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prego
/ˈprɛ.ɡo/
you're welcome
Grazie mille! — Prego!
Thank you so much! — You're welcome!
formalinformal
A polite response to thanks, meaning 'you're welcome'.
Grazie per l'aiuto! — Prego!
Thanks for the help! — You're welcome!
Posso aiutarti? — Sì, prego.
Can I help you? — Yes, please.
Also used to mean 'please' when offering something (e.g., 'Prego, si accomodi' = 'Please, make yourself comfortable').
formalinformal
I beg your pardon; please repeat.
Scusa, non ho sentito. — Prego?
Sorry, I didn't hear. — Pardon?
Used when asking someone to repeat something they said.
Collocations
prego!you're welcome!dica pure pregoplease, go ahead
Synonyms
Pro Tip
When to use 'prego'
Use 'prego' as a response to 'grazie' (thanks) or when offering something (e.g., 'Prego, entri!' = 'Please, come in!'). It is a key phrase for politeness in Italian.
Gold Rule
Politeness in Italian
Italian culture places high value on politeness. Using 'prego' appropriately (both as 'you're welcome' and 'please') will make your interactions smoother and more natural.
Word Origin
From Latin 'precor' (to pray, beg), via Vulgar Latin 'precare'. The interjection sense evolved from the polite formula 'prego' (I pray/beg) used when offering help or responding to thanks.
Usage Notes
Prego is one of the most versatile polite expressions in Italian. It serves as a response to 'grazie' (thanks) and can also mean 'please' when inviting someone to do something. It is always used in formal or neutral contexts; in very informal settings, 'di nulla' or 'figurati' may be preferred.
Word Breakdown
pre-
from Latin 'precor' (to pray/beg)
root-go
first-person singular present tense suffix
suffixDizionario Italiano-Inglese