Easy Italian: Italians on the street

What it is

Easy Italian is a YouTube channel from the Easy Languages family. Hosts Katie and Matteo are based in Milan and head out with a microphone, asking people in Milan and other Italian cities about everyday things. Every video carries two sets of subtitles — Italian and English — so you see both what was said and what it means. Alongside runs Super Easy Italian: short clips on a single word or rule, like the verb dovere, essere versus stare, or mi piace versus mi piacciono. Episodes are numbered, the main series has passed 270, and the channel sits at around half a million subscribers.

Why we picked it

It's Italy without the postcard filter. Passers-by argue about what it costs to retire in Italy, share what visitors absolutely must see, and explain how to tell whether a gelato shop is any good. You hear regional accents, hand gestures and the real speed of conversation — none of which a textbook gives you. Even if you're not learning the language, it's a lively way to hear what Italians think about their own country. New videos land roughly weekly. There's a Patreon with transcripts and exercises, but the core content is free.

Where to start

• The episode on how to know if a gelato place is any good.
• The one where Italians say what you must see, and how to say it.
• Super Easy Italian on essere and stare, if you're studying.
• The retirement-costs episode, for a conversation about life rather than grammar.
• Turn on Italian subtitles only and see how far you get.

Who it's for

Italian learners at any level, travelers heading to Italy, and anyone who simply enjoys listening to Italian. Beginners can lean on the English subtitles; more advanced learners can switch them off.

Quick answers

How often are new videos posted? About weekly; the latest are from September 2026.

Are there subtitles? Yes — Italian and English on every video.

Where is it filmed? Mostly in Milan, sometimes in other Italian cities.