Grazie e prego
/ˈɡrat.t͡sje ˈe ˈprɛ.ɡo/word by word
The English phrase 'thank you and your welcome' is expressed in Italian as Grazie e prego.
This phrase combines the most common and versatile way to express gratitude, grazie, with the standard way to respond to that gratitude, prego. You can use mille grazie to mean 'a thousand thanks' when you want to emphasize your gratitude. To respond to thanks, prego is the most common choice.
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, Grazie e prego translates to 'Thanks and I pray/beg'.
Did you know?
- While prego is the standard response to thanks, it is also used by shopkeepers or waiters to invite you to enter a room or to signify that it is your turn to be served.
- When an Italian person is not hearing you or didn't understand what you said, they may say prego? with a rising intonation to ask you to repeat yourself.
- The word grazie is actually the plural form of the noun grazia, which means 'grace'.
Examples in context
- Grazie per l'aiuto!Thanks for the help!
- Grazie per l'ospitalità!Thank you for the hospitality!
- Mille grazie per il regalo!Thanks a thousand times for the gift!
- Mille grazie per il vostro supporto!A thousand thanks for your support!
- Ti ringrazio per la gentilezza!I thank you for your kindness!
- La ringrazio per l'aiuto prestato!I thank you for the assistance provided!
- Prego, fammi sapere se posso fare altro per te.You're welcome, let me know if I can do anything else for you.
- Prego, è stato un piacere aiutarla.You're welcome, it was a pleasure to help you.
- Non c'è di che, è stato un piacere.You're welcome, it was a pleasure.
- Non c'è di che, sono felice di aver potuto aiutarla.You're welcome, I'm glad I could help you.
- Figurati, ci mancherebbe altro.Don't mention it, it's nothing.
- Si figuri, era il mio dovere.You're welcome, it was my duty.
- È un semplice grazie e prego.It is a simple thank you and you're welcome.
Example conversation
Chiara hands a book back to Matteo.
- ChiaraEcco il tuo libro, Matteo.Here is your book, Matteo.
- MatteoGrazie mille, Chiara!Thank you very much, Chiara!
- ChiaraPrego, non c'è problema.You're welcome, no problem.
- MatteoIl duo grazie e prego è fondamentale.The pair thank you and you're welcome is fundamental.
