Grazie
/ˈɡrat.t͡sje/
Grazie is the Italian way to say thank you.
Grazie is a standard expression used to acknowledge a favor or to show gratitude.
Which one should you use?
While grazie is a standard thank you, you can say grazie mille to mean "thank you very much" by adding mille (thousand).
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Calabria and Sicily, the variation Grazie assaie is used to mean "thank you very much".
How does it change in a sentence?
Unlike the English "thank you" which uses a verb, grazie is a noun in the plural form, literally meaning "graces".
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /ˈɡrat.tsje/. It has 2 syllables, with the stress on the 1st syllable.
When do people say it?
The standard polite response to grazie is prego (you're welcome).
Did you know?
- The modern Italian grazie descends from the Latin expression grātiās agō, which literally meant 'I drive/perform thanks'.
- The standard response prego does not just mean 'you are welcome'. It is also used by waiters or shopkeepers to say 'please, go ahead' or 'how can I help you'.
- While grazie is used for gratitude, the word grazia can also describe a person's elegance or a legal pardon granted by a head of state.
Examples in context
- Grazie mille per l'opportunità di lavorare con voi.Thank you very much for the opportunity to work with you.
- Grazie, sei sempre così gentile!Thanks, you are always so kind!
- La ringrazio per la sua cortesia e disponibilità.I thank you for your kindness and availability.
- Grazie mille per l'aiuto.Thanks a lot for the help.
- Grazie per il regalo.Thank you for the gift.
- Grazie di tutto, a presto!Thanks for everything, see you soon!
Example conversation
Lorenzo is returning a book to Martina.
- LorenzoGrazie per avermi prestato il libro.Thanks for lending me the book.
- MartinaDi nulla, Lorenzo!You're welcome, Lorenzo!
- LorenzoÈ stato molto utile.It was very useful.
- MartinaSono felice di esserti stata d'aiuto.I am happy to have been helpful to you.
Sources
- Pronunciation from the Wiktionary entry grazie.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries grazie, CC BY-SA 4.0.
