Have you recently acquired a working visa, or do you intend to work with an Italian company after obtaining dual citizenship through marriage? As you embark on exciting new professional opportunities in Italy, mastering the basics of business Italian becomes essential.
Understanding key phrases goes beyond just communication; it demonstrates respect for Italian business etiquette and paves the way for smoother interactions and fruitful collaborations.
This comprehensive guide equips you with essential business Italian phrases, empowering you to navigate the Italian business world with confidence, from initial greetings to closing a successful deal. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting out, this guide will serve as your springboard to success in the dynamic Italian business landscape.
Greetings and Basic Courtesies
Good morning/afternoon/evening:
Buongiorno / Buon pomeriggio / Buonasera.
Usage: These are formal ways to greet business associates, suitable for any time of the day.
It’s nice to meet you:
Piacere di conoscerti/conoscerla.
Usage: Use conoscerti in informal situations and conoscerla in formal settings.
Starting a Meeting
Thank you for meeting with us:
Grazie per l’incontro. Grazie per averci incontrati.
Usage: A polite way to start a business meeting, showing appreciation for the time given.
Shall we begin?
Possiamo iniziare?
Usage: A simple and direct way to start the business proceedings after initial pleasantries.
We have a lot to cover today:
"Abbiamo molto da discutere oggi" (We have a lot to discuss today):
Usage: This is the most generic and neutral translation, suitable for any type of meeting or gathering.
"Abbiamo un programma fitto oggi" (We have a packed schedule today)
Usage: Similar to the previous one, but emphasizes the need to stick to the schedule.
"La nostra agenda è piena oggi" (Our agenda is full today)
Usage: Similar to the previous one, but more formal.
Discussing Business
What are your thoughts on this?
Quali sono i suoi pensieri a riguardo?
Usage: This is a respectful way to ask for someone’s opinion in a formal business setting.
Can you provide more details?
Può fornire più dettagli?
Usage: Useful for when you need additional information on a topic or proposal.
We would like to propose...
Vorremmo proporre...
Usage: Starting a sentence for making business proposals or suggestions.
What is the timeline for this project?
Qual è la tempistica per questo progetto?
Usage: Important for discussing deadlines and project planning.
Negotiating
Is there room for negotiation?
C'è margine di negoziazione?
Usage: Useful for understanding the flexibility in a deal or price.
We think this is a fair offer:
Pensiamo che questa sia un'offerta equa.
Usage: Asserting the fairness of an offer during negotiations.
Could we consider a discount for a larger order?
Potremmo considerare uno sconto per un ordine più grande?
Usage: Often used in sales discussions to incentivize bulk purchases.
Wrapping Up
We look forward to working together:
Non vediamo l'ora di lavorare insieme.
Usage: A positive closure to a meeting indicating anticipation of future collaboration.
Let’s set another meeting to discuss this further:
Fissiamo un altro incontro per discutere ulteriormente di questo.
Usage: Useful for when issues need further discussion or the decision-making process is lengthy.
Please send us the minutes of the meeting:
Per favore, inviateci il verbale dell'incontro.
Usage: To ensure all parties are on the same page and to have a record of what was discussed.
Thank you for your time today:
Grazie per il suo tempo oggi.
Usage: A courteous way to end any business interaction, reinforcing respect and appreciation for the person’s time.
By mastering these phrases, professionals engaging with the Italian market can communicate more effectively, convey respect for business etiquette, and build fruitful working relationships. Whether you're just starting out after obtaining your visa or stepping into a role with an Italian firm thanks to your new dual citizenship status, these phrases will serve as your comprehensive guide to navigating the Italian business landscape with confidence.
If you’re a dual citizen looking to expand your opportunities in Italy, or if you need further information regarding visa processes and Italian language courses for all levels, don’t hesitate to reach out to Roberta. She offers a free 30 minute language assessment to get you back to the negotiating table.
Embrace these linguistic tools, and you'll find yourself better equipped to handle the nuances of Italian business interactions and forge deeper, more meaningful professional connections. Let us help you ensure that your transition into the Italian business world is as smooth and successful as possible.