Dialogue: Small Talk at the Bar

Mi scusi ma il caffè per chi è?

I firmly believe that the only way you can truly learn a language is by using it in real life. Grammar books and audio lessons will only take you so far. 

While I can’t always recreate those experiences for you (although I will certainly keep trying!), what I can do is offer you real-life scenarios in the form of dialogues.

Below you’ll see a conversation between a tourist and a barista at a bar. 

Unlike other dialogues made for students, this one is full of language that Italians use every day, and it doesn’t simplify the conversation. 

If you’re a beginner, you’ll notice that a lot of the language is complex, but that doesn’t mean you can’t use it to learn. Don’t let the length or the big words intimidate you.

Finally, if you have questions about this, just let me know in the comments below. :)

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Note to the passionate Italian language student: This is a paid article that I hope makes you laugh and love Italian just a little bit more than you already do. If you love this content, please consider becoming a paid subscriber. If you’re looking for free content, try any of the bite-sized lessons.

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AUDIO

This audio has been recorded by two native Italian speakers.

DIALOGUE

*This is written from the perspective of a female, so you’ll notice feminine endings where appropriate.

Ore 09.00 - You walk into a bar in the center of Florence.

Barista: Buongiorno! - Good morning!

You*: Buongiorno a Lei! - Good morning to you! (formal)

You spend a few minutes scrolling down all the mouth-watering pastry windows, and then you walk to the bar.

You: Sì, vorrei…. - Yes, I would like...

Barista: [Loud, without looking at you] Ecco i due cappucci e la spremuta per il tavolo 5, ora arrivano i ristretti e i macchiati caldi. - Here are two cappuccinos and juice for table 5, now the ristretti and the hot macchiatos are coming.