Always Happy to Help! How to Say “You’re Welcome” in Italian - The Guide
Assisting people can be very pleasurable. However, in as much as the act is fulfilling, nothing makes one feel more appreciated than a heartfelt expression of gratitude. When someone says thank you (Grazie), it would only be appropriate to express your willingness to be of help.
The way you receive their sentiments shows your attitude towards your act. It is, therefore, essential to master the ideal words and phrases based on various situations.
Our unique Italian Frequency Dictionaries contain 10,000 most common words in Italian listed by frequency and alphabet. Each entry will show you the English translation, correct pronunciation (using the IPA transcription) and an example sentence translated into English. That will help you learn passively as you will be discovering new vocabulary through context. You can also get them in paperback from Amazon. This link is an affiliate link, we might get some extra $, at no cost to you, if you purchase our own books through Amazon.
How to Say You’re Welcome in Italian
The most standard answer to grazie would be prego. Its pronunciation is [pre.go] in the IPA transcription.
Knowing which phrase to use ensures that you are not roped into doing something you do not want to. This is because some words welcome more requests for help.
Other Possible Translations of "You're Welcome"
- Di niente, non era niente – You’re welcome; it was nothing
This is an attempt to take away the weight of the action, especially if one party is bound to feel indebted to the other. The phrase means that you did not go out of your way to help, and there was no inconvenience.
- È il minimo che avrei potuto fare – It’s the least I could have done
You use this to show that you were willing to do more if you were in a position to. It is also ideal when there is a relationship of mutual benefit between two parties. It can be used as “it’s the least I can do considering what you have done for me.”
- Non menzionarlo – Don’t mention it
This is a casual expression and should be used when there is shared familiarity. It communicates that there was no need to say thank you. When this phrase is used, it means your actions were not driven by a need to get recognition, and it was a pleasure to assist.
- Non è un problema – Not a problem
This can be used for both formal and informal conversations. It dismisses the notion that anything you are to do for someone might be inconvenient. It is used to show that you were/are happy to do something.
- È stato un piacere – It was my pleasure
It portrays a shared benefit level, and you did not mind helping. It is formal and can be interpreted to mean that you enjoyed assisting.
- Sono sempre felice di aiutare – I am always happy to help
The phrase showcases a certain level of enthusiasm to be of assistance to anyone and at any time. It can be used for formal conversations and informal ones. It is excellent when the person you are helping seems reluctant to request for further assistance.
- Nessun problema – No worries
It can be interpreted to mean “that should not worry you.” It is an appropriate response when the expression of gratitude turns into a concern for any inconvenience caused. Although it might seem dismissive, the phrase appropriately dismisses any worries and reassures one that the help was offered willingly.
- In qualsiasi momento – Anytime
This shows an openness to be helpful whenever there is a need. It is not ideal for formal settings since it comes off as vague. It is also vastly casual and can be interpreted to mean whenever.
Meaning of Qualsiasi
Qualsiasi is an Italian indefinite adjective. You can use it for example in the following cases:
- Mangerò qualsiasi cosa. – I will eat anything.
- Qualsiasi bambino lo sa. – Any child knows that.
- Qualsiasi modo mi va bene. – Either way’s fine with me.
Difference between Si Figuri and Figurati
Figurati is a compound of the imperative form of the verb figurare (to appear or to figure) and the pronoun ti (informal you). Si figuri is its formal version.
Figurati means “don’t mention it.” However, it can also mean other things:
- It can be an exclamation meaning “No way?” Cosa? Figurati! – What? No way!
- Non ricorda le cose sue, figurati le mie. – She can’t remember her own things, let alone mine.
- Figurati, a quindici anni io già lavoravo. – Imagine that, I was already working at fifteen.
Other Essential Uses of Prego
We have mentioned at the beginning of our article that prego is the most common way of saying “you’re welcome” in Italian. However, it can mean other things as well. Let’s look into it.
- You can translate prego as “please” when you are encouraging someone to do something.
- Prego, si segga. – Please, take a seat.
- It also means “I pray.” It’s derived from the verb pregare (to pray.)
- Prego ogni notte. – I pray every night.
- You can use it when you want to say “after you” (for example, on a bus).
- It’s an appropriate response when you don’t understand what someone has said. It means “pardon me” in this case.
Don’t forget to take a look at our Italian Frequency Dictionary series. In four books (essential, intermediate, advanced and master level), you will learn only practical vocabulary that will help you understand 99% of all daily spoken Italian! You can also get your Italian frequency dictionary in paperback here.
Conclusion
We hope you’ve found our article on how to say “you’re welcome” in Italian helpful. Siamo felici di aiutare! Let’s sum up the most important points:
- The standard translation is prego.
- If you want a casual expression, use Non menzionarlo (Don’t mention it) or In qualsiasi momento (anytime).
- Most phrases work both in formal and informal settings. Always make sure you are using the right personal pronoun, such as figurati (informal) and si figuri (formal).