In the professional world, understanding the language of the sector you are working in can be crucial for success. For those engaging with Italian businesses or working in Italy, knowing key business terms in Italian can be particularly valuable. Here are some essential business Italian terms and phrases that will help you navigate through meetings, emails, and negotiations.
Impresa
This term refers to a company or business. It is a general term used to describe any business entity.
La nostra impresa ha filiali in diverse città italiane.
Dirigente
This refers to an executive or manager in a company. It is often used to describe someone in a senior position who makes decisions.
Il dirigente ha approvato il nuovo piano di marketing.
Ufficio
Meaning office, this is the place where most business activities take place.
Passo molto tempo al ufficio durante la settimana.
Azienda
Similar to ‘impresa’, this term also means company or business, but is often used to refer to a larger or more complex organization.
L’azienda per cui lavoro produce componenti automobilistici.
Bilancio
This term means budget. It refers to the financial plan that outlines expected revenues and expenditures.
Il direttore finanziario ha presentato il bilancio per il prossimo anno.
Cliente
This is the term for a client or customer — someone who buys goods or services from a business.
Abbiamo inviato la proposta al cliente ieri.
Fornitore
Meaning supplier, this term refers to a person or company that provides goods or services to another business.
Il nostro fornitore principale di materie prime ha sede in Germania.
Contratto
This term means contract and refers to a written or spoken agreement, especially one concerning employment, sales, or tenancy, that is intended to be enforceable by law.
Abbiamo firmato un nuovo contratto con il fornitore.
Investimento
Meaning investment, it refers to the action or process of investing money for profit.
L’investimento iniziale per il progetto è stato significativo.
Guadagno
This refers to profit or earnings. It is the financial benefit realized when revenue gained from a business activity exceeds the expenses, costs, and taxes.
Il guadagno dal nuovo prodotto ha superato le aspettative.
Mercato
This means market and refers to the arena of commercial dealings — the place or area where commercial dealings are conducted.
Il nostro mercato target è l’Europa occidentale.
Strategia
Meaning strategy, this refers to a plan of action designed to achieve a long-term or overall aim.
La strategia di marketing sarà rivista il prossimo mese.
Negoziazione
This term means negotiation. It is the discussion aimed at reaching an agreement.
La negoziazione per il contratto è stata difficile ma fruttuosa.
Concorrenza
Meaning competition, this refers to the rivalry between companies selling similar products and services with the goal of achieving revenue, profit, and market share growth.
La concorrenza in questo settore è molto agguerrita.
Reclutamento
This term means recruitment. It refers to the overall process of identifying, attracting, screening, shortlisting, and interviewing candidates for jobs.
Il nostro dipartimento di reclutamento è alla ricerca di nuovi ingegneri.
Capitale
Meaning capital, this refers to wealth in the form of money or other assets owned by a person or organization or available for a purpose such as starting a company or investing.
Abbiamo aumentato il capitale per espandere la produzione.
Risorse umane
This term translates to human resources and refers to the department of a business or organization that deals with the hiring, administration, and training of staff.
Il dipartimento di risorse umane ha introdotto una nuova politica per i dipendenti.
Understanding and using these key business Italian terms will not only enhance your professional vocabulary but also provide you with the confidence to engage in various business activities in Italy or with Italian-speaking partners. Effective communication is vital in business, and knowing the right terms can make a significant difference in your interactions.
