per favore
/per faˈvo.re/
The English word 'please' is translated into Italian as per favore. Wiktionary also lists per piacere.
Meaning: interjection to make a polite request (intj)
Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| per favore | /per faˈvo.re/ | |
| per piacere | /per pjaˈt͡ʃe.re/ (word by word) | informal |
Both per favore and per piacere are used as interjections to make a polite request.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase per favore literally translates to 'for favor'.
Which one should you use?
While both mean 'please', per piacere literally translates to 'for pleasure' and is considered slightly more informal than per favore.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Per favore can also be used in informal contexts. Per piacere is a more informal option.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation of per favore is /per faˈvo.re/. It has 3 syllables, with the stress on the 2nd syllable.
Did you know?
- If an Italian says per piacere with a specific rising intonation, it can be used to express disbelief or impatience, similar to saying 'give me a break'.
- In some Southern Italian dialects, you might hear people use per Dio in a way that functions similarly to 'please' when begging, though it is much more intense and religious.
- The word piacere in per piacere shares its roots with the English word 'please', both originating from the Latin 'placēre', meaning 'to be pleasing'.
Examples in context
- Per favore, lo apra.Please open it.This sentence shows how to use per favore when making a request to open something.Tatoeba #3034037 by Guybrush88, translation #2249804 by CK
- Il sale, per favore.The salt, if you please.This sentence shows how to use per favore when asking for an object.Tatoeba #4897510 by Guybrush88, translation #29861 by aka_aj
- Si alzi, per favore.Stand up, please.This sentence shows how to use per favore when asking someone to stand up.Tatoeba #12711443 by Guybrush88, translation #325441 by CK
- Posso avere un bicchiere d'acqua, per favore?Could I have a glass of water, please?
- Mi passi il sale, per piacere?Can you pass me the salt, please?
- Mi presteresti la tua penna, per favore?Could you lend me your pen, please?
- 6505 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A woman asks her partner for a glass of water.
- MatteoGiulia, un bicchiere d'acqua, per favore.Giulia, a glass of water, please.
- GiuliaCerto, eccolo per te, Matteo.Of course, here it is for you, Matteo.
- MatteoGrazie mille, sei molto gentile.Thanks a lot, you are very kind.
- GiuliaDi nulla, non c'è di che.You're welcome, don't mention it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “please” translations and entries per favore, per piacere, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (per, piacere) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries favore, per, piacere, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
