Dio ti benedica
The English phrase "God bless" can be translated into Italian as Dio ti benedica.
This phrase is used to express a wish for divine favor or protection upon someone.
Which one should you use?
While the English "God bless you" can function as a simple statement, the Italian version uses the subjunctive mood, benedica, to specifically express a wish or a prayer.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase changes depending on who you are addressing. To address more than one person, the pronoun ti is replaced with vi (e.g., Dio vi benedica). When using the formal "you" (Lei), the pronoun changes to la (e.g., Dio la benedica). You can also refer to a third party by changing the pronoun to lo for him or la for her.
Did you know?
- Unlike English, where 'God bless you' is the standard response to a sneeze, Italians typically say Salute, which means 'health'.
- In very traditional or religious Italian settings, Dio ti benedica might be accompanied by a sign of the cross over the person being blessed.
- The word Dio shares an ancient root with the English word 'deity', both tracing back to a concept of the 'sky' or 'heaven'.
Examples in context
- Che Dio ti benedica!God bless you!This example shows how to express "God bless you!" using Dio ti benedica.Tatoeba #1746603 by Guybrush88, translation #269618 by CM
- Che Dio ti benedica.May God bless you.Tatoeba #3455015 by Guybrush88, translation #269634 by CM
- Dio ti benedica nella tua nuova avventuraGod bless you in your new adventure
- Nonna, che Dio ti benedica e ti protegga sempreGrandma, may God bless you and protect you always
- Dio ti benedica sempre.May God bless you always.
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Giulia says goodbye to Alessandro before he goes on a trip.
- GiuliaFai un buon viaggio, Alessandro!Have a good trip, Alessandro!
- AlessandroGrazie mille, Giulia.Thank you so much, Giulia.
- GiuliaDio ti benedica, a presto!God bless you, see you soon!
- AlessandroAnche a te, ciao!You too, bye!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Dio, dio, ti, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
