Which languages you'll hear, whether English gets you by, and a pocket phrasebook to charm the locals.
The language of Milan is Italian, spoken with a crisp northern accent. You'll also hear the historic Milanese dialect among older residents, and — this being an international business and fashion hub — plenty of English. A handful of polite Italian phrases will always earn a warmer welcome.
Quick answer
What language do they speak in Milan?
Italian, spoken with a northern accent. You may also hear the traditional Milanese dialect among older residents, and English is widely understood in the tourist centre thanks to Milan's role as a business and fashion hub.
By Ivanka García Mancebo, Civitatis travel specialist
Do they speak English?
In central Milan, largely yes. Hotel staff, museum desks, most restaurants and shops in the tourist core will speak at least some English, and younger Milanese are often fluent. Away from the centre — in local trattorias, markets and with older residents — Italian goes a long way. Signage on transport and at attractions is usually bilingual.
Open with a simple "Buongiorno, parla inglese?" ("Hello, do you speak English?"). Leading in Italian, even for one sentence, is always appreciated.
Essential phrases
English
Italian
Say it
Hello / Good day
Buongiorno
bwon-JOR-no
Good evening
Buonasera
bwona-SEH-ra
Please
Per favore
per fa-VOH-reh
Thank you
Grazie
GRAH-tsyeh
You're welcome
Prego
PREH-go
Excuse me / sorry
Scusi
SKOO-zee
Do you speak English?
Parla inglese?
PAR-la een-GLEH-zeh
How much is it?
Quanto costa?
KWAN-to KOS-ta
The bill, please
Il conto, per favore
eel KON-to
Where is…?
Dov'è…?
doh-VEH
Cheers!
Salute!
sa-LOO-teh
Goodbye
Arrivederci
a-ree-veh-DER-chee
At the table
Milan's own dishes come with their own vocabulary. A few words to read a menu like a local:
Aperitivo
Pre-dinner drink served with free snacks — a Milanese institution.
Risotto alla milanese
The city's golden saffron risotto, the classic local dish.
Cotoletta
Breaded veal cutlet, Milan's answer to the schnitzel.
Panettone
The tall, sweet Christmas bread that was born in Milan.
Coperto
A small per-person cover charge added to restaurant bills.
Italian, spoken with a northern accent. You may also hear the traditional Milanese dialect among older residents, and English is widely understood in the tourist centre thanks to Milan's role as a business and fashion hub.
In central Milan, yes. Hotels, museums, most restaurants and shops in the tourist areas speak at least some English, and younger Milanese are often fluent. A few Italian phrases still go a long way, especially away from the centre.
Start with buongiorno (hello), grazie (thank you), per favore (please), scusi (excuse me) and parla inglese? (do you speak English?). Leading with a word or two of Italian is always appreciated.
Milanese is a historic regional dialect of the Lombard language, quite distinct from standard Italian. You'll mostly encounter it in place names, older residents' speech and traditional songs rather than everyday tourist interactions.
