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Published on January 25, 2026

Essential Corsican Phrases for Travelers: Basic Language Guide

Venturing to Corsica, the "Isle of Beauty," promises an unforgettable experience of stunning landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture. While French is the official language, making an effort to learn a few Corsican phrases can profoundly enhance your journey, opening doors to warmer interactions and deeper cultural immersion.

Why Learn Corsican Phrases for Your Trip?

Corsican (Corsu) is a Romance language closely related to Italian, particularly the Tuscan dialect. It's a fundamental part of the island's identity and heritage, fiercely protected and celebrated by its people. While most Corsicans are bilingual in French, using a few words of their native tongue demonstrates respect and a genuine interest in their culture, often leading to more welcoming smiles and memorable exchanges with locals.

Imagine navigating the bustling markets of Ajaccio or ordering a delicious meal in a quaint village eatery near Bonifacio, all while effortlessly dropping in a "Bonghjornu!" or "Grazie!" It’s these small gestures that transform a simple tourist trip into a truly immersive adventure.

A Note on Corsican Pronunciation

Corsican pronunciation shares many similarities with Italian, making it relatively accessible for those familiar with Romance languages. Here are a few key points:

  • 'C'before 'e' or 'i' is pronounced like 'ch' in 'church' (e.g.,cità- city). Otherwise, it's a hard 'k' sound (e.g.,Corsu- Corsican).
  • 'G'before 'e' or 'i' is pronounced like 'j' in 'jam' (e.g.,ghjente- people). Otherwise, it's a hard 'g' sound (e.g.,gallu- rooster).
  • 'Gh'is a hard 'g' sound (e.g.,ghjornu- day).
  • 'Chj'is like 'ky' in 'sky' or 'chi' in 'chip' (e.g.,ochju- eye).
  • 'S'is generally soft, like in 'snake'.
  • Vowelsare pronounced clearly and distinctly, similar to Italian or Spanish.

Did you know?Corsican is recognized as a regional language of France, and efforts are continuously made to promote its use in education and daily life, ensuring its survival for future generations.

Essential Greetings and Basic Courtesies

Starting with these simple phrases will make a great first impression:

  • Hello / Good morning:Bonghjornu(bon-JHOR-nu)
  • Good evening:Bona sera(BO-na SE-ra)
  • Good night:Bona notte(BO-na NOT-te)
  • Goodbye:Addiu / A prestu(ah-DEE-oo / ah PRES-too - for 'see you soon')
  • Please:Per piacè(per pyah-CHE)
  • Thank you:Grazie(GRAHT-zye)
  • You're welcome:Di nunda(dee NUN-da)
  • Yes:Iè(EE-eh)
  • No:Innò(in-NOH)
  • Excuse me / Sorry:Scusate(skoo-SAH-te)
  • How are you?:Cumu và?(KOO-moo VAH?)
  • I'm fine, thank you:Và bè, grazie(VAH beh, GRAHT-zye)
  • What is your name?:Cumu vi chjamate?(KOO-moo vee KYA-ma-te?)
  • My name is...:Mi chjamu...(mee KYA-moo...)

Getting Around and Asking for Directions

Whether you're exploring the dramatic cliffs of Calanques de Piana or finding your way to a secluded spot in the Désert des Agriates, these phrases will be invaluable:

  • Where is...?Duve hè...?(DOO-veh eh...?)
  • How far is...?Quantu hè luntanu...?(KWAN-too eh lun-TAH-noo...?)
  • Left:A manca(ah MAN-ka)
  • Right:A dritta(ah DRIT-ta)
  • Straight ahead:Dirittu(dee-RIT-too)
  • I don't understand:Ùn capiscu micca(oon kah-PEES-koo MEEK-ka)
  • Do you speak English/French?:Parlate inglese/francese?(par-LAH-te een-GLEH-ze / fran-CHEH-ze?)
  • Help!:Aiutu!(ah-YOO-too!)
  • Numbers:
    • One:Unu(OO-noo)
    • Two:Dui(DOO-ee)
    • Three:Trè(TREH)
    • Four:Quattru(KWAT-troo)
    • Five:Cinque(CHEEN-kwe)

Dining Out with Corsican Flair

Corsican cuisine is a true highlight of any trip, from fresh seafood along the coast to hearty mountain dishes. Use these phrases to order with confidence, whether you're dining near Palombaggia Beach or in a mountain village:

  • A table for two, please:Una tavula per dui, per piacè(OO-na TAH-voo-la per DOO-ee, per pyah-CHE)
  • The menu, please:U menù, per piacè(oo me-NOO, per pyah-CHE)
  • I would like...:Vogliu...(VOL-yoo...)
  • Water:Acqua(AH-kwa)
  • Wine:Vinu(VEE-noo)
  • Beer:Biera(BYEH-ra)
  • Delicious!:Deliziosu!(de-lee-TSYO-zoo!)
  • The bill, please:U contu, per piacè(oo KON-too, per pyah-CHE)
  • Cheers!:Salute!(sa-LOO-te!)

Shopping and Services

Whether you're buying local produce, souvenirs, or traditional Corsican crafts, these phrases will help you communicate effectively:

  • How much does it cost?:Quantu costa?(KWAN-too KOS-ta?)
  • Too expensive:Troppu caru(TROP-poo KAH-roo)
  • I like it:Mi piace(mee PYAH-che)
  • I don't like it:Ùn mi piace micca(oon mee PYAH-che MEEK-ka)
  • Do you have...?Avete...?(ah-VEH-te...?)
  • Open:Apertu(ah-PER-too)
  • Closed:Chjusu(KYOO-zoo)
  • Can I pay by card?:Possu pagà cù a carta?(POS-soo pa-GAH koo ah KAR-ta?)

Emergencies and Asking for Help

While we hope you won't need them, knowing a few emergency phrases can provide peace of mind:

  • Help!:Aiutu!(ah-YOO-too!)
  • Call the police!:Chjamate a pulizza!(KYA-ma-te ah poo-LEET-tsa!)
  • Call a doctor!:Chjamate un duttore!(KYA-ma-te oon doot-TO-re!)
  • I am lost:Sò persu(so PER-soo - male) /Sò persa(so PER-sa - female)
  • Hospital:Spedale(spe-DAH-le)

Useful Phrases for Specific Situations

These phrases can add a touch of politeness and appreciation to your interactions, whether you're admiring the views from Cap Corse or enjoying a boat trip to the Lavezzi islands:

  • Have a good day:Bona ghjurnata(BO-na jhoor-NAH-ta)
  • Have a good trip:Bon viaghju(bon VYA-joo)
  • Enjoy (your meal):Bon appetitu!(bon ap-pe-TEE-too!)
  • Beautiful!:Bellu!(BEL-loo - male) /Bella!(BEL-la - female)
  • Cheers! / To your health!:Salute!(sa-LOO-te!)
  • A wonderful experience:Un' sperienza maravigliosa(oon spe-RYEN-tsa ma-ra-vee-LYO-za)

Beyond the Basics: Embracing the Culture

Learning a few Corsican phrases is more than just a linguistic exercise; it's an invitation to connect with the island's soul. The Corsican people are incredibly proud of their unique identity and heritage, and showing an interest in their language is a powerful gesture of respect. Don't be shy to try out your new phrases! Even if your pronunciation isn't perfect, the effort will be appreciated.

From the rugged interior where you might discover the stunning Cascades de Purcaraccia, to the pristine white sands of Santa Giulia Beach, every corner of Corsica offers a chance to engage with its culture. Embrace the opportunity to learn, listen, and truly experience the Isle of Beauty through its language.

Conclusion

While French will serve you well during your Corsican adventure, arming yourself with a few essential Corsican phrases can truly transform your experience. It's a key to unlocking warmer interactions, gaining deeper insights into local life, and showing genuine appreciation for the island's unique identity. So, pack your bags, practice your "Bonghjornu," and prepare for an unforgettable journey to Corsica!