A guide to saying it like a local
How to Say "You're welcome" in Italian
The essential Italian response to 'thank you,' used in almost every situation.
Prego
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Italian TTS · 0:01
When someone thanks you for a favor, a gift, or any service, this is your go-to reply. It's the standard, polite way to acknowledge their gratitude. Think of it as the Italian equivalent of 'you're welcome' or 'don't mention it.'
Alternatives
- Di nienteSlightly more casual, like 'it's nothing.'
- Non c'è di cheA bit more formal and gracious, like 'there's nothing to thank me for.'
Ways to get it wrong
Confusing 'prego' with 'per favore'
'Prego' means 'you're welcome,' while 'per favore' means 'please.'
Saying 'grazie' back
Responding to 'grazie' with another 'grazie' is confusing; 'prego' is the correct reply.
A small cultural note
While 'prego' is universally understood, in some very casual settings among close friends, a simple nod or a smile might suffice. However, 'prego' is always safe and appreciated.
Frequently asked
When do I say prego in Italian?
You say 'prego' when someone says 'grazie' (thank you) to you. It's the standard response to express that you're welcome.
Is prego formal or informal?
'Prego' is a neutral term that works in almost all situations, both formal and informal. You can use it with anyone.
What if I want to say 'you're welcome' more casually?
For a more casual feel, you can use 'di niente,' which is similar to saying 'it's nothing.'
How do Italians say you're welcome?
The most common way to say "you're welcome" in Italian is "prego." It's a versatile phrase used in many situations.
How do you respond to Grazie in Italian?
When someone says "grazie" (thank you), you can respond with "prego," which means "you're welcome." Other options include "di niente" (it's nothing) or "figurati" (don't mention it).
What to say instead of prego?
Instead of "prego," you can use "di niente," meaning "it's nothing," or "figurati," which is a more informal way of saying "don't mention it."
