English is not widely spoken in the village — and that is part of the charm. A handful of phrases plus a smile covers 95% of situations.

The non-negotiables

Italian	English
Buongiorno / Buonasera	Good morning / Good evening (say it every time you enter a shop)
Per favore / Grazie	Please / Thank you
Scusi	Excuse me
Parla inglese?	Do you speak English?
Non parlo italiano	I don't speak Italian
Quanto costa?	How much is it?
Il conto, per favore	The bill, please

Eating and drinking

Italian	English
Un tavolo per due	A table for two
Cosa mi consiglia?	What do you recommend? (the magic phrase)
Un caffè	An espresso — that IS the default coffee
Sono allergico/a a…	I'm allergic to…
Da portare via	To take away

Words you'll only hear here

• Sagra — a village food festival, usually dedicated to one dish, run by volunteers. If one is on during your stay, go.
• Rione — one of the four quarters of Orentano (Borgovalle, La Selva, Padule, La Sughera), each with its own colours and crest — see The Village.
• Palio — the friendly year-round contest between the four rioni.
• Frazione — a village that belongs to a larger comune; Orentano is a frazione of Castelfranco di Sotto.
• Frantoio — an olive-oil mill, busiest in November.