gratuito
The Italian word for complimentary (meaning free of charge) is gratuito.
gratuito is used to describe something provided at no cost. A common way to express this is through the phrase servizio gratuito, which means free service.
Meaning: free, provided at no charge (adj)
Which one should you use?
It is important to distinguish gratuito from the word libero. While gratuito means free of charge, libero is used to mean free in the sense of being unoccupied or available.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies. Use gratuita for feminine singular nouns, gratuiti for masculine plural nouns and gratuite for feminine plural nouns.
Did you know?
- While gratuito means free of charge, you might see the word omaggio on a menu or receipt to indicate that a specific item is a complimentary gift from the establishment.
- The word gratuito shares its roots with the English word 'gratuitous', though in English that word often carries a negative connotation of being uncalled for or unnecessary.
- While gratuito means free of charge, the word gratis is used as an adverb in Italian to say something is 'free'. Using gratis is often more common in casual conversation than using the adjective gratuito.
Examples in context
- È davvero un piacere conoscerla.It's truly a pleasure to meet you.
- Apprezzo molto il suo lavoro e impegno.I greatly appreciate your work and dedication.
- Sei davvero in forma!You're really fit!
- Hai un gran stile!You have great style!
- Sei un amico/a fantastico/a!You're a fantastic friend!
- Sei un talento naturale.You're a natural talent.
- Mi piace molto il tuo sorriso.I really like your smile.
- Hai un abbigliamento davvero elegante.You have a really elegant outfit.
- Sei una persona molto generosa.You are a very generous person.
- Mi piace come affronti le sfide.I like how you tackle challenges.
- Hai una voce meravigliosa.You have a wonderful voice.
- Sei un/a bravo/a musicista.You are a talented musician.
- Il servizio è gratuito.The service is free.
- È un accesso gratuito al Wi-Fi.It is a complimentary Wi-Fi access.
- Il parcheggio per gli ospiti è gratuito.Parking for guests is free.
Example conversation
At a small hotel reception desk.
- ChiaraLa colazione è gratuita?Is breakfast complimentary?
- AlessandroSì, è un servizio gratuito per tutti.Yes, it is a free service for everyone.
- ChiaraPerfetto, grazie mille.Perfect, thank you very much.
- AlessandroPrego, buon appetito!You're welcome, enjoy your meal!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries gratuito, CC BY-SA 4.0.
