Piacere mio
/pjaˈt͡ʃe.re ˈmi.o/word by word
The English phrase "nice to meet you too" is translated into Italian as Piacere mio.
Use Piacere mio as a polite response when someone else says Piacere to you after an introduction.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase Piacere mio literally translates to "my pleasure".
Which one should you use?
While Piacere is a common way to say "Nice to meet you", Piacere mio specifically adds the "too" or "the pleasure is mine" nuance by adding the possessive adjective mio (my).
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Milan and northern Italy, people might use the straightforward Piacere in both formal and informal contexts.
Did you know?
- The English word 'please' shares a distant linguistic ancestor with piacere through the Latin root 'placere'.
- The concept of piacere is deeply tied to the Italian culture of 'fare bella figura', where appearing pleasing and polite is a social priority.
- While Piacere mio is the standard response, some Italians may simply reply with Altrettanto, which means 'equally' or 'the same to you'. This shifts the focus from the pleasure itself to the reciprocity of the sentiment.
Examples in context
- Piacere mio.The pleasure is mine.
- Piacere mio, davvero.The pleasure is mine, truly.
- Ah, piacere mio!Ah, nice to meet you too!
Example conversation
Martina and Matteo are being introduced to each other at a party.
- MartinaPiacere di conoscerti, Matteo.Nice to meet you, Matteo.
- MatteoPiacere mio, Martina.The pleasure is mine, Martina.
- MartinaSei molto gentile.You are very kind.
- MatteoGrazie mille.Thank you very much.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (piacere, mio) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries mio, piacere, CC BY-SA 4.0.
