Bene, grazie
/ˈbɛ.ne ˈɡrat.t͡sje/word by word
The English phrase "good thanks" is translated into Italian as Bene, grazie.
Bene, grazie is the standard response when answering the greeting Come stai? (How are you?) or Come va? (How is it going?). The word grazie is the most basic and commonly used way to say thanks in Italian.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the adverb bene (well) and the word grazie (thanks).
How does it change in a sentence?
While Bene, grazie is a common elliptical response, the full grammatical sentence is Sto bene, grazie, which uses the verb stare (to be/to stay).
Did you know?
- Because grazie is the plural of grazia, which means 'grace', you are essentially saying 'many graces' to the person you are thanking.
- While Bene, grazie is the polite response, if an Italian says Così così, they are indicating they are 'so-so', which often serves as a social invitation for you to ask what is wrong.
- In Italy, it is common to accompany Bene, grazie with a slight nod or a smile, but avoid an overly enthusiastic 'thumbs up' gesture, which can be seen as too informal or childish in professional settings.
Examples in context
- Bene, grazie.Good, thanks.Tatoeba #707196 by Guybrush88, translation #12866175 by rul
- Grazie mille per la sua cortesia durante il meeting.Thank you very much for your kindness during the meeting.
- Bene, grazie, e tu?Good, thanks, and you?
- Sto bene, grazie mille.I am doing well, thanks a lot.
Example conversation
Two friends meet on the street.
- FrancescoCiao Chiara, come stai?Hi Chiara, how are you?
- ChiaraBene, grazie, e tu, Francesco?Good, thanks, and you, Francesco?
- FrancescoTutto bene, grazie.Everything is good, thanks.
- ChiaraMi fa piacere!I'm glad to hear that!
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (bene, grazie) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bene, grazie, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
