è stato un piacere
In Italian, "it was a pleasure" is translated as è stato un piacere.
This phrase is a polite expression used to indicate that you enjoyed meeting someone or spending time with them. You can intensify the sentiment by using different adjectives: è stato un vero piacere (it was a real pleasure), è stato un grande piacere (it was a great pleasure) or è stato un immenso piacere (it was an immense pleasure). For a different nuance, è stato un vero godimento can be used to mean "it was a real delight". To emphasize that the feeling is mutual, you can add anche per me (for me as well) to the end of the phrase.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of è stato (it has been/it was) and un piacere (a pleasure).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
While the phrase is inherently polite, it is frequently used in formal business or professional settings to conclude an interaction. The form È stato un piacere is considered a formal way to express this sentiment.
How does it change in a sentence?
To say it was a pleasure to meet someone, you can follow the phrase with an infinitive verb. For example, è stato un piacere conoscerti means "it was a pleasure to meet you" in an informal context.
Did you know?
- While è stato un piacere is the standard polite phrase, using è stato un godimento can be risky because it carries a much stronger, sometimes sensual connotation of physical enjoyment.
- In Italian, the word piacere is not just a noun but also a verb, which is why the phrase piacere! is used as a shorthand for 'pleased to meet you' when shaking hands.
- In very formal contexts, an Italian might replace the phrase with è stato un onore, meaning 'it was an honor', to show an even higher degree of respect.
Examples in context
- È stato un piacere.It was a pleasure.This sentence shows the basic phrase.Tatoeba #2847695 by Guybrush88, translation #2549035 by CK
- È stato un piacere lavorare con Voi.It was a pleasure working with you.This sentence demonstrates using the phrase to talk about working with someone.Tatoeba #5927819 by dnnywld, translation #5927801 by mailohilohi
- È stato un piacere incontrarla, Sig. Tamori.It was a pleasure meeting you, Mr Tamori.This sentence shows how to use the phrase when meeting someone formally.Tatoeba #399990 by Pharamp, translation #71167 by sundown
Example conversation
Matteo and Martina are saying goodbye after a coffee date.
- MartinaGrazie per il caffè, Matteo.Thanks for the coffee, Matteo.
- MatteoDi nulla, Martina. È stato un piacere.You're welcome, Martina. It was a pleasure.
- MartinaAnche per me. A presto!For me too. See you soon!
- MatteoA presto!See you soon!
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
