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Published on February 6, 2026

Sardinian Phrases for Travelers: Essential Italian & Local Dialect

Embarking on a journey to Sardinia promises breathtaking landscapes, ancient history, and vibrant culture. While Italian is the official language, learning a few key phrases, including some local Sardinian dialect, can significantly enrich your travel experience and foster deeper connections with the island's warm-hearted residents.

Why Language Matters in Sardinia

Sardinia, orSardegnaas it's known in Italian, is an island with a fiercely proud identity, deeply rooted in its unique history and traditions. While Italian is spoken universally, especially in tourist areas and among younger generations, the native Sardinian language (Sardu) persists as a vital part of the island's heritage. Making an effort to speak even a few words of Italian or Sardu signals respect and openness, often leading to more authentic interactions and a warmer welcome from locals.

Essential Italian Phrases for Your Sardinian Adventure

Italian is your primary tool for communication across Sardinia. These phrases will help you navigate daily interactions, from ordering coffee to asking for directions.

Greetings and Politeness

  • Buongiorno(bwon-JOR-noh): Good morning (used until early afternoon)
  • Buonasera(bwoh-nah-SEH-rah): Good evening (used from afternoon onwards)
  • Buonanotte(bwoh-nah-NOT-teh): Good night (used when going to bed)
  • Ciao(CHOW): Hello/Goodbye (informal, for friends or young people)
  • Arrivederci(ah-ree-veh-DER-chee): Goodbye (formal)
  • Per favore(per fah-VOH-reh): Please
  • Grazie(GRAHT-see-eh): Thank you
  • Prego(PREH-goh): You're welcome / Come in / Please go ahead
  • Scusi(SKOO-zee): Excuse me / Sorry (formal)
  • Mi scusi(mee SKOO-zee): Excuse me (to get attention or apologize)

Basic Communication

  • Sì(SEE): Yes
  • No(NOH): No
  • Non capisco(non kah-PEE-skoh): I don't understand
  • Parli inglese?(PAR-lee een-GLEH-zeh?): Do you speak English?
  • Aiuto!(ah-YOO-toh!): Help!
  • Mi chiamo...(mee KYAH-moh): My name is...
  • Piacere(pyah-CHEH-reh): Nice to meet you
  • Quanto costa?(KWAHN-toh KOH-stah?): How much does it cost?

Dining Out

Sardinia's culinary scene is a highlight, and knowing these phrases will make ordering a breeze.

  • Il conto, per favore(eel KON-toh, per fah-VOH-reh): The bill, please
  • Acqua naturale/frizzante(AH-kwah nah-too-RAH-leh/freet-ZAHN-teh): Still/sparkling water
  • Vino rosso/bianco(VEE-noh ROS-soh/BYAHN-koh): Red/white wine
  • Caffè(kahf-FEH): Espresso (standard coffee in Italy)
  • Senza glutine/lattosio(SEN-tsah GLOO-tee-neh/laht-TOH-zyoh): Gluten-free/lactose-free
  • È delizioso!(eh deh-lee-TSYO-zoh!): It's delicious!

Directions and Navigation

  • Dove si trova...?(DOH-veh see TROH-vah...?): Where is...?
  • A destra(ah DEH-strah): To the right
  • A sinistra(ah see-NEE-strah): To the left
  • Dritto(DRIT-toh): Straight ahead
  • Qui(KWEE): Here
  • Lì(LEE): There
  • Una mappa(OO-nah MAHP-pah): A map

Understanding the Sardinian Language (Sardu)

Sardu is not merely a dialect of Italian; it's a distinct Romance language with its own grammar, vocabulary, and phonetic rules, recognized by UNESCO as an endangered language. It's considered one of the most conservative Romance languages, preserving many features of Vulgar Latin. There are several main variants, including Logudorese (central-north) and Campidanese (south), with further sub-dialects.

While you won't need to speak Sardu to travel the island, understanding its presence and perhaps learning a few basic phrases will be deeply appreciated by locals, particularly in more rural areas or during traditional festivals. Don't be surprised if you hear older generations conversing exclusively in Sardu, or if road signs in some regions feature both Italian and Sardu names.

Fun Fact:The city of Alghero on Sardinia's northwest coast is a unique linguistic enclave. Due to historical ties, a variant of Catalan (Alguerese Catalan) is still spoken by some residents, alongside Italian and Sardu. You might even see street names in both languages!

Key Sardinian Phrases to Try

These phrases are primarily from the Logudorese or Campidanese variants, which are widely understood.

  • Salude!(sah-LOO-deh!): Hello! / Cheers! (Logudorese)
  • Bona die(BOH-nah DEE-eh): Good morning (Logudorese)
  • Bonas seras(BOH-nahs SEH-rahs): Good evening (Logudorese)
  • Adiosu!(ah-dee-OH-zoo): Goodbye! (Logudorese)
  • Gràtzias(GRAHT-zee-ahs): Thank you (Logudorese/Campidanese)
  • Po piaghere(poh pyah-GHEH-reh): Please (Campidanese)
  • Eja(EH-jah): Yes (Sardinian, common across variants)
  • No(NOH): No (Same as Italian)
  • Comente istas?(koh-MEN-teh EE-stahs?): How are you? (Logudorese)
  • Stai bene?(STAH-ee BEH-neh?): How are you? (Campidanese)
  • Non cumprendo(non koom-PREN-doh): I don't understand (Sardinian, common)
  • A sa salude!(ah sah sah-LOO-deh!): To your health! / Cheers! (Common toast)

Regional Linguistic Nuances

Sardinia's linguistic tapestry is rich and varied. While Italian is the standard and Sardu is the native language, there are a few other linguistic influences:

  • Gallurese:Spoken in the northern tip of the island, around areas like the Maddalena Archipelago and Castelsardo. This dialect is often considered closer to Corsican than to other Sardinian variants.
  • Sassarese:Found in and around the city of Sassari, it's a transitional language with strong influences from Corsican, Gallurese, and Italian.
  • Tabarchino:A Ligurian dialect spoken on the islands of San Pietro and Sant'Antioco, brought by Genoese colonists from Tabarka, Tunisia.

Don't feel overwhelmed by these distinctions. Most locals will appreciate any attempt you make to engage, regardless of the specific dialect.

Tips for Communicating in Sardinia

  1. Start with Italian:Always begin conversations in Italian. Most people will understand, and if they speak English, they'll likely switch.
  2. Be Patient:Communication might take a little longer, especially in smaller towns. Embrace the slower pace.
  3. Use Gestures:Italians are masters of non-verbal communication. Don't be shy about using hand gestures to aid your words.
  4. Don't Be Afraid to Try:Even imperfect Italian or a few Sardinian words will be met with smiles and encouragement.
  5. Have a Translation App Handy:For more complex conversations or emergencies, a good translation app can be invaluable.
  6. Embrace the Effort:Locals genuinely appreciate when visitors show an interest in their language and culture. It can open doors to unique experiences and make your trip to Sardinia even more memorable. Whether you're exploring the ancient ruins of Tharros, marveling at Su Nuraxi di Barumini, or relaxing on Chia beach, a few well-placed phrases can transform an ordinary interaction into a special connection.

Conclusion

While Italian will serve you well across Sardinia, taking the time to learn a few basic phrases, including some from the island's captivating native language, will undoubtedly enrich your journey. It's a gesture that shows respect for the local culture and can unlock more authentic experiences, allowing you to connect more deeply with the heart and soul of this incredible Mediterranean gem. So, practice yourBuongiornoand yourGràtzias, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure!