A guide to saying it like a local
How to Say "Welcome" in Italian
The Italian word for 'welcome,' used when greeting someone arriving.
Benvenuto
ben-veh-NOO-tohneutral
Italian TTS · 0:01
Use this when someone arrives at your home, your shop, or even your country. It's a warm way to acknowledge their presence and express that they are expected or desired.
Alternatives
- BenvenutiUse this when welcoming more than one person.
- BenvenutaUse this when welcoming a single female guest.
Ways to get it wrong
Pronouncing 'v' like 'w'
The Italian 'v' is a voiced labiodental fricative, like the English 'v' in 'very,' not the English 'w'.
Stress on the wrong syllable
The stress falls on the 'u' in 'benvenuto,' not the first syllable.
A small cultural note
It's common to say 'benvenuto' upon someone's arrival, even if you've just seen them. It's a polite gesture to acknowledge their presence.
Frequently asked
How do I say welcome to Italy?
You would say 'Benvenuto' to a male, 'Benvenuta' to a female, or 'Benvenuti' to a group. This is a direct translation of 'welcome'.
When do Italians say welcome?
Italians say 'welcome' (benvenuto/a/i) when someone arrives at their home, business, or any place they are hosting. It's a standard greeting for arrivals.
What's the difference between benvenuto and benvenuti?
'Benvenuto' is used when you are welcoming one person (a male guest). 'Benvenuti' is used when you are welcoming more than one person.
How do you say welcome to Italy?
To welcome someone to Italy, you would say "Benvenuti in Italia."
Is Prego your welcome?
While "prego" can mean "you're welcome," it is not the primary way to say "welcome" when greeting someone.
How do you say welcome in Italian neutral?
The most common and neutral way to say "welcome" in Italian is "benvenuto."
Welcome in Italian to a woman
To welcome a woman, you would say "benvenuta."
Welcome in Italian plural
When welcoming more than one person, you say "benvenuti."
