How to Say Please in Italian
Learn how to say please in Italian. 'Per favore' is the most common, but 'per piacere' and 'per cortesia' are also used. Includes pronunciation, usage guide, and examples.
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Quick answer
To say 'please' in Italian, say 'Per favore' (pronounced per fa-VO-reh), which literally means 'as a favor.' Two close synonyms are 'Per piacere' (per pya-CHEH-reh, for pleasure/please) and 'Per cortesia' (per kor-teh-ZEE-a, out of courtesy). All three are interchangeable in most situations.
Per favore
/per fa-VO-reh/ — Italian
How to Say Please in Italian
Politeness is fundamental in Italian culture. Knowing how to say please correctly — and placing it naturally in a sentence — immediately marks you as respectful and considerate, whether in a trattoria, a shop, or a business meeting.
The Three Main Italian Words for Please
1. Per favore (most common)
Pronunciation: /per fa-VO-reh/ Literal meaning: As a favor / Do me the favor
The most universally used “please” in Italian. Works in every situation.
2. Per piacere
Pronunciation: /per pya-CHEH-reh/ Literal meaning: For pleasure / With pleasure
Slightly more elegant-sounding. Common in central and southern Italy.
3. Per cortesia
Pronunciation: /per kor-teh-ZEE-a/ Literal meaning: Out of courtesy
The most formal of the three. Common in written requests, formal emails, and on signs.
How to Use Please in Italian Sentences
| Italian | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Un caffè, per favore. | A coffee, please. |
| Per favore, parli più lentamente. | Please speak more slowly. |
| Può ripetere, per favore? | Could you repeat that, please? |
| Per cortesia, non fumare qui. | Please do not smoke here. (sign/formal) |
| Mi porta il conto, per favore? | Could you bring the bill, please? |
| Per piacere, aspetti un momento. | Please wait a moment. |
| Silenzio, per favore! | Silence, please! |
| Per favore, mi aiuti. | Please help me. (formal) |
Sentence Position
Per favore is flexible — it can appear at the start, middle, or end:
- End (most common): Un tavolo per due, per favore. ✓
- Beginning (more emphatic): Per favore, abbassate la voce. ✓
- Middle (natural in longer sentences): Potrebbe, per favore, chiudere la porta? ✓
Polite Request Structures
Italian uses these structures for polite requests, often combined with per favore:
| Structure | Example | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Può + infinitive? | Può aspettare, per favore? | Can you wait, please? (formal) |
| Potrebbe + infinitive? | Potrebbe aiutarmi? | Could you help me? (very polite) |
| Mi porta + noun? | Mi porta l’acqua? | Could you bring me water? |
| Vorrei + noun | Vorrei un tè, per favore. | I would like a tea, please. |
| Ha + noun? | Ha un tavolo libero? | Do you have a free table? |
Pronunciation Breakdown
Per favore:
- Per — like the English “pair” but shorter
- fa — “fa” as in music
- vo — stressed syllable: VO (like “voh”)
- re — short “reh,” always pronounced (never drop final vowels in Italian)
- Full: per-fa-VO-reh
Per piacere:
- Pia — a glide: “pya” (not “pee-a”)
- ce — “cheh”
- re — “reh”
- Full: per-pya-CHEH-reh
Common Situations: Please in Italian
Ordering food/drinks: Buongiorno! Un cappuccino e una brioche, per favore.
Asking for directions: Scusi, per favore — dov’è il Colosseo? (Excuse me, please — where is the Colosseum?)
In an emergency: Chiami un’ambulanza, per favore! (Please call an ambulance!)
Asking someone to slow down: Può parlare più lentamente, per favore? Non parlo bene l’italiano.
Asking for the check: Il conto, per favore!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between per favore, per piacere, and per cortesia?
All three mean 'please' in Italian. 'Per favore' (as a favor) is the most common and universally understood. 'Per piacere' (for pleasure) is also widely used and slightly more elegant-sounding. 'Per cortesia' (out of courtesy) is the most formal and is often used in written Italian, formal requests, or on signs. In everyday speech, all three are interchangeable.
Where does per favore go in an Italian sentence?
'Per favore' can go at the beginning or end of a sentence — either is correct. 'Un caffè, per favore' and 'Per favore, un caffè' are both natural. Placing it at the end is more common in casual speech; at the beginning it adds slightly more formality or urgency.
How do you say please sit down in Italian?
'Si accomodi, per favore' (formal) or 'Siediti, per favore' (informal) mean 'please sit down.' In a waiting room or shop, you'd hear the formal version: 'Prego, si accomodi' (Please, make yourself comfortable).
Is there a more casual way to say please in Italian?
Unlike English where 'please' is heavily emphasized for politeness, Italian often relies on tone and context. A polite tone with 'per favore' is sufficient. Among very close friends, Italians might soften a request with 'dai' (come on / please) instead — but 'per favore' is always appropriate.
How do you say please help me in Italian?
'Per favore, mi aiuti' (formal) or 'Per favore, aiutami' (informal) mean 'please help me.' In an emergency: 'Aiuto!' (Help!) or 'Mi aiuti, per favore!' (Please help me!).