Which one should you use?
The term caro or cara acts as an adjective used as a noun, which means it must agree in gender with the person you are addressing.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The phrase grazie caro is informal and is intended for use with friends, family or people with whom you share a close relationship.
How does it change in a sentence?
Italian requires the phrase to change based on the gender and number of the people you are thanking. Use grazie caro for a man, and use grazie cara when addressing a woman. If you are addressing a group of people, or a mixed group, use the masculine plural grazie cari. If the group consists only of women, use the feminine plural grazie care. Additionally, in informal contexts, you might use grazie, tesoro to mean "thank you, dear" or grazie, amore mio to mean "thank you, my love" when speaking to a romantic partner.
How do you pronounce it?
It has 4 syllables, and the stress is on the 1st syllable.
Did you know?
- In Italy, using caro or cara with a stranger, such as a shopkeeper or a waiter, can sometimes come across as overly familiar or condescending rather than just friendly.
- The word grazie is actually the plural form of grazia, which means 'grace'. When you thank someone, you are literally offering them 'graces'.
- The word caro shares a root with the English word 'care', as both stem from the idea of something being precious or highly valued.
Examples in context
- Grazie caro, sei molto gentile.Thank you dear, you are very kind.
- Grazie caro per il regalo.Thank you dear for the gift.
- Grazie caro, a dopo!Thank you dear, see you later!
Example conversation
Chiara is thanking Alessandro for bringing her some coffee.
- ChiaraGrazie caro, il caffè è perfetto.Thank you dear, the coffee is perfect.
- AlessandroPrego, Chiara. Te lo meriti.You're welcome, Chiara. You deserve it.
- ChiaraSei sempre così dolce.You are always so sweet.
- AlessandroLo faccio volentieri per te.I do it gladly for you.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (grazie, caro) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries caro, grazie, CC BY-SA 4.0.
