How to Say You're Welcome in Italian
Learn how to say you're welcome in Italian. 'Prego' is the standard response to grazie, but there are many ways to say it. Full guide with pronunciation and usage.
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Quick answer
To say 'you're welcome' in Italian, say 'Prego' (pronounced PREH-go). It is the standard, all-purpose response to 'Grazie' (thank you). For a more casual or modest response, use 'Di niente' (it's nothing) or 'Figurati' (don't mention it). In formal settings, 'Si figuri' is the polite version.
Prego
/PREH-go/ — Italian
How to Say You’re Welcome in Italian
Prego is one of the most useful words in Italian because it means so many things depending on context. Mastering prego and its alternatives will make your Italian feel natural and fluent immediately.
The Standard Response: Prego
Pronunciation: /PREH-go/ — two syllables, stress on PREH.
After someone says Grazie (thank you), responding with Prego is always correct, always polite, and works in every situation from casual to formal.
The Many Meanings of Prego
This is what makes prego special — it adapts to context:
| Context | Italian | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| After Grazie | Prego! | You’re welcome |
| Offering something | Prego, si accomodi. | Please, make yourself comfortable |
| Holding a door | Prego! | Please, go ahead / After you |
| In a shop (staff) | Prego? | How can I help you? |
| Not hearing | Prego? | Sorry? / Pardon? |
| Inviting inside | Prego, entri! | Please, come in! |
| Offering food | Prego, serviti! | Please, help yourself! |
All the Ways to Say You’re Welcome in Italian
| Italian | Pronunciation | Meaning | Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prego | PREH-go | You’re welcome | Universal |
| Di niente | dee NYEN-teh | It’s nothing | Casual |
| Di nulla | dee NOOL-la | It’s nothing | Casual variant |
| Figurati | fee-GOO-ra-tee | Don’t mention it | Informal |
| Si figuri | see fee-GOO-ree | Don’t mention it | Formal |
| Non c’è di che | non cheh dee keh | Don’t mention it | Neutral/formal |
| Con piacere | kon pya-CHEH-reh | With pleasure | Warm |
| È stato un piacere | eh STA-to … | It was a pleasure | Formal |
| Quando vuoi | KWAN-do VWOY | Anytime you like | Friendly |
| Ci mancherebbe | chee man-keh-REH-beh | Of course! (lit: it would be lacking) | Emphatic |
Choosing the Right Response
Formal situations (shops, restaurants, offices, strangers): → Use Prego or Si figuri — always safe, always appropriate.
With friends and family: → Figurati, Di niente, or Quando vuoi feel natural and warm.
When you did something significant: → Con piacere (with pleasure) acknowledges the effort without dismissing it.
When someone thanks you emphatically: → Ci mancherebbe! (Of course! It goes without saying!) — shows you would do it again without hesitation.
Real Conversations
At a café — server brings your order:
- You: Grazie!
- Server: Prego, buon appetito! (You’re welcome, enjoy your meal!)
Friend thanks you for a favor:
- Friend: Grazie mille per l’aiuto!
- You: Figurati! Ci mancherebbe!
Holding a door for someone:
- You: (hold door) — Prego!
- Them: Grazie.
- You: Prego!
Formal email closing:
- Rimango a disposizione per qualsiasi necessità. Prego. (I remain at your disposal for any need. Please.)
Pronunciation Notes
- Prego — do NOT say “PRAY-go.” The Italian ‘e’ is a closed vowel, like “preh.”
- Figurati — fee-GOO-ra-tee (4 syllables, stress on GOO)
- Di niente — dee NYEN-teh (the ‘ie’ in niente is a glide: nyen)
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Prego mean in Italian?
'Prego' in Italian is remarkably versatile. It means 'you're welcome' (after thank you), but also 'please' (when offering something), 'go ahead' (when gesturing someone forward), 'how can I help you?' (in a shop or service context), and 'please, come in' (welcoming someone). Context determines the meaning.
What is the difference between Prego, Di niente, and Figurati?
'Prego' is formal and neutral — always appropriate. 'Di niente' (of nothing / it's nothing) is casual and modest. 'Figurati' is informal and warm — like 'don't even mention it.' For formal situations, use 'Prego' or 'Si figuri.' For friends and casual settings, any of the three work.
How do you say don't mention it in Italian?
'Figurati' (informal) or 'Si figuri' (formal) mean 'don't mention it' or 'don't worry about it.' 'Non c'è di che' (there's nothing to thank for) is another warm, slightly formal option. 'Di niente' (it's nothing) is also very common.
What does Prego mean when entering a restaurant?
In a restaurant or shop, 'Prego' said by staff means 'How can I help you?' or 'Please, what would you like?' It's an invitation to speak. The same word shifts meaning: after 'grazie' it's 'you're welcome'; as a prompt it's 'please go ahead' or 'how may I help.'
Is Prego only Italian?
'Prego' comes from the Italian verb 'pregare' (to pray, to request). The pasta sauce brand 'Prego' is named after this word. In Italian, prego is one of the most useful and frequently used words — its flexibility makes it indispensable for daily communication.