You speak Italian, but sometimes people look at you with a confused expression… Don’t worry, it happens to everyone! Even if you know the right words, being understood when you speak isn’t always easy.
In this article, we’ll show you how to improve your Italian pronunciation with practical tips for every level. No complicated theory, just simple tricks to help you speak more clearly, more naturally, and finally get your message across.
Why don’t people always understand you when you speak Italian?
You’ve studied, you know the words, maybe you even pause now and then but somehow, people still don’t get everything you’re saying.
This usually happens when your pronunciation isn’t clear, or when the rhythm of your speech is too fast or uneven. Sometimes it’s the sounds that confuse people; other times it’s your intonation. It doesn’t make it obvious where one idea ends and the next begins.
Another common reason? Insecurity. When we’re afraid of making mistakes, we tend to lower our voice, lose clarity, and the message just doesn’t come through.
The good news? You don’t need to speak perfectly, you just need to be understandable. And that’s something you can learn, step by step.
Speaking slowly isn’t enough: here’s what really helps
“Speak slowly!” is something you probably hear all the time. But it’s not the whole story. Speaking slowly doesn’t automatically mean speaking clearly. If you slow down too much or pause in strange places, people still might not understand you.
What really matters is:
- the natural rhythm of the sentence,
- pausing in the right places (like between the subject and the verb, or before a question),
- your intonation it helps the listener figure out if you’re stating something or asking something.
Quick tip: try recording yourself reading a short sentence out loud. Then listen back and ask: “Would I understand this if I were Italian?” With a bit of practice, you’ll notice the difference.
The trickiest sounds for Italian learners and how to practise them
Some Italian sounds are tough even for people who speak well. Which ones are the most challenging?
- The rolled “R”, especially if your native language doesn’t use it.
- “GLI”: famiglia or aglio.
- “GN”: like in bagno or gnocchi.
- Double consonants: think palla vs pala.
Easy R exercise: place the tip of your tongue behind your upper teeth and try to make it vibrate with a soft puff of air. Start with short words like Roma, rosa, treno.
For GLI and GN: listen to native speakers, then repeat the words slowly. Try practising in front of a mirror, seeing your mouth move helps a lot!
Clear, simple words = better pronunciation
When you try to use overly complicated sentences, it’s much easier to stumble or mispronounce something.
There’s no need to use fancy words to sound clever. In fact, the simpler your sentence, the clearer your message will be.
Instead of: “In riferimento alla conversazione avvenuta precedentemente…”
Say: “Come abbiamo detto prima…”
Instead of: “Vorrei sottolineare che…”
Better: “Voglio dire che…”
Sticking to words you already know lets you focus on your tone and pronunciation without getting distracted by grammar.
Facial expressions and gestures: your secret weapons
In Italy, people really do speak with their hands and it’s not just a stereotype! A good gesture or a clear facial expression can help make up for any pronunciation slip-ups.
If you say “Non ho capito” with a confused look and a hand gesture, your meaning is pretty clear.
If you say “È buono!” with a smile and the classic Italian fingers, you’re instantly more convincing and easier to follow.
Try this: watch Italian comedy clips or movie scenes. Pay attention to how people move their faces and hands then practise in front of the mirror. It’s fun and effective.
Speaking clearly doesn’t mean speaking perfectly
Many learners think they need to sound like a native speaker to be understood. But that’s not true.
Being understood is more important than being perfect.
If people can follow what you’re saying, you’re already doing great. Your accent is part of who you are, you don’t need to get rid of it. The goal is to speak clearly, naturally, and with confidence.
Focus on:
- pronouncing the key words in a sentence clearly,
- using a smooth, relaxed rhythm,
- avoiding major mistakes (like mixing up anno and ano).
What you can do every day to improve
You don’t need hours of study. Just 5–10 minutes a day can really help if you use them well.
Here are a few easy habits to build into your routine:
- Read a short text out loud every day, maybe in front of a mirror.
- Listen to Italian (podcasts, videos, music) and try repeating what you hear.
- Talk to yourself: describe what you’re doing (“I’m making coffee… now I’m getting the cup…”).
- Use subtitles when watching Italian TV. It helps connect the written word to the sound.
- Start a voice diary: record short phrases every day and listen to your progress.
With a little consistency, these small steps make a big difference. And soon you’ll start hearing: “Wow il tuo italiano è davvero ottimo!”
Want to really make yourself understood in Italian? Put it into practice
How to make yourself understood in Italian when you speak it’s not just about grammar or memorising rules.
It’s about action. It’s about getting used to using Italian in your daily life. About listening, trying, making mistakes… and celebrating the small wins.
Sometimes, all it takes is a well-placed pause, a confident tone, or just choosing simpler words.
Many people who learn Italian as a foreign language get stuck because they’re afraid of making mistakes or afraid they won’t be understood. But the truth is, anyone can improve, no matter where they are in their journey.
You just need the right support, someone who guides you with patience, kindness, and real experience
At Il Centro, we offer high-quality courses designed to help you use Italian confidently, naturally, and in real-life situations.
Our lessons focus on how Italian is actually used: with examples, conversations, practical exercises, and attention to detail.
Not just grammar rules, but real verbs, gestures, tone, rhythm, and vocabulary that Italians use every day.
Whether your native language is English or something else, you’ll find a welcoming place to learn Italian, have fun, and make real progress.
So if you’re ready to improve your skills for work, travel or just for the love of it, we’re here to help.
Check out our courses and start your Italian language journey today with a team that’s with you every step of the way.