being perfect and try to have fun with it!
All you have to do, really, is practice, and the more you do the faster you’ll go from basic Italian conversation to intermediate to advanced and fluent!
If you have no one to talk to, but you’re living or traveling in Italy, set a daily goal of conversations and just do it.
For example, you can say “I will try to have at least 2 conversations in Italian every day.” Then go out, and when you order your morning cappuccino ask the waiter for information on a tourist destination, or make a comment about the weather.
You’ll be surprised how easy it is to strike up conversations with strangers in Italy!
Italian conversations to listen to
If you don’t feel like going out and talking to strangers just yet, try to find a language partner. It could be an Italian friend of yours who wants to learn English, or a partner found online. There are plenty of websites nowadays for language exchange!
This way, you will basically have free Italian conversation lessons in return for some of your time teaching your native language.
If you want to learn fast and don’t want an exchange, you can also hire a private language tutor, online (on platforms like iTalki) or in the flesh!
With a private Italian conversation class, you will surely get more speaking time and you can book lessons at times that suit you.
Italian conversations for beginners are vital, be it with a tutor or any native speaker.
Even if you do take lessons or do an exchange, try to keep practicing with random people too… Remember, Italian strangers are just friends you haven’t met yet!
And making new Italian friends is one of the best ways to learn all the secrets of Italian conversation!
And, while you’re online, check out the Italian conversations to listen to on this page.
Listen to Italian conversation at any time, anywhere!
This collection of Italian conversations is part of the plan “Leggi con me!“, which also includes Italian short stories, Italian short stories for beginners, and news in slow Italian.
We all learn by speaking
In real life, we all have conversations.
However, many courses and textbooks focus on grammar and translation instead of conversation.
In this collection of Italian conversations, you find scripts that could well apply to your daily life or your next trip to Italy.
You find texts at all levels, from beginner to intermediate and more.
Repeat the audio without reading for better results and only check the translation after you listened once.
Refrain from pausing the audio to check the translation. Every unit is short enough to avoid forgetting what you just heard.
Unlocking the Art of Italian Conversations: Your Path to Fluent Communication
Italian, often referred to as one of the most melodious and romantic languages in the world, has the power to captivate hearts and souls through its expressions.
Learning to engage in Italian conversations is not only about mastering the language but also about immersing yourself in a culture rich with history, art, and emotions.
Whether you’re a beginner seeking simple Italian conversations or an advanced learner striving for fluent communication, this will guide you on your journey to conversational excellence.
Learn Conversational Italian: The First Step
To embark on the path of Italian conversations, the key is to start with the basics.
Learning conversational Italian involves understanding common phrases, greetings, and expressions that form the foundation of any dialogue.
From simple greetings like “Ciao” (hello) to asking “Come stai?” (How are you?), these initial steps lay the groundwork for meaningful interactions.
The Italian Language Conversation Experience
Engaging in Italian conversations offers more than just language acquisition; it opens doors to understanding the Italian way of life.
Imagine conversing with locals at a bustling Italian café, discussing the day’s events, or even sharing stories.
This immersive experience not only sharpens your language skills but also provides insights into Italian culture and customs.
Italian Dialogues: From Beginner to Advanced
Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced learner, Italian dialogues cater to your level.
Beginners can focus on foundational phrases and expressions, gradually building vocabulary and sentence structures.
Advanced learners, on the other hand, dive into more complex dialogues, exploring nuanced topics and enhancing their speaking skills.
The Best Way to Learn Conversational Italian
The question that often arises is: What’s the best way to learn conversational Italian?
Enrolling in language classes or using online resources provides you with structured learning.
These courses offer comprehensive lessons that cover vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation.
They often include audio exercises, allowing you to practice Italian conversation with English translations, honing both your speaking and listening skills.
But, while formal classes can be beneficial, supplementing your learning with immersive experiences is equally crucial.
Engage in language exchange programs, where you converse with native speakers, or practice with language learning apps that offer interactive lessons and quizzes.
Combining these approaches ensures a well-rounded learning journey.
Mastering Italian-Speaking Conversations
Mastering the art of Italian-speaking conversations involves not only understanding vocabulary and grammar but also grasping the rhythm and tone of the language.
Italian is known for its musical intonations, which convey emotions and nuances.
Listening to native speakers and practicing speaking aloud is key to developing an authentic Italian accent and fluency.
Your Gateway to Italy
Learning Italian conversations is more than just acquiring linguistic skills; it’s about connecting with a culture that has deeply influenced the world.
From simple Italian conversations to advanced dialogues, every step you take brings you closer to fluency and a world of cultural exploration.
In your pursuit of mastering Italian conversations, remember that consistency and practice are your allies.
Immerse yourself in the language, engage with native speakers, and explore the beauty of Italian dialogue.
Whether you’re sipping espresso at a café in Rome or sharing stories with friends, each conversation becomes a celebration of language and life.
If you’re ready to embark on the journey of Italian conversations, the best way to learn conversational Italian is to embrace every word, expression, and dialogue as an opportunity to discover the heart of Italy.
Your Italian Language Coach
Ciao! My name is Stefano. I am an Italian tutor and course author.
As a serial language learner, I’ve lectured in polyglot clubs about my method.
After learning 12 languages, I can tell you that we all master languages by listening and mimicking.
With my method, you’ll be speaking Italian from Lesson 1.
Stefano Lodola
Italian language tutor, translator, polyglot