Italian phrases for every Bologna conversation

A song on the radio reminded me that “Per ogni cosa c’è un posto” (There’s a right place for everything). Which set me thinking about how the places we visit affect who we are, and what we say.

One of the first things I noticed when I came to Bologna to study Italian was the fact that people here love to talk, talk, talk. And about everything! But it soon became clear that the topics of conversation vary depending on where exactly in the city you are.

As do the phrases you’ll need to know in Italian to join in. I was in famous Piazza Verdi when I realised that.

Piazza Verdi: for serious conversation

You’ll find Piazza Verdi about half-way down via Zamboni, in Bologna’s famous university quarter.

It has a radical reputation, and is well-known to students and young people, as well as to the older residents of this ”talkative city”.

So, let’s take a seat, have something to eat or drink.

We can spend a little time mulling over the problems of the world, or perhaps listening to live music.

Ignore the waiting squads of riot police. It’s a local tradition, I think.

But hey, before you leave home, you should brush up on phrases like: “La politica non si prende le sue responsabilità” and “Dobbiamo rispettare il nostro pianeta”.

Piazza Santo Stefano: food, wine & love

Prefer somewhere quieter (or less political)? Well, there’s Piazza Santo Stefano, where you might enjoy a glass of wine and can easily pass the day chatting about music, love or food.

Useful expressions: “Quella canzone mi ha ricordato il mio ex” and “Ho preparato una torta al cioccolato. Vuoi la ricetta?”

Orto Botanico: by day, & by night

The Orto Botanico (Botanical Gardens) by day is just a modest park near the university, though it’s an ideal place to stroll and fret about your exams with other students. Modestly say: “Questo esame è troppo difficile, non lo supererò mai”.

By night, though, it’s the place to celebrate your success, with concerts, games and parties ’till 2 a.m. “Evviva, che soddisfazione! Ho superato l’esame…ma tanto lo sapevo!”

Due Torri: see you this evening!

The unmistakeable Due Torri is an obvious place to meet up with friends to make plans for the evening.

You’ll most likely need: “Allora cosa facciamo stasera?”, “Dove andiamo?”, “Beviamo qualcosa prima di andare a ballare?” and “Andiamo al cinema!”

Piazza Maggiore: for culture

Important festivals like “Sotto le stelle del cinema” take place in Bologna’s main square.

For example, this year, at 10 p.m. each evening from 29th June to 6th July we went there to watch movies and hear famous directors talk about their work.

Essential phrase: “Che capolavoro!”

Giardini Margherita: soak up the sun

And when the sun’s shining, don’t miss Giardini Margherita, Bologna’s largest and most popular park.

Frequented by students, families with childen, lovers, & the ubiquitous joggers, it’s THE place to go on a nice day to escape the noise and bustle of this timeless city.

Start conversations there with: “Che bella giornata oggi!”

What is your favourite place to have a conversation in Bologna? Leave a comment on this post and start a conversation with us!